Wesley Methodist Primary School Nursery

Stories, songs and conversation give Wesley’s nursery curriculum its clearest character. Provision starts with two-year-olds, and language development receives particular emphasis: children encounter new vocabulary through games, rhymes, books and interaction with adults. For parents, that means an approach centred on helping children communicate as well as explore.

The nursery belongs to Wesley Methodist Primary School in Radcliffe. Preparations for its opening allocated the classroom then occupied by Reception to the nursery, with other classes moving to make room. The planned location was within the school building.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings learning and care together. Wesley’s curriculum gives early attention to movement, communication and children’s emotional and social development. Alongside these foundations sit maths, literacy, creative expression and learning about the world. The intention is to build knowledge and vocabulary from what each child can already do.

Play has a clear purpose here. Children investigate, test ideas and solve problems; adults respond to their interests and support the next steps in learning. Wesley also emphasises perseverance when something proves difficult and encourages children to develop their own ways of approaching a task. These principles give exploration a place alongside adult support.

Reading extends beyond books alone. Poems, nursery rhymes, singing and games all contribute to the language emphasis. Nursery children also received a storytelling visit from older pupils for World Read Aloud Day, an example of contact with the wider school through a shared activity.

Observation of play and activities helps staff assess children’s development. If progress raises a concern, staff contact parents to discuss their own observations and decide together how to help. Parents are also encouraged to share additional needs or concerns with the team, making this a two-way conversation.

For nursery children needing additional support, referrals go to the Early Years Quality and Inclusion Team. Its support follows individual needs and continues through Reception’s autumn term. That continuity matters during the move into school. Transition meetings bring staff and partner services together to plan provision, rather than leaving the handover to a single classroom visit.

Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through Bury Council at www.bury.gov.uk/admissionsprimary. For the September 2026 intake, the application deadline was 15 January 2026; that cycle is now past.

Classroom familiarity is a separate matter from admission. Children have the opportunity to visit Reception during the summer term. Once a school place is offered and accepted, induction includes two afternoon sessions in June, a parent meeting about starting school and the option of a home visit. These offer time for children to become familiar with school and for parents to ask questions.

Bubbles provides separately run care before and after school for Wesley children aged three and above. Staff arrangements cover collection and delivery at either end of the school day. The age condition matters for families considering nursery provision from two.

For nursery enquiries, contact the school office on 0161 723 3416 or email office@wesley.epworthtrust.org.uk. The school is on Forth Road, Radcliffe, M26 4PX.