Bredbury St. Marks CofE Primary School Nursery

Shared stories, familiar rhymes and growing concentration characterised the school's early years in May 2024. It is the nursery provision within Bredbury St. Marks CofE Primary School on Redhouse Lane in Bredbury, with 30 places and entry following a child's third birthday. Children can start in September, January or at Easter, allowing entry at different points in the school year.

In May 2024, Ofsted graded the school's early years provision Good. That judgement covers early years within the school. It also came with a specific concern about how some adults extended children's learning, an issue parents should weigh alongside the positive findings about relationships and settling.

Books and rhymes provide a concrete picture of early learning here. In May 2024, children in early years enjoyed books together and participated in familiar stories and rhymes. They approached activities with enthusiasm and sustained their attention for progressively longer spells. For a parent, those findings describe children becoming comfortable with participation and concentration.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is the framework for learning, development and care from birth to five. Its learning areas connect language and communication with physical development and social and emotional growth, alongside literacy, mathematics, creative expression and understanding the world. In parent language, early education involves learning to communicate, move, relate to others and explore, as well as beginning work with words and numbers.

Adult interactions. In May 2024, some early years adults relied on directing children or asking questions with limited answers. This reduced children's scope to choose and develop their thinking, holding back some children's progress. Staff training to extend learning through better interactions was an explicit improvement requirement.

Settling was a positive feature in May 2024: early years children adapted promptly to routines, and adults developed close relationships through knowing them individually. That matters for children managing the change from home to a group setting.

For additional needs, the school involves parents and arranges support around the individual child. Advice from outside agencies may be sought after discussion with families. A SENCo and Pastoral Lead form part of the support structure, giving families roles to approach when learning or emotional needs require attention.

Physical access deserves attention too. In spring 2022, the school had a single-level layout, wheelchair-width doorways and an accessible toilet. These are practical features for families considering mobility needs, alongside discussion of individual access arrangements.

Food safety guidance for nursery includes serving cheese in strips, cutting bread where possible and avoiding cocktail sticks. The focus is on allergies and choking risks: preparation matters alongside what children eat.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Parents must submit a separate application through Stockport's school admissions process. For September 2027 entry, the closing date is 15 January 2027, with offers due on 16 April 2027. Keep that application separate from nursery arrangements.

The school's transition arrangements in spring 2022 included a session with the next teacher and classmates, plus extra visits for children needing more familiarisation. These arrangements concern preparation for change; they do not secure admission.

For nursery enquiries, contact the school office on 0161 430 3418 or email admin@st-marks.stockport.sch.uk. Stockport residents apply for nursery places through the council's school admissions route. The nursery is on Redhouse Lane, Bredbury, Stockport, SK6 1BX.