Hollywood Park Nursery School: play, woodland and communication

Woodland exploration and a dedicated SEND Resource Base give Hollywood Park its character. On Hardman Street in Stockport, this nursery school welcomes children aged 2–4, with separate provision for two-year-olds and for three- and four-year-olds. Nursery education is the school's purpose, rather than an addition to a primary school.

Dragonflies, the Resource Base, supports children with communication difficulties and special educational needs and disabilities. Its smaller classroom sits alongside access to the wider nursery, giving children opportunities to participate with support suited to their needs.

Children's interests help shape the day. Child-led play sits alongside activities guided by adults, with dedicated group time led by each child's key person. The three- and four-year-old team is led by a teacher with qualified teacher status. That combines space for children to pursue an idea with planned adult involvement.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings learning and care together. Here, its foundations include developing movement, communication and relationships. In-the-moment planning means staff respond to what interests children, rather than treating every activity as a fixed sequence. Families can contribute photographs and home news through Development Maps, helping staff connect nursery learning with children's lives elsewhere.

Outdoor space is integral to the experience. Classrooms, woodland and outdoor learning areas support investigation; children also visit a nearby park and explore the local community. Watching chicks and ducklings hatch gives them a concrete introduction to caring for living things. Nature School sessions add another route into outdoor learning.

The May 2025 inspection found that most children learned successfully and were typically well prepared for primary school, but identified weaknesses in curriculum detail, checks on learning and routines. Some essential knowledge needed clearer definition, and gaps were not consistently recognised or revisited. At times, routines restricted children's participation in activities. These are meaningful cautions for families: engaging play also needs clear learning goals and time to practise them.

A key person provides a familiar point of contact in both age groups. Before starting, families have a parents' meeting and a home visit; settling visits then introduce the nursery gradually. Conversations at the beginning and end of the day, alongside progress meetings, give parents opportunities to share concerns and discuss development.

Support in Dragonflies uses several ways of communicating, including Makaton, picture resources and visual timelines. Bucket Group and Sensory Stories focus on attention and listening. Speech therapists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists work with children and provide programmes for staff to continue.

Practical adaptations include ramps linking indoor and outdoor areas, a disabled toilet and a foot-operated changing table. A separate Therapy Room accommodates interventions, and Resource Base children attend food therapy groups. These are specialist activities within that provision. In May 2025, support for children with SEND was effective, and safeguarding arrangements were effective too.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal Reception admissions process and meet its deadline. Treat choosing the nursery and securing a primary-school place as separate decisions.

Transition work helps the receiving school understand the child. Staff exchange records, welcome primary teachers to meet children and arrange extra visits where appropriate. For Resource Base children, transfer reviews take place in November, followed by another review with the receiving school once the placement is confirmed, usually in the summer term. This supports continuity of care and learning; it does not secure admission.

The nursery day runs from 9am to 3pm, with individual attendance patterns discussed during admissions. Breakfast Club operates from 8am to 9am; Lates / After School Club extends the day from 3pm to 5.30pm. Wraparound sessions can be booked regularly or when needed, subject to availability. Additional hours are charged: ask the nursery for current charges.

Funded provision includes the universal 15 hours for three- and four-year-olds and 15 hours for eligible two-year-olds. Eligible working parents can access 30 hours, including for eligible two-year-olds; the required code must be renewed each term. The nursery follows a calendar with school holidays and training closures.

Visits can be arranged through the nursery. Contact admin@hollywoodpark.stockport.sch.uk or 0161 480 3913. Uniform is optional, with jade green tops available from reception. Tracksuit bottoms should have no buckles, belts or buttons, making independent dressing easier.