Lime Tree Primary Academy Nursery Review

Stories and woodland play give Lime Tree’s youngest children two different ways to explore. Tree Tots caters for children from age 2 within the academy’s Foundation Stage provision; the Nursery class takes children from age 3, during the academic year of their fourth birthday. Both are based at Lime Tree Primary Academy in Sale.

The Nursery initially offers 20 full-time and 20 part-time places, with the balance adjusted to demand. These are Nursery places, rather than a capacity figure for Tree Tots. At the inspection on 3 and 4 December 2024, Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Outstanding. That judgement covers early years within the academy, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Language gives the day a clear educational purpose. In December 2024, Nursery children, including those in the provision for two-year-olds, developed their language through songs, storytelling and rhymes. For parents, these familiar activities do more than entertain: they build the vocabulary children need for later learning. Across early years, children concentrated on activities, became more independent and enjoyed playing together.

The Early Years Foundation Stage here combines that attention to language and independence with Think Equal, a named programme taught in early years. Emotional learning also starts young: Zones of Regulation is used from age 2, while staff use Emotion Coaching to help children understand their feelings.

Lomax Wood, Friendship Wood and the school farm provide the settings for Forest School. Children help shape the activities, which can include building dens, investigating habitats and telling stories. Qualified level 3 leaders deliver Forest School, supported by school staff and volunteers. This gives outdoor learning its own approach and teaching structure. Indoors, classroom acoustic panels and hessian wall backing reduce noise and visual distractions, practical details relevant to children with sensory needs.

Tree Tots has a manager, deputy manager and childcare provider. Its settling arrangements start with information from parents and a home visit by two staff members, subject to circumstances. Children have three introductory sessions lasting up to an hour, with a parent or carer joining the first. A key person then discusses how to proceed according to the child’s needs. The timetable adapts to the child.

For Nursery entrants, preparation includes a family intake meeting, summer Leap in to Lime Tree sessions and an induction session. Two members of the Foundation or Pastoral team visit the home at the beginning of September, and children start in staggered groups. Families therefore have several opportunities to meet staff before the regular routine begins.

SEND support uses a cycle of assessing needs, planning provision, putting it into practice and reviewing it with parents. Teachers meet parents of children with SEND three times a year to review support and agree outcomes. Personal care has a concrete facility: the Foundation Stage pavilion contains an accessible toilet, changing bed and shower.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place or confer priority under the 2027 to 2028 admission arrangements. Families normally apply separately using their home local authority’s Common Application form by 15 January. For children with an EHCP, contact the local authority about the separate placement process. Children being assessed for an EHCP who do not yet have one still follow the normal admissions process. Catchment, sibling and distance criteria govern allocation alongside the priority for looked-after and previously looked-after children.

Familiarity and admission are separate matters. For children with SEND or those known to the Wellbeing Team, enhanced transition includes visiting the next classroom with a trusted adult and taking photographs home. Tree Tots attendance also does not automatically secure a Nursery place: families apply separately for that move.

Nursery mornings run from 8:30am to 11:30am; afternoons run from 12:30pm to 3:30pm, Monday to Friday. The 30-hour working-parent funded pattern runs from 8:30am to 2:30pm across those five days, with a charged extension to 3:30pm if contracted when securing the place. A separate full-time option combines 15 funded hours with 20 paid hours and ends at 3:30pm.

Funding conditions. Families using the 30-hour entitlement at Lime Tree must use all those hours there and reconfirm eligibility every three months. Paid top-ups are for full-time attendance, and charges continue during sickness or holidays. Ask the school for current charges.

Tree Tots also offers an 8:00am to 8:30am breakfast session. Its two-year funding covers up to 15 hours weekly over 38 weeks. Early years tours take place between October and January; book through the office at admin@ltpa.bright-futures.co.uk or 0161 905 0790. For outdoor sessions, parents provide wellington boots, spare socks and a warm waterproof coat.