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Nursery at Manor Hill First 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Bright Beginners, Early Explorers and Little Learners give Manor Hill’s nursery its own identity within the first school. Bright Beginners and Early Explorers cater for ages 2–3, while Little Learners covers ages 3–4. This is a school nursery with provision beginning at two, on Manor Rise in Stone.
The school occupies a large building with extensive grounds. Within early years, children can choose between learning inside and outside, so the environment gives them scope to follow an activity in the space that suits them.
Children’s interests help shape the learning here. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the framework, supported by Development Matters: staff combine guided activities, group learning and play that children direct themselves. In practical terms, adults introduce ideas while also making room for a child’s own fascination to become the starting point for learning.
Topics connect learning across different areas rather than keeping activities in separate subject compartments. Language is a clear focus. Adults demonstrate vocabulary in their interactions, giving children words to use as they explore and communicate. Opportunities to investigate, move and think creatively sit alongside that attention to conversation.
Indoor and outdoor provision supports the same areas of learning. Children have choices about where to work and play; outdoor learning is part of the educational offer rather than simply a break from it. A Little Learners farm visit was scheduled for 9 April 2025, an example of experiences planned beyond the school site.
In September 2023, Ofsted found strong adult-child relationships in early years and successful support for independence, including encouraging children to look after their possessions. Stories, singing and rhymes also featured in early-years learning. Those are useful foundations for joining in, listening and taking small responsibilities.
Teaching consistency. The September 2023 findings also identified school-wide variation in phonics expertise and in the choice of activities that helped pupils retain learning. These were school improvement priorities, rather than a separate nursery judgement.
Parents receive updates about early-years learning through an online profile and conversations with staff. The profile accepts parents’ comments and contributions, giving families a way to share what their child does beyond nursery as well as follow progress there.
Support includes focused activities adapted to a child’s age and learning needs. The school’s SEND approach involves children and parents in planning and reviewing progress, so families have a role in decisions about additional help. Early-years leadership and SEND coordination sit within the same role.
School lunches are offered, with the lunchtime session and the meal charged separately. Families should ask the school for current charges when arranging attendance.
Attending Manor Hill’s nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet the deadline for their child’s entry year. Treat nursery attendance and the later school application as two distinct decisions.
Morning nursery sessions run from 8:45am to 11:45am; afternoon sessions run from 12:15pm to 3:15pm. The separately charged lunch session bridges 11:45am to 12:15pm. These timings apply to both nursery age groups, giving parents clear session boundaries when planning care.
For eligible children aged 2–3, funding covers 15 hours a week during school terms. Three- and four-year-olds have a 15-hour term-time entitlement, with up to 30 funded hours offered to eligible families. Confirm eligibility and current charges with the school before booking.
Hilltops provides wraparound care from age three. A July 2026 announcement gives the overall care window as 7:30am to 5:30pm; confirm the collection time when arranging a place. Nursery enquiries go through the school office on 01785 812418, and visits can be arranged by appointment.
Bright Beginners and Early Explorers cater for ages 2–3, and Little Learners for ages 3–4.
Morning sessions are 8:45am–11:45am, afternoon sessions are 12:15pm–3:15pm, and the separate lunch session is 11:45am–12:15pm.
Eligible children aged 2–3 can receive 15 term-time hours a week. Three- and four-year-olds have a 15-hour term-time entitlement, and the nursery offers up to 30 hours for eligible families.
No. Families must apply separately for Reception through the normal admissions process by the relevant deadline.
Staff share updates through conversations and an online profile that also allows parents to contribute comments and information.
