Nursery at St Francis RC 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Play with room for children to make their own choices gives St Francis nursery its character. In Gorton, Manchester, the nursery classroom and outdoor area let children choose resources for themselves, with the environment adapted to their needs as the year progresses. That puts independence into the everyday routine.
The nursery belongs to a Roman Catholic primary school within the Emmaus Catholic Academy Trust. Faith shapes the setting: prayer opens and closes each day, and classrooms have a prayer focus that changes with the church season and religious learning. Families choosing this nursery are choosing a Catholic rhythm as well as a place to play and learn. No Ofsted graded rating yet.
Adult-guided learning sits alongside play that children initiate themselves. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) covers language, physical development and relationships, alongside literacy, mathematics, creative expression and discovering how the world works. In parent terms, learning includes communicating, moving, getting along with others and exploring ideas, rather than concentrating solely on early reading and number work.
A theme runs through each half term, with books providing starting points for activities and independent exploration. Staff also adjust planning around children's current interests. The classroom and outdoor area support this approach by giving children access to resources they can select themselves.
Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised provides the nursery's phonics foundations. Children practise listening, distinguish sounds, blend sounds aloud and join in with action rhymes, poems and stories. This is preparation for reading through language and sound play. Griffin OT adds work on physical foundations for writing, including pencil grip, finger control and core strength. These named approaches give families a concrete picture of the skills being practised.
Catholic social teaching also reaches nursery through Caritas in Action, with explicit lessons each half term. Religious learning therefore forms part of the curriculum, alongside play and early literacy.
Nursery staffing includes a teacher and a teaching assistant. For children with identified special needs, the school's arrangements include meetings with parents at least termly and individual support plans recording targets and progress. The SENCO can be contacted through the school office, giving families a clear route to discuss additional needs.
Parents' evenings take place in autumn and spring, followed by a written report in summer. Further discussions can cover assessments, additional support and involvement from outside agencies. A translator is provided when a parent who uses English as an additional language needs help understanding reports.
Lunch for early years runs from 11.30am to 12.15pm. Taylor Shaw supplies the catering service, with food prepared in the school's kitchens and a three-week menu rotation that changes twice annually. Medical diet alternatives are provided whenever this can be done safely, so accurate allergy and dietary information matters. Nursery children may qualify for free school meals where the benefit eligibility conditions apply.
Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process by the applicable deadline; nursery enrolment must not be treated as that application.
The early years setting combines nursery and Reception ages, with learning differentiated according to each child's stage. This shared organisation is distinct from admission: familiarity with the setting does not secure a place.
For enquiries, contact the school office on 0161 223 3457 or email admin@stfrancisrcps.co.uk. School tours can be arranged by appointment, offering a way to see the setting before making a decision.
The school's uniform includes a white polo shirt, a red cardigan or sweatshirt, black lower garments and black school shoes. Polo shirts and sweatshirts can be plain or carry the logo. Clearly labelling clothing helps keep belongings identifiable.
Breakfast Club is restricted to Reception through Year 6, so it is not a nursery childcare option. This distinction matters for families planning an early start to their working day.
Children combine play they initiate themselves with adult-guided activities. Books, half-term themes and children's interests help shape learning.
Yes. The nursery has an outdoor area as well as its classroom, with resources children can choose independently.
Little Wandle nursery foundations include listening activities, sound play, oral blending, rhymes, stories and poems.
No. Reception requires a separate application through the normal admissions process.
No. Breakfast Club is for children from Reception through Year 6.
