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Nursery at Torkington 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Den building and bug hunting give Torkington’s early years provision a distinct outdoor thread. Autumn Muddy Faces sessions use woodland on the school site, while children can move between outdoor and indoor learning for substantial parts of the day. This is the school’s own nursery in Hazel Grove, with entry from age three and a term-time pattern built around morning sessions.
Play has room to develop here. Children have uninterrupted stretches to pursue their interests, choose resources for themselves and explore the indoor and outdoor classrooms. Adults watch what children are doing, then join their play to introduce language and develop ideas. That makes conversation part of learning rather than something reserved for a separate lesson.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the framework, with Development Matters informing the curriculum. In everyday terms, this combines early foundations in maths, writing and reading with exploration and play. Focus texts help organise learning, and resources remain accessible for children to return to independently. Growth Mindset encourages persistence, concentration and a willingness to attempt something difficult.
Muddy Faces adds practical tasks in the autumn: searching for bugs and constructing dens create opportunities to solve problems together. Technology also has a place in the early years curriculum. Barefoot Computing informs activities involving patterns and logical thinking, including play away from screens. BeeBots, cameras and torches give children concrete objects to investigate and use.
At the January 2023 inspection, Ofsted found that the early years curriculum developed knowledge effectively from children’s starting points. Children also sustained attention, listened to explanations and handled shared resources considerately. These findings concern early years provision within the school.
All children joining nursery are invited to a trial session before they start. Summer meetings for incoming nursery parents provide another opportunity to prepare for the change, rather than leaving the first session as the only introduction.
Support for additional needs has some specific tools behind it. The school’s EYFS support framework includes WELLCOMM assessment and intervention, alongside ELKLAN and Speech Link interventions. It also identifies pictures, gestures and simpler instructions as ways to support understanding. These are approaches to discuss when considering how an individual child will take part, rather than a promise that every child receives every intervention.
Everyday independence is part of the curriculum too. The Twinkl Life programme for ages three to four includes learning about handwashing, recognising emotions and practising dressing. These connect learning with the small tasks children need to manage for themselves.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through Stockport Council’s online admissions service and meet the applicable deadline. Treat that application as a separate task from arranging nursery attendance.
Summer meetings for parents whose children have been allocated Reception places support preparation for the next stage. They are an introduction to school life, not an admissions advantage.
The standard funded offer is 15 hours each week in term time: five morning sessions, running from 8.50am to 11.50am. Children are allocated mornings and must attend daily, so this pattern suits families able to commit to regular attendance.
Afternoon sessions run from 12.20pm to 3.20pm. An additional 15 funded hours is available to eligible families, subject to space and the allocation criteria described by the school. Afternoon sessions are chargeable for families who do not qualify. Contact the office for current charges and availability.
Additional hours can be combined with the Before & After School Club. For enquiries, telephone 0161 483 2188 or email schooladmin@torkington.stockport.sch.uk. Prospective families can also arrange a school visit through the office.
Children can join from age three. January or Easter entry may be possible for children already aged three, depending on nursery numbers.
Morning sessions run from 8.50am to 11.50am, with daily attendance required. Afternoon sessions run from 12.20pm to 3.20pm.
Yes. The school offers 15 morning hours during term time and an additional 15 afternoon hours for eligible families, subject to availability and allocation criteria. Afternoon sessions are chargeable if a family is not eligible.
All children joining are invited to a trial session. Meetings for new nursery parents take place in the summer term.
No. Families need to apply separately for Reception through Stockport Council’s online admissions service by the applicable deadline.
