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Nursery at St Mary's CofE Primary School
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Learning to talk, explore and manage feelings gives this nursery its character. At St Mary's CofE Primary School in Cadishead, Think Equal brings stories and emotional learning into the early years curriculum, alongside practical exploration and early literacy. The emphasis reaches beyond learning letters: children practise being part of a group.
Ofsted's April 2026 report judged the school's early years provision to meet the Expected standard. That judgement covers early years within the school. Experienced adults understand individual children, and their responses to children's feelings help build confidence alongside learning.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) gives the curriculum its framework, with Development Matters guiding planning. In parent language, this means learning to communicate, move and manage relationships alongside mathematics, literacy, creativity and discovery of the world. Children encounter both direct teaching and practical experiences. Speaking and listening receive deliberate attention, so explaining an idea matters as well as trying it out.
Think Equal adds a named programme for social and emotional learning. Stories provide a starting point for thinking about feelings and respect for others. Early years activities also include discussing friendships, practising taking turns and making decisions through play. These give children concrete ways to work on relationships during the day.
Practical learning has several forms. White Rose Maths guides mathematics, with early years opportunities to compare, count, investigate shapes and notice patterns through play. Construction involves connecting materials, testing ideas and discussing why something works. Charanga supports music, where songs, stories and movement let children explore rhythm and sound. Science includes observing hatching, giving children something real to watch and discuss.
Literacy extends into outdoor learning through stories and exploration. The nursery page links families to early sound activities and Read Write Inc mnemonics. Across early years, the outdoor learning area supports movement, conversation and investigation. Sharing space and taking turns are part of that learning too.
Teaching choices. The April 2026 inspection identified a need for more consistently effective decisions about curriculum content and teaching methods, including in early years. Families should weigh that improvement action alongside the Expected standard judgement.
Emotional support is woven into ordinary interactions. In April 2026, early years staff used encouragement and modelled courteous language, helping children develop social confidence. Adults responded to emotional needs as well as educational ones. This makes everyday exchanges part of learning how to ask, listen and cooperate.
Independence is practised in small routines: children are expected to get drinks and wash their hands for themselves. Staff also give parents useful updates about development and learning, creating a connection between what happens at school and at home.
Most early years children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), participate in learning. Families with concerns can contact the office to speak with the SENDCo. Physical access includes a single-storey school building, ramps at main entrances and an accessible toilet, practical details for children or carers with mobility needs.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the local authority's normal admissions process. St Mary's directs school-place applications to the local authority rather than processing them itself. Treat choosing the nursery and applying for Reception as separate decisions.
The nursery day runs from 8:55am to 2:55pm. That finish time is a concrete consideration when arranging collection around work or other care.
For nursery enquiries, contact the school office on 0161 921 1755 or email info@st-marys-cadishead.salford.sch.uk. The school is on Buckingham Road, Cadishead, Manchester, M44 5HG.
The nursery day runs from 8:55am to 2:55pm.
The early years curriculum follows the EYFS, using Development Matters for planning. Think Equal supports social and emotional learning, while White Rose Maths and Charanga guide mathematics and music.
No. Families must apply separately for Reception through the local authority's normal admissions process.
Early years routines include getting their own drinks and washing their hands independently. Children also practise sharing and taking turns.
Contact the school office and ask to speak with the SENDCo. The office telephone number is 0161 921 1755.
