Nursery at St Willibrord's RC Primary School

A dedicated outdoor area and a day shared partly with older early-years children give St Willibrord's nursery its character. Nursery has its own class time, but also joins Reception children during the day within a combined Foundation Stage unit. That makes learning alongside the next age group part of ordinary nursery life.

Based on Vale Street in Clayton, Manchester, this is nursery provision within a Catholic primary school. Faith shapes the curriculum: nursery children follow Lighting the Path, the religious education programme recommended by Salford Diocese. Families choosing the provision are choosing that Catholic context alongside early learning.

The day combines activities planned through Continuous Provision with time in the nursery class and time together across the early-years unit. The dedicated outdoor area remains accessible throughout the day, giving outdoor learning a place beyond a single scheduled break.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together learning about language, relationships and the surrounding world. Here, the science curriculum makes that practical through Understanding the World: children explore materials, try experiments and encounter plants and creatures. Adults guide some experiences; children initiate others. Exploration and conversation work together, with staff helping children express what they discover.

Number Sense activities supplement mathematics in the Foundation Stage. Physical education includes coordination, balance and agility, while personal, social and emotional learning is woven into topic work. These strands give the nursery day purposes beyond preparing children to read: movement, discussion and learning to relate to others also have a place.

In November 2022, Ofsted found that nursery children enjoyed books and story listening. Curriculum checks. The same inspection called for closer checks on changes in some subjects, explicitly including early-years learning, and more consistent assessment. For parents, the issue was how securely staff could establish what children had understood and retained.

For a conversation about additional needs, families can approach the class teacher, SEND coordinator or inclusion lead. The school also invites parents to discuss needs in greater depth or arrange a look around. This gives families a direct route to explore support before choosing the nursery.

Communication follows the school's parent arrangements: consultation evenings take place each term, and parents can speak to the class teacher after school, arranging an appointment where necessary. That provides both a regular discussion point and a route for concerns between meetings.

School dinners are offered to nursery children and are charged unless the child qualifies for free meals. Payments are requested in advance. Families should contact the office for current charges and help checking eligibility.

Sharing an early-years unit means nursery children already spend parts of their day with Reception children. That provides familiarity with the next class group, but it does not confer an admissions advantage.

For September 2027 entry, the admission arrangements give nursery attendance no Reception priority and explicitly rule out a guaranteed place. Parents must make a separate application through their home local authority; Manchester residents apply through Manchester's admissions service. The deadline is 15 January 2027. Keep that application separate from the nursery place: joining nursery does not replace it.

Nursery applications go directly to the school, using its online application form. The office can be contacted on 0161 223 9345 or at admin@st-willibrords.manchester.sch.uk.

The school uniform combines a red sweatshirt with a white polo shirt and grey or black trousers or a skirt; a red-and-white dress is another option. Branded clothing is optional, so families can use plain items. Sensible shoes or trainers are permitted.