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Nursery at St Hilda's CofE 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Messy play, outdoor learning in changing weather and time to build independence give St Hilda’s nursery its everyday character. Children join from their third birthday and stay until they are ready for Reception. This is the nursery within St Hilda’s CofE Primary School in Firswood, with morning, afternoon and full-time places.
The Church of England setting welcomes families with different beliefs, including those with no faith affiliation. Its nursery aims to develop confidence and social skills alongside learning, so managing clothes, sharing and becoming comfortable away from parents matter as much as counting.
Children move between play they choose themselves and activities directed by adults. Classroom and outdoor time sit alongside teacher-led work in smaller groups or with the class, including early writing and counting. That gives the day different rhythms rather than a succession of formal lessons.
The Early Years Foundation Stage guides learning and care for young children, alongside the International Early Years Curriculum. The nursery’s emphasis is on personal, emotional and social development: learning to cooperate, becoming more independent and feeling ready to participate in classroom life.
Creative work brings concrete variety. Children explore paint and colour, make prints with apples, build models from reused materials and design a floating boat. Music includes remembering songs, experimenting with their own tunes and using instruments to express feelings. These are opportunities to investigate materials and communicate through sound as well as words.
Outdoor play continues across different weather conditions, making a coat and wellington boots practical essentials. In March 2024, Ofsted found that early-years children engaged enthusiastically with the activities adults offered. Children also formed friendships and became comfortable in school promptly.
Settling can start gently. Staff agree an initial timetable with families and adjust it to the child; shorter sessions are an option while confidence develops. Nursery visit days and an individually adapted, phased start can also help children who need them.
Parents can follow learning through photographs and videos on the class blog, which also allows messages during the day. Meetings with the teacher take place twice a year, and conversations are possible at the start or finish of the day. Secret Readers and stay and play sessions give families another way to take part.
Full-time children can bring lunch from home or have a school dinner. Vegetarian and halal meals can be accommodated. Snacks include vegetables and fruit, with water or milk, and carry no charge. Spare clothing is needed for messy activities and toilet accidents; staff can support toilet training and connect families with the school health visitor.
Additional needs support involves the class teacher and SEND coordinator. The school aims to identify needs early, including when children enter early years, and uses a cycle of assessment, planning, support and review. Photographs of the adults and setting can help children with SEND prepare for change.
At the March 2024 inspection, school-wide safeguarding was effective, but records of staff and visitor checks needed improvement. The trust was required to strengthen oversight of that recording.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place or confer admission priority. Families must submit a separate application through their home local authority: Trafford residents apply to Trafford, while Manchester residents apply to Manchester. The deadline falls in January; use the council’s exact date for the relevant intake.
Preparation for change is a separate matter from getting a place. Children who find transitions difficult can have additional social stories or transition booklets, helping them understand unfamiliar routines and people.
Sessions run on weekdays during term time. Morning attendance is from 8:45am to 11:45am; afternoon and full-time options are also offered. Morning or afternoon places fall within the 15-hour funded entitlement for children aged three and four. Additional full-time hours are charged unless eligible working parents qualify for extended funding. Ask the school for current charges.
Return the nursery application to the office by email, post or in person. Visits can be arranged on 0161 881 5466; enquiries can also go to sthoffice@vantageacademies.co.uk. Most nursery children wear school uniform. Joggers are requested where children cannot independently manage trouser fastenings, supporting easier toilet trips.
Children can join from their third birthday and remain until they are ready to start Reception.
Yes. Staff can adjust the settling timetable, including shorter sessions while a child gains confidence.
Fruit and vegetables are provided for snacks, with milk or water, at no charge. Full-time children can bring a packed lunch or order a school dinner, including vegetarian or halal options.
Call 0161 881 5466 to arrange a nursery visit.
No. Nursery attendance gives no admission priority and does not guarantee a place. A separate application is required through your home local authority, with a January deadline whose exact date depends on the intake.
