St Margaret's CofE Primary School Nursery Review

Indoor and outdoor learning stood out at the June 2023 inspection. At St Margaret's CofE Primary School in Whalley Range, Ofsted found that the nursery's learning spaces supported activities that engaged children and encouraged learning. The nursery sits within a Church of England primary school whose age range begins at three.

Ofsted graded the school's early years provision Outstanding at the inspection on 20 and 21 June 2023. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery. For parents, the useful detail lies in the findings about children's learning, their adjustment to school routines and the support offered when additional needs emerge.

Language, communication and early mathematics were clear priorities in June 2023. The early years curriculum gave children opportunities to develop these skills together: expressing themselves, communicating with others and building mathematical understanding. These are practical foundations for participating in activities and making sense of new learning.

The nursery's indoor and outdoor learning spaces were carefully arranged to support teaching. Their design enabled staff to organise engaging activities that encouraged children to learn. Outdoor provision therefore had a learning purpose alongside the indoor environment; it was part of the educational experience described at the inspection.

Reading habits also took root early. In June 2023, children in early years were developing positive habits around books and reading. Alongside the emphasis on communication, this gave reading a place in the early learning experience, rather than leaving it solely to later schooling.

Settling into the daily routine was a strength in June 2023. Children adjusted quickly and learnt the expectations of the school day. This matters for families facing the move into nursery: becoming familiar with routines helps children participate in the activities around them.

Respect for other people was evident in early years, alongside tolerance of differences. Nursery staff noticed difficulties and responded sensitively. The care described here combined clear expectations with intervention when a child needed help, rather than relying on children to manage problems themselves.

Additional needs were often recognised during nursery or Reception. Staff worked with families to arrange suitable support promptly. For a parent concerned about their child's development, that connection between recognising a need and involving the family is a useful part of the nursery picture.

Attending this nursery does not guarantee a place in the school's Reception. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet the applicable deadline. Choosing the nursery and securing the next school place are separate decisions; plan for that application alongside your child's nursery attendance.

The nursery is part of the school on Withington Road, Whalley Range, Manchester, M16 8FQ. The school's telephone number is 01612262271. This places the nursery within the primary school site and gives families a direct school contact.