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Nursery at Gatley Primary School
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Watering cans, growing plants and conversations between friends give Gatley’s nursery its character: practical learning with children taking responsibility themselves. In July 2024, nursery children concentrated closely while filling their own cans and discussing why plants needed water. Independence had a clear purpose.
The nursery is part of Gatley Primary School on Hawthorn Road, serving children aged three and four. Its admission number is 40 part-time places. Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Outstanding at the inspection on 23 and 24 July 2024; this judgement covers early years within the school.
Stories, songs and rhymes sit alongside practical exploration. In July 2024, nursery children shared books and took part in singing and rhyme activities. For parents, that gives a concrete picture of early learning: talking about a story, joining in with language and investigating something real, such as the plants children were tending.
Gatley calls its curriculum approach the 6 Cs, combining curiosity and creativity with collaboration, compassion, comprehension and connectivity. The school aims to help children ask questions, work with others and connect what they learn. Nursery’s autumn learning question is What is important to me? It starts with a subject young children can relate to: themselves.
Termly curriculum planning uses questions to organise learning, with a class book chosen for each term. Non-fiction also supports the questions children explore. This gives shared reading a place within the wider learning, alongside the nursery’s songs, rhymes and practical experiences.
A Nursery Lead Practitioner forms part of the staffing structure, alongside an EYFS lead and an early years higher-level teaching assistant. Parents’ first contact for questions or feedback is their child’s classroom teacher, giving families a direct route to discuss everyday concerns.
For children needing additional support, the school uses individual provision maps and reviews support with parents through a cycle of planning, action and review. The class teacher is also the starting point for concerns about special educational needs or disabilities. That keeps the conversation connected to the adult responsible for the child’s learning.
Safeguarding training takes place annually for all staff. A designated lead and deputy leads provide the school’s safeguarding structure, and families can raise concerns about difficulties at home as well as school.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and gives no admission priority at Gatley. Families must make a separate primary application through Stockport’s online admissions process. For September 2027 entry, the closing date is 15 January 2027. Choosing the nursery and applying for Reception are separate decisions.
Families can use the nursery’s 15 funded hours flexibly. Eligible children may receive up to 30 hours a week during term time, but a longer placement depends on capacity and the school’s allocation criteria. Eligibility alone does not secure those hours here.
For September 2027 admissions, additional hours require a 30-hour code and a written explanation of how the family meets the allocation criteria. Children attending all day have a lunchtime supervision charge, which families can offset with unused funded hours if they qualify for a 30-hour code. Contact the school for current charges.
Enquiries and visit arrangements go through the school office at office@gatleyprimary.com or 0161 428 6180. Visits outside the school’s open days can be arranged through the office, giving families a way to explore the nursery before applying.
The nursery serves children aged three and four, with 40 part-time admission places.
Activities include sharing stories, singing and learning rhymes. In July 2024, children also filled watering cans independently and discussed caring for the plants they were growing.
No. Nursery attendance gives no priority for Reception. A separate online application through Stockport is required; the deadline for September 2027 entry is 15 January 2027.
Eligible families can request a longer placement, subject to the school’s allocation criteria and available session capacity. For September 2027 admissions, families must supply their 30-hour code and write to the school explaining how they meet the criteria.
Contact the school office at office@gatleyprimary.com or call 0161 428 6180. The office can arrange visits outside open-day dates.
