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Nursery at Cranberry 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Finger-painted hedgehogs and autumn objects give Cranberry Academy's nursery a concrete character: learning involves hands, texture and conversation. The nursery occupies the school's Key Stage 1 building in Alsager. It belongs to the academy's early years provision, which received the Expected standard judgement in June 2026.
Autumn activities turn seasonal objects into opportunities to explore. Nursery children have made hedgehog pictures with their fingers, working on small hand movements while experimenting with texture. These are practical starting points for learning, with something tangible for children to investigate and create.
Across early years, outdoor activity includes riding bikes, running and tackling an obstacle course. The playground also provides space for experimenting with chalk, both wet and dry. Movement and creative work therefore have their own physical settings, rather than being confined to classroom activities.
The early years foundation stage (EYFS) brings together children's learning and development. Here, activities address early number skills, reading and social interaction; adults use questions and conversation to help children understand ideas and put their own thoughts into words. In June 2026, children sustained attention during activities and followed familiar routines confidently. The indoor and outdoor spaces supported exploration, with resources arranged to help learning across its different areas. The Nursery book club adds another named activity beyond classroom learning.
Early writing. In June 2026, writing instruction was sometimes insufficiently precise, and children had too little practice forming letters. Some consequently made less progress in writing than they could. This gives families a specific point to weigh alongside the practical and language activities.
Relationships provide reassurance. In June 2026, early years children were settled, enthusiastic about learning and helped to feel secure by their relationships with adults. That describes children's experience of care, rather than a particular induction programme.
Nursery teachers sit within the foundation stage and Key Stage 1 team, while an assistant principal holds the EYFS lead role. Across the academy, parents' concerns and staff observations can prompt early identification of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Classroom adaptations can include visual cues, individual teaching or work in small groups, giving different ways to access learning.
Disadvantaged children. The June 2026 early years improvement action called for further development of provision so disadvantaged children achieve well. Families should weigh this concern alongside the positive findings about security, engagement and language support.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal Reception process and meet its deadline. The application route includes Cheshire East Council's online admissions service.
Continuity in learning is a separate matter. In June 2026, the early years curriculum was designed so Reception learning followed on from Nursery learning. That connection concerns the curriculum; it does not secure admission.
Only 30-hour funded places are offered, with no top-up sessions. Children without entitlement to that funding may join a reserve list for any places that remain unfilled. The funded pattern runs Monday to Friday, from 9am to 3:10pm. Nursery opening hours are also given as 9am to 3pm, with doors opening at 8:50am. Resolve the differing finish times before arranging collection.
September is usually the intake point; occasional vacancies may arise, and a waiting list is maintained. Once sessions are fully booked, the nursery remains full until the following September. This makes early registration useful, although it does not bring immediate confirmation of a place.
Email cranberryoffice@sbmat.org to request the nursery registration form and join the waiting list. The academy can also be contacted on 01270 902054.
No. Reception requires a separate application through the normal admissions process, with its own deadline.
The nursery offers only 30-hour funded places and does not offer top-up sessions. Children without entitlement to that funding may join a reserve list for any places that remain unfilled.
Nursery opening hours are 9am to 3pm, with doors opening at 8:50am. The funded booking pattern gives 9am to 3:10pm, Monday to Friday. Resolve the finish time before arranging collection.
Early years activities include bike riding, running, an outdoor obstacle course and using wet and dry chalk on the playground.
Email cranberryoffice@sbmat.org to request the registration form and join the waiting list. September is usually the intake point, although occasional vacancies may arise.
