Broadstone Hall Primary School Nursery Review

Play and conversation give Broadstone Hall’s nursery its character. The nursery belongs to the school’s Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) in Heaton Chapel, Stockport. Its 2021-2022 planning used Development Matters guidance for three- and four-year-olds, combining adult teaching with activities chosen by children.

Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Good at its September 2022 inspection. That judgement covers the early years phase within the school, rather than a separate nursery inspection.

Language has a clear place in the learning programme. Across EYFS, the curriculum follows the 2025 statutory framework, with communication supporting the development of reading, writing and mathematical understanding. For parents, this means looking beyond early letters and numbers: learning also includes movement, relationships, managing feelings and expressing ideas.

Seven areas organise that work. Physical development includes both larger movements and precise hand skills; personal and social learning includes managing impulses and building relationships. Alongside literacy and mathematics, children explore the world and express themselves through art, dance and music. Religious education and relationships teaching are included at an appropriate age level.

The nursery’s 2021-2022 approach combined play chosen by children with teaching led by adults, and planning responded to children’s interests. Development Matters supported decisions about what to teach next. This gives play a learning purpose while allowing children’s interests to influence the activities.

Beyond the curriculum outline, the EYFS Gallery names Forest School, Weekly Wanders, Food Tasting and Celebrations, and a Fire Station Visit. These are examples of experiences across the early years phase, rather than a promised nursery timetable. They connect learning with people, places and experiences beyond the classroom.

In September 2022, early years children enjoyed sharing books and listening to stories. They also played cooperatively, shared resources and waited for their turn. Those small social habits matter in a group setting.

Families had an active role in the nursery’s 2021-2022 online learning journal, Tapestry. Parents could view activities, contribute comments and upload photographs from home, then retain an electronic copy at the end of the nursery year. It linked experiences at home with learning in nursery.

For the September 2021 intake, nursery and Reception teachers recorded introductions for families to show their children. That offered a practical way to make the adults more familiar before starting.

Additional needs were identified promptly across early years in September 2022. The school’s current SEND approach uses the Assess, Plan, Do, Review cycle, with adapted materials, equipment and smaller teaching groups where needed. Parent and child views inform that work.

Food routines include school-provided fruit for EYFS children. Families are asked to send plain water in a clear, labelled reusable container. The school prohibits nuts, including in food prepared on site, and asks parents to report newly developed allergies. This makes food choices a shared responsibility.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal Stockport Council admissions process and meet the applicable deadline. The local authority manages school admissions; choosing the nursery should therefore be a decision about the nursery experience itself.

Contact the school office on 0161 432 1916 for nursery enquiries. School visits can be arranged by contacting the school.

The school’s 2026 uniform policy specifies a white or sky-blue polo shirt, a navy jumper or cardigan, and black shoes or trainers. Clothing should be labelled. Small bags are requested because cloakroom storage occupies corridor space, a practical consideration when packing belongings.