St Michael's CofE (Aided) Primary School Nursery Review

Play, practical number work and Christian values shape the nursery experience at St Michael's in Flixton. This is the school's own nursery class for children aged three and four, with 52 places divided equally between morning and afternoon sessions. Children can start in the September following their third birthday.

The nursery belongs to the school's Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Ofsted graded early years provision Good at the inspection on 21 and 22 November 2023. That judgement covers the early years provision within the school.

Adult-directed activities sit alongside play that children choose themselves, with interests helping to shape the learning. EYFS brings together early language, relationships, movement, reading, writing, number, creativity and exploration of the world. For parents, that means a day concerned with how children communicate and manage feelings as well as what they learn.

Birth to 5 Matters informs the approach, alongside a Growth Mindset ethos that treats mistakes as part of learning. Adults join children's activities, demonstrate ideas and ask questions to take thinking further. Outdoor learning gives children opportunities to explore, attempt challenges and cooperate with others.

Named programmes add detail. Master the Curriculum supports early number learning, while Think Equal uses creative tasks, conversation and stories to explore feelings, fairness and respect. Physical activities follow PE Passport, with early years sessions taking place outside and indoors. Art begins through imaginative play, stories and practical exploration. These give children several ways to participate, rather than relying only on spoken answers.

Curriculum clarity. In November 2023, expectations and teaching sequences needed further definition in some early years learning areas. Staff needed more precise guidance about the knowledge children should acquire and its order. This is a material consideration alongside the Good early years judgement.

Settling begins with contact between home and school: home visits and introductory sessions form part of entry to EYFS. Learning Journeys and parent consultations provide updates on children's development, and families contribute information from home. That creates opportunities to connect what a child does in nursery with what parents notice elsewhere.

In November 2023, children in early years became familiar with classroom routines promptly, supporting their initial adjustment to school. Additional needs were also recognised effectively when children entered early years, helping support begin early.

The school's SEND team includes a SENDCo and deputy, working with families, classroom staff and outside professionals. Support follows a cycle of assessment, planning, action and review, with parents involved in decisions. Medical needs can be addressed through individual healthcare plans developed with families and healthcare professionals, including arrangements for medicines and emergencies.

Dolce provides the school's meals. Families can choose food ahead of time through School Grid, making meal selection something they can do together at home.

A nursery place does not guarantee admission to St Michael's Reception class. Parents must make a separate application through Trafford's Admissions team, following the normal Reception application process and deadline. Treat that application as a distinct step in your planning, even while your child attends nursery.

Funded nursery provision operates during term time for 38 weeks each year. Three- and four-year-olds can access 15 hours weekly, or 30 hours if eligible. Entitlement may be split across settings and can include the school's before- and after-school provision; parents sign a contract recording where and when those hours are used.

Afternoon nursery runs from 12:25 to 15:25. St. Michael's Wrap accepts nursery children for breakfast and after-school sessions within the school, with play and activities outside and indoors. Breakfast club runs from 07:30 to 08:50; after-school care runs from 15:25 to 18:00, finishing at 17:00 on Fridays. Book through Magic Booking, subject to places being available. Contact the school for current charges.

Nursery applications go to the school office. Families can also arrange a school tour through the school. For enquiries, call 0161 7483669, email office@smpsflixton.co.uk or use the contact form. The school is on The Grove, adjacent to Flixton station.