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Nursery at St Mary's Catholic Voluntary Academy
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Story time gives this nursery's early years setting its clearest character: children take an eager part in listening to books, while familiar routines establish expectations from the start. Nursery provision forms part of St Mary's Catholic Voluntary Academy, a mixed Catholic primary school in Marple Bridge.
At the inspection on 5 and 6 December 2023, Ofsted judged the school's early years provision Good. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate inspection or rating of the nursery alone.
Books provide a concrete example of early learning here. In December 2023, children in early years paid close attention to stories and participated eagerly. Enjoyment matters alongside listening: these experiences helped children develop an interest in books and reading. For parents, the useful emphasis is on children taking part in a shared story, rather than simply hearing an adult read aloud.
The early years curriculum was ambitious in December 2023. Learning content also connected with the surrounding area, giving children a connection between what they learn and the place where they live. These are findings about the school's early years provision, which includes the nursery, rather than promises about an individual child's progress.
Routines are a concrete strength of the early years experience. In December 2023, expectations became established promptly from early years onwards. For a young child, familiar expectations can make a group setting easier to understand: learning what happens and how to take part is itself part of becoming comfortable with nursery life.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place at St Mary's. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet the applicable deadline. Treat choosing the nursery and applying for Reception as two separate decisions.
School admissions are coordinated by the relevant local authority, with Stockport being this school's local authority. The academy trust determines admissions policy, and the school's Local Governing Body takes decisions on applications. Coordination and decision-making therefore involve different bodies. Nursery attendance should not be treated as an offer of a school place or a substitute for the Reception application.
The school address is Lowry Drive, Marple Bridge, Stockport, SK6 5BR. Telephone enquiries can be made on 01614277498. This gives families a direct school contact for a nursery enquiry, while Reception applications remain a separate part of planning the next stage.
No. Families must apply separately for Reception through the normal admissions process and meet the applicable deadline.
Early years provision was judged Good at the school inspection on 5 and 6 December 2023. This was not a separate nursery inspection.
In December 2023, early years children listened closely and participated eagerly, helping them develop an interest in books and reading.
The relevant local authority coordinates admissions on behalf of the academy trust. Stockport is this school's local authority.
Telephone 01614277498. The school address is Lowry Drive, Marple Bridge, Stockport, SK6 5BR.
