Nursery at Brentnall Academy
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Inspection data and key information above update regularly, however, this review below is refreshed bi-annually and may not reflect recent changes. Contact the nursery directly to confirm current arrangements. If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Bears is the nursery class at Brentnall Academy, with outdoor learning woven through the day rather than confined to a fixed break. This is the school’s own nursery in Salford, on Northumberland Street, and its places become full time after the September settling period. The school offers 30 hours to all nursery children.
Places are offered from the term after a child’s third birthday onwards. The admission arrangements also require children to have turned three by 1 September in the admission year. Confirm your child’s entry date with the school office. Brentnall aims to move children into full-time attendance by the end of the third full week, wherever possible. For families, the practical character is clear: a gradual start leading into a full school day, rather than a choice of morning and afternoon sessions. Brentnall Academy has no Ofsted graded rating yet.
Children follow the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum. Topics connect their interests with the world around them and the current class book from The Power of Reading. In parent terms, the book and children’s own interests help shape what they explore, rather than learning being organised solely around separate subjects.
Outdoor provision is accessible across the day, and nursery children have no scheduled break time. That gives outdoor learning a place within the session itself. Lunch for early years runs from 11:30 to 12:30, with children eating in the school hall. The hall brings a different physical setting into the nursery routine.
Learning about religions and worldviews includes special objects, books, people and places. Children explore celebrations including Eid and Divali, encounter relevant vocabulary and use their senses to investigate. Questions, imagination and reflection on their own experiences are part of this work. These are concrete examples of how the curriculum connects learning with children’s lives.
September begins with a settling period before full-time attendance. The school’s aim is to complete that move by the third full week where possible, giving families a staged introduction to plan around.
An Early Years Lead and an EYFS teaching team, including teaching assistants, form part of the staffing structure. A SENCO coordinator covers early years and Key Stage 1 and can be contacted through the school office. Brentnall’s inclusion aims include early identification of learning needs and involving parents in planning support. For a family whose child needs additional help, that provides a clear starting point for discussion. Brentnall also aims to involve children in decisions about their educational progress, including planning and review. Parents can ask how their child’s views will inform support.
Preparation at home has practical support too. Tiny Happy People focuses on communication through play and simple interactions; Hungry Little Minds and toilet-training guidance are also signposted for nursery families. Questions about starting nursery can go directly to the office. Operation Encompass enables a trained adult at school to receive information following a child’s exposure to domestic abuse, so support can follow.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Salford City Council’s school admissions process and meet the normal application deadline. Treat the nursery choice and the Reception application as two separate decisions; a child’s existing nursery place does not automatically transfer.
The school day starts at 8:45 and finishes at 15:15. Children are collected at 15:15. Full-time nursery attendance follows the initial settling period, so families should plan around that pattern.
Nursery uniform combines a white polo shirt with grey or black trousers, a skirt or pinafore, plus a school cardigan or sweatshirt and black school shoes. Some uniform items can be ordered through the office; everyday items can also be bought from supermarkets or other retailers.
Visits can be arranged through the school office. For nursery enquiries, call 0161 553 0457 or email enquiries@brentnallacademy.org.uk.
Places are offered from the term after a child’s third birthday onwards. The admission arrangements also require children to have turned three by 1 September in the admission year. Contact the school office to confirm your child’s entry date.
Yes. Places become full time after the September settling period, and the school offers 30 hours to all nursery children.
Yes. Nursery children can access outdoor provision throughout the day, rather than having a fixed break time.
No. Reception requires a separate application through Salford City Council’s school admissions process.
Contact the school office on 0161 553 0457 or email enquiries@brentnallacademy.org.uk to arrange a visit.
