Our Early Years Foundation Stage

A very warm welcome to St Mary’s Catholic Voluntary Academy Nursery and Reception Classes.

St Mary’s Nursery and Reception Classes provide a nurturing, stimulating environment where children are at the heart of everything we do. Our experienced team, led by a qualified Early Years Lead Teacher, Mrs Bradbury, supports every child to grow in confidence, develop a love of learning, and build the essential skills they need for their future education.

We believe that the early years are a unique and special time — laying the foundations for lifelong learning through a balance of purposeful play, child-led experiences, and focused teaching.

We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is the curriculum that the Government sets for all early years providers (0-5 years) to make sure that, ‘all children learn and develop well and are kept healthy and safe.’ (Department for Education)

The framework highlights the links between the child’s development and the environment in which they are cared for and educated. We see the partnership between home and school as the key to a happy and settled foundation year in education.

A Nurturing Approach

Children thrive when they feel happy, safe, and valued. Wellbeing is a high priority at St Mary’s, with our caring staff building strong, trusting relationships with every child. We support children to develop their independence, confidence, and emotional resilience — helping them to become curious, motivated learners.

Purposeful Play and Child-Led Learning

Play is the most natural and powerful way for young children to learn. We provide carefully planned opportunities for purposeful play, where children can explore, investigate, and make sense of the world around them.

Our child-led approach allows children to follow their own interests, with skilled staff supporting and extending their ideas to deepen their learning. This encourages:

• Independence and confidence

• Problem-solving and creativity

• Early language, reading, writing, and maths skills

• Social and emotional development

Why Choose St Mary’s?

Our Reception Class hours

Reception Class hours are line with the rest of St Mary’s school.

Click here to view school hours

Our Nursery Class hours:

Session times for 15 hour allocation:

Monday 9.00-3.15, Tuesday 9.00-3.15, Wed 9-11.30

or

Wednesday 12.45-3.15, Thursday 9.00-3.15, Friday 9.00-3.15

30 Hours Funded Childcare

All 3 or 4 year old children are currently entitled to up to 15 hours of free early education per week – term time only. With an option of 30 hours of free childcare per week if you are eligible.

Please contact us for more information.

We welcome visits from families — come and see how we nurture happy, confident children who are ready for their next steps in learning. Contact us on 0161 427 7498 or email enquiries@mmb.srscmat.co.uk

Early Reading, Writing, and Maths

Through a mix of play-based experiences and small group activities, we nurture early skills in phonics, early reading, writing, and maths. Our experienced team helps children to build strong foundations in all areas of the curriculum and provides clear progression in their learning.

Outdoor Learning and Physical Development

Outdoor learning is an integral part of our provision. Our outdoor environment encourages children to be active, take risks, and develop their physical skills while exploring the natural world. Daily opportunities for outdoor play help children to:

  • Build confidence and resilience
  • Develop gross and fine motor skills
  • Learn about nature and the changing seasons
  • Work collaboratively with their peers

We embrace our beautiful, wooded area during our weekly ‘Muddy Things’ sessions providing all children with the opportunity to work as a team, explore their natural environment, problem solve and have the best time getting muddy and having fun!

Partnership with Parents

We believe that strong home-school links are key to children’s success. We work in close partnership with parents and carers, sharing learning experiences and providing regular opportunities to discuss children’s progress. Parents are encouraged to be actively involved in their child’s learning journey, creating a true sense of community between home and school.

Smooth Transitions

Starting nursery or reception is a big step for both children and families. Our supportive staff take time to get to know each child, offering gentle transitions and tailored settling-in sessions to help children feel happy, secure, and ready to learn. Our Early years classes work closely together providing a seamless transition from Nursery into Reception and integrating with the rest of our school family.

Wraparound Care

We understand the demands of busy family life. Our St Mary’s Kids Club provides high-quality wraparound care, offering a seamless experience for children before and after the school day.