Fairway Primary School Nursery

Adult-led learning and children’s own play share the nursery day at Fairway. The early years curriculum combines exploration with opportunities to talk, develop friendships and become more independent. This is the school’s own nursery class in Offerton, Stockport, with provision from age three and capacity for 52 children attending part time.

The choice of attendance pattern matters here. Families using 15 funded hours have two arrangements across the week, while eligible children can attend full time using 30 hours. That gives parents distinct ways to fit nursery into family life.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework and Development Matters guide the curriculum. In parent terms, learning includes movement, conversation and relationships alongside early literacy, maths, creative expression and understanding the world. Children take part in activities directed by adults as well as play they initiate themselves, giving them opportunities both to follow guidance and pursue their own ideas.

Indoor and outdoor exploration forms part of that approach. The curriculum aims to help children persist when something is difficult, concentrate on an activity and work out ways to put their ideas into practice. Assessment informs the next steps, so planning takes account of what children already understand.

Books have a clear place in early learning. At the April 2023 inspection, Ofsted found that adults regularly read books with children in the early years and that leaders had considered how early learning prepares children for later work. Shared reading gives children a reason to listen, talk and become familiar with stories.

Partnership with parents is part of the early years curriculum, with friendship, confidence and independence among its aims. For additional needs, the school’s graduated SEND approach involves parents throughout, and the class teacher explains the extra support being provided. This gives families a role in discussing their child’s needs rather than leaving support solely to school staff.

The SEND coordinator also holds the deputy headteacher role. Depending on a child’s needs, the school may seek help from services such as Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy or an Educational Psychologist. These are school support arrangements, rather than a promise that every nursery child receives specialist input.

A school lunch can be purchased for children who need one. Families choosing it should contact the school for current charges.

Separate application. Attending Fairway’s nursery does not guarantee admission to its Reception class. Parents must make another application through the normal admissions process, meeting the deadline for their child’s entry year. Main-intake applications are online, and the local authority allocates places centrally.

Treat nursery attendance and Reception admission as separate decisions. Familiarity with the school does not replace the application, so families should keep the Reception process in their plans while their child attends nursery.

For 15 hours, one pattern covers full days on Monday and Tuesday, followed by Wednesday until 11.30am. The alternative starts on Wednesday at 12.30pm and includes full days on Thursday and Friday. These are set weekly patterns, which parents can compare with their work and childcare arrangements.

Eligible families taking 30 hours must give the office their eligibility code and renew it each term. For children who are not eligible for 30 hours, extra hours can be purchased subject to space. Payment is required before each half term, is non-refundable and reserves the place for that period.

Enquiries can go to admin@fairway.stockport.sch.uk or 0161 483 1873. The school also accepts requests for a tour, giving families a direct route to arrange a visit.