Valley School Nursery Review

A canopy for outdoor play and access to a hydrotherapy pool give Ladybirds its own character: this is specialist early years provision built around children's individual needs. Based within Valley School in Bramhall, Ladybirds belongs to the Step 1 phase and supports Foundation Stage children with autism, sensory impairments, complex medical needs, and profound and multiple learning difficulties. Valley accepts pupils from age two; that is the school's starting age rather than a separate nursery age band.

Personalised learning shapes the provision. In April 2022, Ofsted found that the curriculum served children in early years exceptionally well, with learning organised into carefully sequenced small steps. For families, the emphasis is on progress matched to their child rather than a single pace for the class.

Play is the starting point in Ladybirds. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together seven areas of learning, with activities adapted to each child. Communication, physical development and social skills sit alongside exploration and growing independence. Children can initiate their own play or join activities with a more focused teaching purpose.

Two classroom areas support that balance. Outside, the canopy and play space allow children to continue exploring whatever the weather. Learning also extends beyond the classroom to the sensory integration room, hall, sensory room and hydrotherapy pool. These spaces give children different ways to engage with movement and sensory experiences.

An individual education programme (IEP) gives each child's learning a specific direction. In Ladybirds, staff review these programmes with therapists, arranging access according to each child's needs. Across Valley's curriculum, targets draw on family priorities as well as professional input, and are revisited during everyday activities. Repeated sessions give children opportunities to practise familiar skills and build on small achievements.

Therapy and education are connected in Ladybirds: several therapists are based at the school, and their involvement helps shape each child's programme. Staff also work with families, so support can take account of the child beyond classroom activities.

The family liaison role adds practical help for parents. It includes bringing professionals together, coordinating Early Help, supporting funding applications and pointing families towards information. Coffee mornings and information events offer further opportunities for contact. This gives parents a route for discussing needs that extend beyond learning.

Meals are cooked on the school premises, with menu choices and the option of a packed lunch. Families can arrange special diets by contacting the school. That choice matters when a child's eating needs require planning alongside their education and care.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Contact the local authority's SEN Department about arrangements for your child's next stage.

Valley's specialist admissions arrangements direct applications through the local authority's SEN Department. Children enter with an Education, Health & Care Plan (EHCP) or through assessment arrangements. Families should therefore use that specialist route when planning the next stage. The regular visits that a local preschool makes to Ladybirds are integration activities, rather than an admission entitlement.

The school day runs from 9am to 3:30pm. Treat these as whole-school hours when planning family routines. School uniform is supplied through My Clothing, while school meals can be paid for using ParentPay.

For enquiries, contact the admin team at admin@valley.stockport.sch.uk or telephone 0161 439 7343. Tours can be arranged through the school. A tour offers families a way to discuss how Ladybirds' spaces and individual learning programmes relate to their child's needs.