St Dunstan's RC Primary School Nursery

Language screening, books to share at home and learning in both indoor and outdoor classrooms give St Dunstan's nursery its practical character. This is the nursery class within a Catholic primary school in Moston, Manchester. The usual starting point is September after a child's third birthday; children on the waiting list who have already turned three may join sooner if places are available.

Catholic values shape the early years approach. The school aims to help children feel they belong, with social and emotional development alongside learning. We hold no published inspection grade for it.

Children combine activities they choose themselves with tasks led by adults. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework brings together early learning and development: here, that means daily teaching in phonics, literacy and maths, alongside personal and social learning, creative work and finding out about the world. Exploration has a place in the timetable too.

Nursery topics move from All About Me and Nursery Rhymes to Journey, Growth, Nature & Animals and Holidays. These give children familiar starting points for talking and learning, before extending their attention to the wider world. Activities are planned for outdoor classrooms as well as indoor ones, so learning uses both spaces. In early years art, focused groups explore sculpture, painting and drawing each half term, with opportunities to practise those skills again during activities children can choose.

White Rose Maths uses practical games and objects children can handle to explore shape, calculation and numbers. Children return to these ideas in their own exploration and adult-led work, giving them opportunities to apply what they have learnt. Little Wandle is the early years phonics programme. A book for families to enjoy together goes home with every EYFS child and is swapped each week, making shared reading part of the home routine.

Faith also has a named curriculum strand. Caritas in Action includes the Foundation Stage, with themes such as Family and Community and Stewardship. It connects Catholic social teaching with relationships and caring for the world.

WELLCOMM language screening applies to every child in EYFS, with language intervention for those needing additional help. This gives support for communication a specific starting point. The early years team also works with families, recognising parents as children's first educators.

Across the school, children are taught in mainstream classrooms wherever possible, with extra support and personalised education plans when needed. The SEND coordinator's responsibilities include working with parents and outside professionals. Families can contact this role through the school office.

School meals include vegetarian alternatives. Jacket potatoes have cheese, tuna mayonnaise or baked bean fillings; fresh fruit, yoghurt, salad and water are available daily. This describes the school's meal provision rather than a separate nursery menu.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal Reception process; for entry in September after a child's fourth birthday, the application goes directly to Manchester City Council. Treat choosing the nursery and securing a school place as separate decisions.

The school office is the enquiry route, on 0161 681 5665, at Bacup Street, Moston, Manchester, M40 9HF. Nursery applications go to the school before confirmations are made in the spring term preceding entry.

Donated school uniform can be requested through the office, although sizes depend on what is available. Caritas Care Drives take place each half term and give families access to donated uniforms, clothing and household essentials. These arrangements offer practical help with equipping a child for school.