Our Nursery
Welcome to Ravensbury Nursery
A nurturing start for your child — one year earlier than school age
At Ravensbury Primary School, we are proud to offer free full-time nursery places starting from the September after your child turns three. This allows children to begin their education one year earlier than statutory school age, giving them a strong, confident and joyful start to their school journey.
A Strong Foundation Through Play
Our nursery provides a rich, stimulating and joyful environment where children learn through high-quality play, exploration and meaningful interaction. Every experience is carefully designed to develop the early fundamental skillsthat children need to thrive — not just in school, but in life.
Fundamental early skills we nurture include:
Communication and language development
Personal, social and emotional wellbeing
Early literacy and numeracy
Physical development and coordination
Curiosity, problem-solving and independence
The Prime Areas of Learning
In line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), our curriculum prioritises the Prime Areas of Learning, which form the essential building blocks for all later achievement.
Communication and Language
A language-rich environment full of stories, songs and conversation helps children develop confidence in expressing themselves.
Personal, Social and Emotional Development
We support children in developing friendships, emotional regulation, resilience and independence. Our pastoral care ensures every child feels seen, valued and safe.
Physical Development
Through both indoor and outdoor activities, children build fine and gross motor skills, develop healthy habits and grow in confidence.
Outdoor Learning at Its Best
At Ravensbury, our outdoor environment is an essential part of children’s learning. We believe the outdoors provides rich, meaningful experiences that spark imagination, build resilience and deepen children’s understanding of the world.
Our nursery children access a range of high-quality outdoor spaces, each designed to support different aspects of development:
🌿 Therapy Garden
A peaceful, sensory-rich space where children can:
Explore nature through touch, smell and sound
Develop emotional regulation
Engage in calm, wellbeing-focused activities
Connect with seasonal changes and living things
This nurturing garden is ideal for supporting mental health, wellbeing and language development.
🌳 Forest School Area
Our Forest School provision offers hands-on, adventurous learning. Children enjoy:
Den building, exploration and problem-solving
Nature-based crafts and imaginative play
Risk-taking in a safe, supported environment
Building resilience, independence and teamwork
Forest School fosters confidence, curiosity and a deep respect for the natural world.
⚽ Sporting & Physical Play Areas
Physical development is vital in the early years, and our outdoor areas provide:
Space for running, jumping, climbing and balancing
Opportunities for structured games and free physical exploration
Access to early sports skills and physical challenges
Activities that build coordination, strength and a love of being active
These areas help children develop essential gross motor skills and support overall health and wellbeing.
Preparing Children for Future Learning
As children grow in confidence within the Prime Areas, we gradually introduce the Specific Areas of Learning, providing strong foundations in early reading, early number, creative arts and understanding the world.
Exceptional Pastoral Care
We understand that starting nursery is a significant milestone. Our dedicated team builds strong relationships with every child and family to ensure a smooth transition from home to school, and then throughout their journey to Year 6.
Be Part of Our #RavensburyFamily
Choosing Ravensbury Nursery means giving your child the opportunity to begin their learning journey in a nurturing, exciting environment where they are known, valued and supported from the very beginning. Our strong relationships, high expectations and rich curriculum help children flourish — from their first day in Nursery to their final year in Year 6.
If you would like to arrange a viewing of our Nursery or make an application then please contact school on admin@ravensbury.manchester.sch.uk or 0161223 0370