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Nursery at Marlborough Road 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Language learning gives this nursery its character: daily vocabulary activities, speech and language assessment, and a key worker for each child. For children aged 3 to 4, the provision combines play with teaching on the same site as Marlborough Road Academy in Higher Broughton, Salford. Nursery admissions allow up to 39 children each year.
Qualified, experienced teachers lead the learning. In June 2023, Ofsted judged the school's early years provision Good. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.
Play occupies a substantial part of the day. Children choose activities within the indoor and outdoor provision, returning to skills they have already been taught while adults join their play, introduce vocabulary and develop their ideas. Adult-directed teaching covers early literacy, maths, language, physical development and understanding the world. This gives children opportunities both to follow an interest and to practise something new.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together seven learning areas. Nursery places greatest emphasis on movement, communication and children's emotional and social development. Literacy, maths, creative expression and learning about the world sit alongside these foundations. Development Matters guides the progression of learning.
What's in the Box? introduces vocabulary through activities involving rhyme, syllables and language in context. Daily Read Write Inc. Nursery sessions use songs, stories and spoken sound blending to develop early awareness of sounds. In June 2023, nursery children enjoyed rhymes and expanding their vocabulary, while children across early years paid close attention to stories.
Funky Fingers areas give children practice in hand coordination, pencil control and finger strength. Outdoor activity develops balance and larger movements, with access to outdoor learning every day. The nursery's planned experiences include painting a self-portrait, seeing caterpillars become butterflies, meeting farm animals and seasonal nature walks. These give children concrete things to observe, discuss and represent through art.
Each child's key worker follows their progress and supports their emotional wellbeing. Circle time, songs and conversations provide opportunities to talk about feelings and relationships. Conscious Discipline is used across early years to teach children about managing emotions and solving problems with others.
WellComm assessment is used with every nursery child to identify language strengths and the support they need next. Specialist speech and language therapists can also be involved when needed. In June 2023, additional support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), including those in early years, was designed to preserve their access to the curriculum. For families, the relevant distinction is support that accompanies learning rather than replaces it.
Daily fruit is free for EYFS pupils, and milk is free for children under 5 or receiving free school meals. Taylor-Shaw provides school lunches, with vegetarian choices and halal food. Breakfast is also offered free to nursery pupils and their families, but a parent must remain with a nursery child at breakfast club. This is a shared breakfast arrangement, which matters when planning the start of a working day.
A nursery place does not guarantee admission to Reception. Parents must make a separate application through Salford City Council or Manchester City Council, according to which authority they pay council tax to. Treat that application as a distinct decision and process.
For the 2025/26 admission arrangements, nursery attendance was not an oversubscription priority. Familiarity with the school is a separate benefit: the nursery aims to prepare children through experience of school routines, expectations and values. That preparation does not secure a place.
The nursery operates in term time, with all-day sessions running from 08:50 to 15:20. It offers 30 hours of free childcare through that pattern. Contact the school for current charges.
To enquire or arrange a visit, telephone 0161 537 1111 or email info@marlboroughroad.org. Uniform is expected: white polo shirts and purple sweatshirts accompany grey or black bottoms and black shoes. Branded clothing is optional, and free pre-loved uniform is available through the school office, giving families another way to equip their child.
The nursery caters for children aged 3 to 4. Children can be admitted at 3, or if they turn 3 before 31 August in their admission year.
All-day sessions run from 08:50 to 15:20 during term time. The nursery offers 30 hours of free childcare through these sessions.
Yes. Each child has a key worker who monitors progress and supports emotional wellbeing.
No. A parent must accompany nursery pupils at breakfast club. Breakfast is free for pupils and their families.
No. Parents must apply again for Reception through Salford City Council or Manchester City Council, according to which authority they pay council tax to.
