St Cuthbert's Online

At the Old School Nursery we aim to provide a happy, safe environment with a Christian ethos for children aged between 2 years 7 months and 5 years. Children of all abilities are welcome and a special needs policy is in place (copy available at the Old School) We are open five mornings a week in term time from 9.00am to 12 noon all year round, with extra afternoon sessions in the spring and summer terms according to demand. Our term usually coincides with that of local schools. The Nursery is run by eight full and part-time staff and a number of voluntary helpers. All staff are qualified to the appropriate level and undertake extensive regular training. A rigorous Child Protection Policy is in place. Our work is overseen by a Management Committee made up of representatives from St.Cuthbert's, the local community, staff and parents.

Your child's morning will follow a structured timetable which will cover all the six areas of learning stipulated by OFSTED:

• Social Skills
• Mathematics
• Physical Development
• Mathematics
• Knowledge and Understanding of the World
• Creative Development

Old School Playgroup student We offer a wide range of activities including: painting, gluing, cutting, jigsaws, building, Playdough, sand & water, Brio, dressing up and role play, reading corner, music & movement, singing, pre-school room etc. All children are observed and progress is recorded and dated for parents' information. We possess extensive outdoor play facilities, consisting of a grassed and hard surfaced area where the children are encouraged to enjoy both free and structured play. There is a mid-morning break for milk and biscuits when children can also experience different foods. Parents are welcome to come in at any time of the morning to discuss their child's progress.

Comments by OFSTED (February 2007):

Children are welcomed into a bright and stimulating environment... children laugh happily and eagerly explore the range of play opportunities... The quality of teaching and learning is good. Children clearly benefit from staff's secure knowledge and understanding of the foundation stage and how children learn... The children within the nursery are delightful. They are very well behaved and fully aware of the boundaries of acceptable behaviour. Children enjoy each other's company and play harmoniously in the friendly atmosphere of the nursery. They share and take turns during activities and listen to each other during circle time. For more details visit www.ofsted.gov.uk

Old School Playgroup students We are delighted to offer places to children from any cultural or religious background and will endeavour to cater for any special needs your child may have.
Children can be admitted to Nursery as soon as they reach the age of 2 years and 7 months (subject to the availability of places). This age limit is set by Social Services and applies to all Nursery's in Stockport M.B.C. It can only be varied in exceptional circumstances and with the prior agreement of Social Services.
Whilst we will endeavour to do everything possible to ensure that your child obtains a place, admission is on an age basis. Children who have already secured a place at State Nursery will lose their right to take up five sessions at the Old School. Priority will be given to those children who only attend the Old School.

Fees
Fees are currently £8.00 per session and are payable half-termly in advance. There is no refund for absence due to illness or holidays. At least one half-term's notice is required before a child is removed from Nursery. The Old School Nursery forms part of the Stockport Early Years Development Plan. Consequently, once your child has reached the age of eligibility the cost of their place will be fully covered by the local authority for up to five sessions per week. Please ask for details.

The Old School, Councillor Lane, Cheadle, Cheshire, SK8 2BY.
email: playgroup@stcuthberts.org

And finally... the Playgroup has come a long way since the Old School was first built:

Very old photo of the school