St James' CofE Primary School, Birch-in-Rusholme: Nursery Review

A pirate ship, minibeast investigations and books about water give this nursery its character: learning through play, with plenty to talk about. St James' has a nursery with 26 places within its Church of England primary school in Rusholme, Manchester. It belongs to the school's early years provision, rather than being a separate nursery setting.

A qualified teacher and teaching assistant support the class. For families, that places nursery learning within a teaching team, while everyday independence and friendships remain part of the work alongside early reading and number activities.

Children combine activities they choose themselves with experiences led by adults, using both outdoor and indoor spaces. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together language, physical development, relationships and early subject learning. Here, that means practising conversation and sharing as well as making marks, exploring shapes and finding out about living things.

The nursery's Summer 2 Water topic uses Hey, Water! and Come on, Daisy! as starting points. Children discuss stories, extend pretend play and investigate minibeasts, including noticing their legs. Shape work covers flat and solid shapes. These are concrete ways to connect new vocabulary with things children can observe and discuss.

Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised provides the phonics approach. Nursery foundations include listening games, spoken sound blending, poems and action rhymes. The reading corner is accessible during free-flow play, giving children opportunities to return to books they choose. In January 2023, Ofsted found that nursery children were encouraged to develop listening and communication skills, and that early years children achieved well overall.

Outside, the EYFS area includes sand play, a pirate ship and a climbing frame. These give physical play a substantial place in the learning environment. Forest School adds another strand: each class participates in at least six sessions annually, exploring nature, materials and seasonal changes.

In January 2023, early years children adapted readily to learning routines and played together happily and safely. The nursery's learning plans also address disagreements through Restorative Practise, with adults helping children resolve conflicts. Friendship is something children practise, alongside talking about feelings and the effects of their actions.

Care routines build independence. Children work on managing coats, using the toilet and handling snack time. The school's milk arrangements provide free milk before a child's fifth birthday.

Parents can speak with the nursery team after the day finishes or contact them by email. A home reading record allows families and staff to exchange comments, while weekly books include an early reading book and another to enjoy together. This makes shared reading a practical link between nursery and home.

For children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), the school describes personalised learning and a curriculum adapted to their needs. Families can contact the school about its SEND provision; Manchester's Local Offer is also linked for wider support. The school's personalised learning options may include short-term interventions and skills groups before or after school. For parents, these are useful starting points for discussing which support would suit their child's needs.

Attending this nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process, which runs through Manchester City Council. Treat choosing nursery and applying for school entry as two separate decisions.

Nursery phonics foundations prepare children for the next stage of reading instruction. That educational preparation is separate from the allocation of a school place.

Nursery applications go directly to the school office. Contact the school on 0161 224 6173 for a nursery enquiry.

Children can wear their own clothing, provided it allows active play and is comfortable and safe. This gives families flexibility over what to send their child in.

Cromwell Range has vehicle-access restrictions associated with the School Streets scheme, with exceptions for residents, gym access and Blue Badge holders. Build the final part of the journey into your travel plans.