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Nursery at Cherry Tree 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
A purpose-built preschool building within Cherry Tree’s grounds gives Cherry Blossom its own physical base while keeping it part of the primary school. The provision includes two-year-olds, with older preschool children also catered for. This is the school’s nursery provision in Lymm, on Hardy Road.
Ofsted graded early years provision Good following its inspection on 5 and 6 December 2023. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision, including education for two-year-olds; it is not a separate preschool inspection.
Relationships with older pupils are a distinctive part of the early years experience. In December 2023, children formed connections beyond their own age group and became familiar with school routines quickly. For a young child, that makes the wider school part of their experience before the move to Reception.
Little Wandle letters and sounds is the named phonics programme used in preschool. Parents can access resources and guidance through the school’s phonics page, giving families a named reference point for supporting this aspect of learning. Cherry Blossom also has its own curriculum map within the school’s long-term planning, separating preschool learning from the plans for older classes.
Vocabulary needs attention. In December 2023, the early years curriculum had not specified the words children should acquire. This left some opportunities for learning unused and some understanding less secure. The improvement required was to define that vocabulary so learning could build more systematically.
Settling into familiar routines was a strength of the early years experience in December 2023. Inspectors also found that children benefited from relationships with older pupils.
Families seeking additional support have access to the school’s SEND information and Warrington’s Ask Ollie Local Offer. The latter provides guidance for parents and carers as well as information for professionals. Cherry Tree’s Early Help route begins with a conversation with the child’s class teacher, with an Early Help Assessment meeting possible where appropriate.
Snacks were provided with a separate session charge under the preschool’s autumn 2023 arrangements. That distinction matters when considering what a booked session includes.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet the applicable deadline. Cherry Tree’s admissions are administered by Warrington Borough Council; its admissions team can be contacted at schooladmissions@warrington.gov.uk or on 01925 442952.
Transition support is a separate matter. The school describes summer classroom visits, including a visit accompanied by a parent or carer and a later unaccompanied session. An optional lunch-and-play visit invites nursery and preschool staff to accompany children, who bring a packed lunch. These visits introduce children to people and places; they do not secure admission.
The autumn 2023 preschool arrangements offered an all-day session from 8:45am to 3:15pm and a morning session from 8:45am to 11:45am. For children aged three and above, Tuesday to Thursday options also included an afternoon from 12:15pm to 3:15pm and wraparound care from 3:15pm to 4:30pm. Treat these as that dated session pattern when planning childcare.
The same arrangements described 15 funded hours each week from the term after a child’s third birthday, with eligibility determining access to up to 30 hours. Hourly charges differed by age, and snacks carried a separate charge. Refer to the school for current charges.
Preschool enquiries go through the office on 01925 755885 or cherrytree_primary@sch.warrington.gov.uk. A Cherry Blossom application form is also linked. Small group school-and-grounds tours run during October and November and can be arranged through the office.
No. Reception requires a separate application through the normal admissions process. Warrington Borough Council manages Cherry Tree’s school admissions.
Yes. The December 2023 inspection explicitly included provision for two-year-old children.
Little Wandle letters and sounds is used in preschool, with parent resources and guidance linked from the school’s phonics page.
All-day and morning sessions were listed. Afternoon and wraparound sessions were restricted to children aged three and above, Tuesday to Thursday.
Contact the school office on 01925 755885 or email cherrytree_primary@sch.warrington.gov.uk. The preschool page also links a Cherry Blossom application form.
