The FMS Inspection Score is FindMySchool's proprietary analysis based on official Ofsted and ISI inspection reports. It converts ratings into a standardised 1–10 scale for fair comparison across all schools in England.
Disclaimer: The FMS Inspection Score is an independent analysis by FindMySchool. It is not endorsed by or affiliated with Ofsted or ISI. Always refer to the official Ofsted or ISI report for the full picture of a school’s inspection outcome.
Nursery at Moss Valley Primary 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
A shared classroom, a shared outdoor area and full-time nursery places give Moss Valley’s youngest children an early start in school life. Nursery belongs to the academy’s combined Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) unit in Irlam, where children use the same learning spaces as Reception. Familiarity is built into the arrangement.
Early years provision received a Good judgement at the Ofsted inspection on 25 and 26 March 2025. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Talk gives the day a distinctive starting point. Each morning, nursery children answer a Question of the Day and explain their choice. A preference between dinner in a castle and dinner in a hot air balloon becomes a reason to put an idea into a complete sentence. The Talk Promises extend this approach: children listen to the speaker, allow thinking time and ask for clarification. Speaking and listening get deliberate practice.
The EYFS combines early number and literacy learning with concentration, cooperation and persistence. Children learn through exploration and play, with opportunities to try ideas in the shared classroom and outdoor space. Nursery phonics begins with noticing differences between sounds in the surroundings and music, then experimenting with voices and body sounds. This gives children practice in careful listening before more formal reading work.
Books travel home too. Nursery children select from the school’s story collection, and wordless picture books can be an early choice. Talking through illustrations lets children invent a story and predict what might happen next. Nursery music is adjusted to the cohort, while science introduces investigation of the surrounding world.
In March 2025, early years children developed confidence and independence, and adults’ language modelling helped them explain their ideas. Independent practice. Across the school, some teaching gave pupils too little opportunity to use new learning independently. Wider development. Across the school, inspectors also found that pupils’ knowledge of fundamental British values and protected characteristics needed greater depth to prepare them for their next steps. Both improvement points concern the school as a whole, alongside the specific early years strengths.
The nursery teaching role combines class teaching with EYFS leadership. Home reading uses SeeSaw as a reading log, giving families a way to connect with this part of their child’s learning. An EYFS bedtime story event has also brought children and their families together over books and hot chocolate.
Food has a clear place in the routine. Nursery lunch begins at 11:40am; cooks prepare meals each day in the on-site kitchen, and children eat in the school hall. Menus rotate over four weeks. Through Magic Breakfast, classrooms also offer cereal, toasted bagels, juice and milk during Chat and Play, free for all children. EYFS children receive a daily snack.
For children with SEND, teachers develop individual education or behaviour plans with parents. Targets are reviewed three times a year, and support can include additional resources, adult help or work in smaller groups. The SENCO coordinates this support, so parents have a route for discussing needs alongside the class teacher.
Attending nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through Salford City Council.
The 2023–24 admission criteria did not include nursery attendance as a priority category. That historical position should not be treated as an entitlement for a later intake.
Shared indoor and outdoor provision makes the Reception setting familiar to nursery children. This is useful continuity in their daily experience, separate from the allocation of places.
Full-time places follow a school day starting at 8:45am and ending at 3:15pm. TreeTops extends childcare for nursery children: morning care runs from 7:30am to 8:45am, and afternoon care from 3:15pm to 5:30pm. Places are limited. Book by emailing office@mossvalleyacademy.uk with the child’s name and required days.
A half-termly EYFS contribution covers snacks, water bottles, playdough ingredients and baking activities. TreeTops is charged separately; contact the school for current charges.
Uniform includes a white polo shirt, a green cardigan or sweatshirt, and grey or black trousers or a skirt. The Pre-Loved Uniform Shop provides donated clothing for reuse. Nursery children wear their PE clothes throughout their PE day.
For place enquiries or to arrange a visit, call 0161 464 0695. Nursery applications go through Salford City Council.
No. Families must apply separately for Reception through Salford City Council. Sharing the EYFS spaces does not secure admission.
Yes. Nursery and Reception children use the same classroom and outdoor area within the EYFS unit.
Nursery children explore environmental and musical sounds, then make sounds with their bodies and voices through play.
Yes. TreeTops accepts nursery children for morning care from 7:30am to 8:45am and afternoon care from 3:15pm to 5:30pm. Places are limited and booked by email.
Call 0161 464 0695 to arrange a visit or enquire about places.
