Great Moor Infant School Nursery Review

Stories, seed growing and learning to share give Great Moor’s nursery its character. This is the nursery within Great Moor Infant School on Southwood Road in Stockport, with learning organised around the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Play and planned teaching both have a place. For families, that means a first school experience built around exploration as well as learning from adults.

At the Ofsted inspection on 30 and 31 January 2024, early years provision was graded Good within the school’s inspection. That judgement covers early years across the school, rather than a separate nursery inspection.

Language runs through the early years experience. In January 2024, children listened to stories and rhymes, explored their surroundings and had adult encouragement to develop their spoken vocabulary. Conversation is part of learning here. It gives children practice in expressing ideas while discovering things worth talking about.

The EYFS is the framework for nursery learning; the practical picture includes play, adult teaching and learning how to get along with other children. In January 2024, children followed taught routines that helped them share resources and wait for their turn. Those small habits matter when a child is learning to participate in a group.

Seed planting, soup making and creating musical instruments feature among the school’s early years experiences. Pirate Day and When I Grow Up Day add imaginative themes, while a visit from a farm brings another opportunity to explore living things. These are early years activities, rather than a fixed daily nursery timetable. Trips and visiting guests also supported nursery children’s understanding of the wider world in January 2024.

Settling starts before ordinary attendance. Nursery induction includes visits at home, sessions centred on stories and a gradual start. This gives families several ways to introduce their child to school life. Children across early years settled comfortably in January 2024 and learned the expectations for behaviour and relationships.

The staffing structure combines the nursery teaching role with SENCO responsibility. For children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), the school’s approach includes One Page Profiles describing strengths and needs, alongside SEND Support Plans when targeted help is required. Parents contribute to those plans and are invited to Person Centred Reviews, so support can be discussed and revised together.

Zones of Regulation is used across the school to help children recognise feelings and manage emotions. Talking Mats provide another way for children to communicate their views. Support does not depend on having a diagnosis.

SEND teaching. The January 2024 inspection identified a school-wide weakness in adapting teaching in some subjects for pupils with SEND. Families should weigh that concern alongside the support arrangements and discuss how learning will be adapted for their child.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet the deadline for their child’s intake. The school directs applications to Stockport’s nursery and school admissions service.

Induction for Reception includes home visits, story sessions and phased entry. These are ways to prepare for a new stage of school life; they do not secure an admission place.

For nursery enquiries, contact the school on 0161 483 0242 or email headteacher@greatmoor-inf.stockport.sch.uk. SEND questions can go to send@greatmoor-inf.stockport.sch.uk.

The school’s calendar includes term dates and training days for 2026/27. Keep those dates alongside family plans: the school’s policy is that holidays during term will not be authorised.