St Simon's Catholic Primary School Nursery Review

A nursery teacher who also holds the EYFS lead and SENDCO roles gives St Simon's nursery a distinctive connection between early learning and additional support. Foundation Stage 1 is the school's nursery class, within its Catholic primary setting on Bosden Avenue in Hazel Grove. For families, that staffing structure brings curriculum leadership and special educational needs coordination into the same role.

At the Ofsted inspection on 20 and 21 June 2023, early years provision received a Good judgement within the school's inspection. This applies to the early years phase, rather than being a separate nursery rating.

The nursery's curriculum information brings together the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Statutory Framework, Birth to 5 Matters and its Nursery Long Term Plan 2025-26. In plain parent language, early learning includes play and building the foundations for reading, writing and maths. Learning school routines and developing positive attitudes to learning matter too, as Ofsted found in June 2023. The parent guides cover these early steps in play, reading, writing and maths, giving families ways to support learning at home.

In June 2023, children in early years became familiar with school routines and developed constructive attitudes towards learning. The early years curriculum was ambitious, and children achieved well. Learning the daily routines matters alongside curriculum content: it helps young children become accustomed to taking part in school life.

Catholic education is part of the setting's character. Religious education uses The Way, the Truth and the Life, with a nursery syllabus listed alongside the other year groups. Across the school, religious learning follows occasions including Easter and Advent. Families choosing this nursery are choosing an early years class within that faith context.

Preparation for starting nursery includes practical independence. The 2025-26 intake guidance encourages families to practise dressing, using cutlery and managing the toilet, including flushing and handwashing, where appropriate. It also recommends sharing stories, singing and listening to children. These are concrete ways to prepare for the everyday demands of joining a class.

Additional needs support has a clear contact route through the SENDCO. The role includes working with staff on teaching strategies and resources, and involving outside agencies. St Simon's has signed the Stockport Co-Production Pledge, giving parents a named framework for its approach to working together. The school building is on one level and has ramp access, a practical feature for families considering physical accessibility.

Food arrangements include daily fruit for Foundation Stage children. Cool Milk registration is required for children receiving milk, with no charge for under-fives; the afternoon nursery class receives it in the afternoon. School hot meals are cooked on site, with a menu rotating over three weeks, and packed lunches are permitted. Menu changes are communicated through the school newsletter.

Nursery attendance gives no priority for a Reception place at St Simon's and does not guarantee admission. Families must make a separate Reception application at the appropriate time through Stockport's online nursery and school admissions route, meeting the deadline for their intake. Treat choosing the nursery and applying for Reception as two separate decisions.

For general enquiries, contact the school office on 0161 483 9696 or use the contact form. The school address is Bosden Avenue, Hazel Grove, Stockport, SK7 4LH.

The school uniform policy includes red logo sweatshirts or cardigans and navy skirts or trousers. Clothing should be labelled, and children should bring a coat for outdoor play. Pre-loved uniform can be obtained through the office. For appointments during school hours, a known adult must collect the child from the office and complete the sign-out process.