St John Fisher RC Primary School, Denton: Nursery Review

Play indoors and outdoors, language screening on entry and daily supervised toothbrushing give this nursery a distinct practical character. St John Fisher's nursery sits within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provision of a Catholic primary school in Haughton Green. Children start from age three, and the nursery can accommodate up to 30 children, with full-time and part-time places.

For parents, the combination brings early learning and everyday care into the same setting. The school's stated values are Faith, Passion, Love and Courage, giving families a clear sense of its Catholic identity.

Children learn together as a class, in smaller groups and through activities they choose themselves. Staff plan around children's interests, while indoor and outdoor learning spaces allow exploration to continue beyond a single group activity. That gives the day a mixture of adult guidance and independent choices.

EYFS learning covers seven areas. In parent language, these include talking and listening, movement, relationships and emotions, alongside early reading and writing, mathematics, discovering the world and creative expression. Themes such as The Wonder of Stories and The Wonder of New Life give these experiences a shared focus.

The learning areas include water and sand, construction, role play and small world play, alongside creative and malleable areas. These provide different starting points for exploration, making and imaginative activity. Interactive boards are also available in EYFS classrooms. At home, families are encouraged to try Loose Parts Play and Dough Pen Disco, providing named activities to continue the connection with nursery learning.

Read Write Inc introduces phonics in nursery, helping children connect letters with sounds. Weekly music sessions begin here too, using familiar rhymes, percussion, songs and pulse. Early literacy and music therefore sit alongside the opportunities to play and explore.

WellComm screening takes place when children enter nursery. This speech and language toolkit identifies possible language difficulties and provides tailored activities, allowing support to begin at the start of attendance. Nursery teaching roles include responsibility for Wellcomm, with nursery teaching assistants also part of the team.

Parents can follow learning through Tapestry, where observations, videos and photographs record children's experiences. Families can contribute their own pictures and comments, and the system also carries notices and event information. For additional needs, the school's support structure includes a SEND co-ordinator and a Special Needs Support Assistant. Individual Education Plans are developed with parents and reviewed through consultations at least termly, so support can respond to changing needs.

Super Smiles adds a concrete care routine: trained staff supervise toothbrushing once a day, using fluoride toothpaste. Each child has an identifiable toothbrush, replaced termly. School catering is provided by Taylor Shaw, with food cooked in the school kitchens and a three-week menu rotation that changes twice yearly. For medical diets, an alternative menu is provided whenever safely possible. That condition matters for families managing allergies.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the Tameside Local Authority Portal and also complete the school's registration form with the relevant additional information. Treat this as a separate application, rather than an automatic continuation of nursery attendance.

Full-time and part-time nursery places offer two broad attendance options. The administrative team supports applications for 30 hours funding and can be contacted at admin@st-johnfisher.tameside.sch.uk or on 0161 336 5308. Visits are welcomed, giving families an opportunity to meet staff and children.

School payments are handled through Parentmail, with office assistance available for setting up an account. Ask the school for current charges. Clearly labelling personal belongings is another practical preparation for the nursery day.