Firs Primary School Nursery Review

Learning to share, take turns and manage small tasks independently gives Saplings its clearest character. This is Firs Primary School’s nursery class in Sale, part of the school’s early years provision, with a nursery teacher and an EYFS lead within the wider staff structure. For parents, that places the nursery within a teaching team focused on the youngest children.

Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Outstanding at the inspection on 15 and 16 July 2025. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating. Children’s individuality and inclusion were strengths of the early years experience.

Play has a clear purpose here. In July 2025, children in early years were developing independence and learning how to look after themselves, alongside the social skills needed to share activities with other children. These are practical foundations for taking part in a group: waiting for a turn, sharing resources and doing more for oneself.

Choice also features in the indoor learning environment. An April 2025 account of the EYFS rooms describes several activities prepared for children to choose between. This gives children opportunities to pursue an activity while adults organise the learning space around them.

Beyond the classrooms, Firs has extensive school grounds used for gardening, outdoor learning and Forest School. These are features of the wider school site. The school staff includes a Forest School practitioner who also holds a pastoral role.

Support has a defined team structure. Alongside the nursery teacher and EYFS lead, the school has a SEND coordinator whose responsibilities include early years. For a family discussing a child’s additional needs, there is a specific early years role within the school’s support arrangements.

Emotional development is part of the early years work. In March 2024, staff shared strategies for helping children regulate their emotions and develop respect and resilience. Together with the July 2025 findings about independence and turn-taking, this places learning to manage oneself alongside learning through play.

The wider staff includes a play therapist with a mental health and wellbeing remit, as well as a pastoral mentor. These are school roles, rather than a promise that each nursery child receives therapy.

Safeguarding concerns can be raised with the headteacher as designated safeguarding lead or the deputy headteacher as deputy lead. Six further staff have Level 4 training to help with concerns. This gives families more than one route to raise a worry.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place at Firs. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route and meet the normal deadline. Treat choosing Saplings and applying for Reception as two separate decisions; familiarity with the school does not itself secure admission.

Firs Primary School is on Firs Road, Sale, M33 5EL. General enquiries go to office@firs.trafford.sch.uk or 0161 973 7350.

Prospective parents can book a school visit by telephone. A visit offers a direct opportunity to meet the headteacher and discuss choosing the school’s nursery. The office is the contact point for arranging it.