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Nursery at St Bernadette's Catholic 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
The Magic Story Box gives this nursery its distinctive thread: a new book each half-term sparks questions, play and learning challenges. Stories connect the activities rather than sitting apart from them. For a child who enjoys imaginary worlds, that is a concrete feature of the day.
Children start from age three in FS1, the nursery class within St Bernadette's Catholic Primary School in Brinnington. A purpose-built Foundation Stage Unit accommodates children aged three to five. There is one nursery class, with its own classroom entrance and access to a shared learning zone. Catholic faith also shapes early learning, with religious, spiritual and social development included in the EYFS curriculum.
Play carries the curriculum. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together learning to communicate, move and manage relationships with early reading, maths, creativity and exploration of the world. Adults lead some experiences; children initiate others. That gives children both planned teaching and room to pursue an interest.
The named Narrative Immersion Curriculum turns a half-termly text into enquiry questions and challenges in the play areas. Opening the Magic Story Box introduces the story; subsequent activities respond to developments in the narrative. Problem-solving and drama are part of the approach, giving children reasons to talk, imagine and explain their ideas.
Outdoor learning has equal standing with indoor provision. Children can use the outdoor classroom daily, and the secure outdoor area is used in different weather conditions. Reading, early writing, number and shape activities extend outside, alongside opportunities to develop hand control and larger movements. Learning need not stop at the classroom door.
In July 2024, Ofsted identified nursery activities that developed spoken language, alongside stories, singing and rhymes across early years. These findings support the emphasis on communication in the nursery's day.
Settling begins with a home visit for new nursery children. Each child also has an allocated key person, either a teacher or teaching assistant, whose role includes helping them become familiar with the setting and building a relationship with parents. Families are told who that person is. This gives them an identified adult to work with as their child settles.
The Foundation Stage team has paediatric first aid training, plus training in allergies and food hygiene. Healthy snacks come with milk or water; daily physical activity and work with the Local Authority Dental team also form part of early-years health provision.
Communication includes a newsletter each half-term, two parents' evenings annually and an end-of-year Foundation Stage report. Story mornings and workshops help families understand learning, while photographs and achievements from home can contribute to it. For additional needs, parents can contact the school's SEND co-ordinator through the class teacher or office. The school also uses the Local Authority's Ethnic Diversity Service for multilingual classroom assistance and interpreters at parent meetings.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process; the school's application route directs parents to Stockport School Admissions. Treat this as a fresh application when planning the next stage.
Everyday familiarity is a separate benefit. Nursery and Reception share the Foundation Stage Unit and use it together for some of the day. The Reception intake is also invited to stay-and-play sessions. These practices introduce children to the setting and routines; they do not secure admission.
Session pattern. The nursery provides the universal 15 funded hours each week in term time, divided into three-hour sessions. Children receive either a morning or afternoon allocation and must attend each day. This is a regular weekly commitment.
Additional childcare. Eligible families can combine those hours with additional funded provision at another local early-years setting or with a childminder. Families needing 30 funded hours should plan around that split between providers.
Drop-off and collection use the classroom door. Uniform includes a gold polo shirt and royal-blue layers; black joggers are permitted for pre-school children, and pre-owned uniform is available through school. To arrange a Foundation Stage visit or discuss admissions, call the office on 0161 430 4601.
The school's provision starts at age three. Nursery is its FS1 class within the Foundation Stage Unit.
Children are allocated morning or afternoon sessions lasting three hours, with attendance required each day during term time.
The school provides the universal 15 hours. Eligible families can use additional funded hours with another local early-years provider or a childminder.
New nursery children receive a home visit. Each child has a key person who helps them become familiar with the setting and works with parents.
No. Reception requires a separate application through the normal process. The school directs applications to Stockport School Admissions.
