The FMS Inspection Score is FindMySchool's proprietary analysis based on official Ofsted and ISI inspection reports. It converts ratings into a standardised 1–10 scale for fair comparison across all schools in England.
Disclaimer: The FMS Inspection Score is an independent analysis by FindMySchool. It is not endorsed by or affiliated with Ofsted or ISI. Always refer to the official Ofsted or ISI report for the full picture of a school’s inspection outcome.
Nursery at St Elizabeth's Catholic Primary School
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Inspection data and key information above update regularly, however, this review below is refreshed bi-annually and may not reflect recent changes. Contact the nursery directly to confirm current arrangements. If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
A river, a mud kitchen and a reading nest give St Elizabeth's nursery a distinctive setting for early learning. Language receives equally deliberate attention: familiar stories recur throughout the day, while speech and communication checks help staff plan additional support.
The nursery belongs to St Elizabeth's Catholic Primary School in Peel Hall, Manchester. Its early years provision has 56 places across Nursery and Reception combined; that is not a nursery-only capacity. Ofsted graded early years provision Good following its March 2024 inspection. Children were settling promptly and developing curiosity and the ability to concentrate on learning.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines activities led directly by adults with organised learning opportunities children can use throughout their sessions. In parent terms, teaching and practical exploration sit alongside each other. Language is a clear focus. Under the 5 a day stories and Talk Through Stories approach, children hear the same story 5 times a day, giving them repeated encounters with vocabulary and story patterns.
Read Write Inc Speed Sounds introduces Nursery children to Set 1 sounds. Daily book sharing also brings fiction and non-fiction into conversation and role play. Early writing starts with pencil control, developing a three-finger grip and attempting their own name. In March 2024, Nursery children had frequent opportunities to hear rhymes and stories that expanded their vocabulary.
Mathematics draws on play and everyday experiences indoors and outside: children compare, sort and count, and make patterns with shapes or natural materials. The outdoor area gives this practical learning room to spread. There is a large sandpit with a construction and loose parts area; a flowing river has a surrounding rock pool. Balance beams and gymnastics bars accompany the natural climbing frame, while a roundabout forms part of the bike track. For quieter activity, children have a reading nest and a seated story circle. These are concrete alternatives to learning only at a table.
Communication support starts early. WellComm screening takes place each term in early years, with individual or group work delivered during the week by the EYFS team. A specialist speech and language professional also advises staff. Families receive advice and resources, beginning with the Welcome to Nursery meeting, so support can continue at home.
Large visual timetables, snack mats and Widgit pictures make routines easier to understand. Picture strips support tasks such as toileting and painting; personalised visual aids are used for children with SEND or other vulnerabilities. These give children a lasting prompt rather than relying entirely on spoken instructions.
For children on the school's SEND register, Pupil Passports and Individual Educational Plans are reviewed each term. Parents participate in decisions about support. At mealtimes, the school offers a changing cooked option alongside pasta or jacket potatoes with toppings, and provides milk or water. Packed lunches follow its Healthy Eating Policy.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and does not confer priority under the current oversubscription criteria. Families must make a separate Reception application through Manchester Education Authority using the normal admissions process. Treat that application as a separate decision from choosing the nursery.
The priority categories distinguish Catholic children, parish residence and looked-after status, followed by other children. A brother or sister attending the school at the time of enrolment increases priority within the relevant category, subject to the priority for Catholic looked-after and previously looked-after children. Nursery attendance is not one of those criteria, so familiarity with the school should not be mistaken for an admissions advantage.
Nursery enquiries go to the school office on 0161 437 3890. Appointments for a school tour can also be arranged through the office.
Breakfast Club welcomes all children in the hall from 8:00am to 8:45am. Book through Arbor by Thursday for the following week. Breakfast includes fruit, cereals, yoghurt and drinks; ask the school for current charges.
Uniform is required from Nursery, including a royal blue logo jumper or cardigan, grey skirt or trousers, a white shirt and a blue-and-grey tie. Bring wellies and a waterproof coat each day for outdoor exploration. Parking within the grounds is limited, with one accessible space reserved for Blue Badge holders; families are asked to park outside while respecting neighbours.
No. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a place or confer priority. Apply separately through Manchester Education Authority.
The early years outdoor area includes a sandpit, construction space, mud kitchen, river and rock pool, climbing equipment, bike track, reading nest and story circle.
WellComm screening takes place each term. The EYFS team provides individual and group support, with advice from a specialist speech and language professional and resources for families.
Yes. Uniform starts in Nursery. Children also need a waterproof coat and wellies each day.
Contact the school office on 0161 437 3890. The office also arranges appointments for school tours.
