St Philip's RC Primary School Nursery Review

Songs, poems and conversation give this nursery its clearest character: language comes first. At St Philip's RC Primary School on Cavendish Road, Salford, nursery provision starts from age three within a Catholic primary school. The admissions page records 30 nursery places for September 2023; that figure belongs to that intake.

Ofsted judged the school's early years provision Outstanding at the inspection on 28 to 29 September 2023. This is an early years judgement within the school's inspection, rather than a separate nursery rating. The staff structure includes a nursery teacher, giving the provision an identified teaching role within the wider team.

Listening and speaking are substantial parts of the learning. In September 2023, adults developed nursery children's vocabulary through carefully selected verse, singing and rhymes. These are practical foundations for expressing ideas and understanding stories. Children in early years also sustained their attention and persevered with difficult activities.

The current curriculum overview names Little Wandle as the programme used to plan phonics, with daily nursery sessions focused on recognising sounds within spoken words. For parents, the emphasis is on preparing children for reading and writing through listening. Nursery topic overviews and Knowledge and Skills Mats provide a way to connect learning at home with classroom topics.

An earlier nursery plan, dated 2022–2023, illustrates the breadth of that learning: conversation, recognising names, exploring feelings and using instruments. It is a historical example of how language, social development and creative activity sit together in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The Mission Team also works with early years children on faith-related crafts. Catholic practice therefore reaches into children's activities, alongside their language learning.

Preparation begins with home visits for new nursery children and a welcome meeting. Before children start, parents receive an induction pack and meet Foundation Stage teachers, teaching assistants and other staff at an induction evening. This gives families several opportunities to establish contact before the nursery day becomes routine.

For children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), the school's support process includes discussions with parents when concerns arise. Individual Education Plans set targets, with reviews involving families three times a year. These meetings give parents a recurring opportunity to discuss progress and changes to support.

Accessibility measures across the school include ramps, a lift serving every floor and a wet room with shower. These are school facilities, rather than nursery-specific rooms. Parents can contact the SENCO through the office, while class teachers are the first contact for concerns about a child.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. The school's admissions wording also makes clear that attendance carries no guarantee of priority. Parents must submit a fresh Reception application through the local authority where they live. Choosing the nursery and applying for Reception are separate decisions; families should follow the normal Reception application timetable through that authority.

Nursery places are offered on a full-time basis. The school day runs from 8:40am to 3:10pm, with doors opening at 8:35am; parents retain responsibility until doors open. At collection, nursery children are released to a named adult. Tell staff if someone else will collect your child, or if you are delayed.

Uniform is encouraged in nursery but remains optional. For enquiries, contact the office on 0161 505 2524 or office@stphilipsrcprimary.com. School tours can be arranged by appointment. Nursery applications use the school's downloadable form, returned by email. ParentPay handles school payments, including lunches, milk and trips; refer to the school for current charges.