St John's CofE Primary School Nursery Review

Stories, conversation and learning through play give St John's nursery its character. This is nursery provision within St John's CofE Primary School on Clarence Road in Longsight, part of the federation with St Chrysostom's. The federation's early years approach combines children's own investigations with focused teaching, giving adults a role in extending learning as well as supporting play.

Christian values shape the provision's ethos. Love, dignity, wisdom, hope and community are the named values, alongside an emphasis on recognising children's different backgrounds.

Communication takes centre stage. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) approach prioritises children's language, movement and personal and emotional development. In parent terms, learning to express an idea, coordinate a movement and cooperate with another child are foundations for later learning. Play and adult teaching work together, with additional support forming part of the approach when children need it.

Books have a daily place in nursery life. A shared story session is planned each day, and the federation's reading selection includes poetry alongside factual books and fiction. Children in early years also choose a book with an adult each week for reading at home. This gives families a practical connection between classroom stories and bedtime reading.

Creative learning includes experimenting with materials and exploring ways to communicate through art. Nursery history starts close to home: children consider how they have changed since they were babies and practise language about the past. The geography approach connects early years learning with familiar people and places in the city. These are concrete starting points for talking about change and the world around them.

Ofsted's February 2025 inspection described a positive start in Nursery and found that early years children cooperated, followed familiar routines and behaved well. Songs and rhymes were also part of their early years experience.

Speech and language support is part of the early years approach. Across both federation schools, the SEND team works with NHS speech and language therapists and educational psychologists. Families can contact the St John's office to discuss additional needs, giving them a direct route into that wider support structure.

Communication extends beyond formal appointments. St John's parents can speak with teaching assistants or senior staff at drop-off and with teachers at collection. Curriculum newsletters, text reminders, parents' evenings and an annual written report provide other opportunities to follow a child's learning. Share the Learning events bring parents and children together to look at classroom work.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply separately through the normal Reception admissions process. The federation's admissions page directs Reception applications to Manchester City Council's online application form. Treat choosing nursery and applying for Reception as separate decisions.

For nursery enquiries, contact St John's on 0161 224 7752 or email admin@sjcfederation.co.uk. Parents are welcome to visit and meet teachers, so a visit offers a practical introduction before choosing the provision.

The school's uniform includes a logo cardigan or jumper in navy blue, a white top, grey or black trousers or skirt, and black shoes. Uniform purchases go through the office. A school meals menu is also linked from the St John's meals page.