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Nursery at St Thomas' Church of England Primary School Stockport
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Wellies stay at school, waterproofs are provided, and outdoor learning continues whatever the weather. That practical detail captures the character of the nursery at St Thomas' Church of England Primary School Stockport: play moves between classroom and outdoors, with children choosing activities alongside learning directed by adults.
For children aged three and four, the provision sits within the school's EYFS department and offers 15-hour and 30-hour places. Ofsted graded early years provision Good at the inspection on 19 and 20 September 2023. That judgement covers the school's early years provision, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) gives play a learning purpose. Here, communication, physical skills and relationships sit alongside early literacy, number work, creativity and discovering the world. Adults plan around children's interests and development, then combine teaching, supported exploration and activities children choose themselves. This gives children room to make decisions while adults help extend their learning.
A construction area remains accessible during early years provision, with additional building activities guided by adults. Children also investigate fabrics and ways of joining materials, and help prepare food. These are practical opportunities to experiment with how things work. Think Equal is the named EYFS programme for personal and social learning.
Wednesday brings Forest School with Inside Out. Its activities include making shelters, observing wildlife and tackling challenges together, extending outdoor learning beyond classroom activities. The nursery's library books also change on Wednesdays, giving families a regular book-sharing routine.
In September 2023, nursery children learned poems, songs and rhymes successfully, broadening their vocabulary, and began exploring initial sounds. Across early years, children practised sharing resources and cooperating. Assessment was used appropriately in some subjects, helping adults decide what children should learn next; that finding should not be read as a judgement about every subject.
Settling starts with an induction session where parent and child meet the class teacher and explore the learning space. Children initially attend shorter sessions, with parents able to stay while they settle. The pace therefore allows time to become familiar with the adults and routines before taking up the agreed attendance pattern.
Morning snack combines fruit with milk or water. Each child receives a water bottle, and drinking water can be accessed during the day. Lunch takes place at 11:30am in the school hall, with a choice between a packed lunch and a charged school meal. Parent Pay handles dinner payments. Staff support children as they become accustomed to lunchtime, including using cutlery independently.
Class Dojo carries messages and examples of children's learning, helping parents connect home conversations with nursery activities. Spare clothes are requested, and toilet independence is encouraged. Medical information is shared with staff and the kitchen; more complex needs or serious allergies have an individual medical plan. EYFS support includes early intervention and work with outside agencies when needed.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline. The school directs applications to Stockport Council. Treat that application as a distinct task, even when your child already attends nursery.
The nursery class timetable gives 15-hour attendance as Monday and Tuesday, 8:35am to 3:15pm, plus Wednesday, 8:35am to 11:35am. Its 30-hour pattern runs Monday to Friday, 8:35am to 3:15pm. The funding information also describes a morning-only 15-hour pattern, while the school-day timetable gives different morning and afternoon session times. Confirm the agreed pattern before organising childcare or work commitments.
Funding is described as term-time provision, with up to 15 hours per week for three- and four-year-olds and up to 30 hours subject to eligibility. Families wanting full-time attendance without the extended funding can pay for additional attendance. Ask the school for current charges, including meals.
Uniform includes grey bottoms, a white polo shirt, a school sweatshirt and black shoes. Pack a coat and labelled spare clothes. Nursery uses the first door from the EYFS playground, with collection from the same door. To arrange a visit, telephone the office on 0161 480 4742.
The nursery funding information covers children aged three and four.
Both patterns are offered. The nursery class timetable gives two full days and a Wednesday morning for 15-hour places, and Monday to Friday for 30-hour places. Confirm your agreed pattern because the timetable and funding information differ.
Morning snack is fruit with milk or water. For lunch, families can choose a packed lunch or a charged school dinner, paid through Parent Pay.
Yes. Parents can join transition sessions, and nursery children begin with part-time attendance until they settle.
No. Reception requires a separate application through the normal admissions process. The school directs families to Stockport Council.
