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Nursery at St Mary's Church of England Aided Primary School, Prestwich
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Three-hour sessions or a full school day give St Mary's nursery a clear practical shape. This is the nursery class within St Mary's Church of England Aided Primary School in Prestwich, taking three-year-olds at the autumn intake before they turn four. There are up to 26 places in each morning and afternoon session, rather than 26 places across the whole day.
Ofsted graded the school's early years provision Good at its inspection on 12 and 13 February 2025. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.
Conversation gives the curriculum its everyday thread. Adults expand children's vocabulary by responding to their interests, adding words to what they say and encouraging them to explain their ideas. Stories, role play, poems and rhymes provide opportunities to practise. For a young child, learning includes talking through an idea with an adult, rather than only completing a task.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together seven areas: physical development, language and communication, emotional and social development, literacy, mathematics, creative expression and understanding the world. Counting uses objects such as pebbles and tens frames, making numbers something children can handle and organise. Puzzles, small-world play, craft activities and small tools develop coordination; games and play take place outside as well as indoors.
In February 2025, early years children were developing secure letter-sound knowledge, with misunderstandings tackled promptly. There was also a curriculum weakness: some early years learning content needed clearer definition, and checks on understanding were less developed in those areas. This matters because children remembered less securely where the intended knowledge was less precise.
Settling was a strength in February 2025: early years children adjusted comfortably and engaged eagerly with learning. Staff also encouraged supportive interactions between children from the start of early years, helping learning take place calmly.
Full-day nursery children stay with the Nursery Team over lunch. The school's meal system, Live Kitchen, lets families choose dishes online, inspect recipes and block options containing allergens. This gives parents a practical role in planning meals.
For special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), the class teacher is the first contact, followed by the SENDCO. The school's support procedures include nursery assessments and access to the Bury Early Years SEND Team. Its accessibility plan records a school wet room equipped with a hoist and an accessible toilet for intimate care. These are concrete arrangements to discuss when planning a child's support.
A nursery place does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply separately through Bury's local authority application process by 15 January. For September 2027 entry, nursery attendance gives no priority under the school's admission criteria. Families applying under the faith criteria also need the school's supplementary form.
Transition support is a separate matter. For children with SEND who find a change of class difficult, arrangements can include time with their next teacher during the summer term. Familiarity can help a child prepare, but it does not alter admission rights.
The 2026/27 nursery policy sets mornings at 9am to noon, afternoons at noon to 3pm and full-time places at 9am to 3pm. Staying until 3.30pm attracts an extra charge. Parents select the sessions they want on their application, so the booking pattern is part of the request for a place.
The policy describes 15 funded hours from the term following a child's third birthday, with a further 15 for qualifying parents. Additional sessions can be paid for; contact the school for current charges.
For September 2027 nursery entry, apply directly to the school by midday on 13 January 2027. Enquiries go to the office on 0161 773 3794 or StMarysPrestwich@bury.gov.uk. Visits can be arranged through the office, giving families an opportunity to meet staff before choosing.
The nursery takes three-year-olds at the beginning of the autumn term before their fourth birthday.
Yes. The 2026/27 policy accepts applications for 9am to 3pm places, with a charged extension until 3.30pm. Morning and afternoon sessions are also offered.
No. The September 2027 Reception criteria give no priority for nursery attendance, and a nursery place does not guarantee admission. Apply separately through Bury by 15 January.
Children attending full days are cared for by the Nursery Team during lunch. The school uses Live Kitchen for online meal selection and allergen blocking.
Apply directly to the school using its nursery application form, indicating your preferred sessions. The deadline is midday on 13 January 2027.
