Play Alma Mater Private Day Nursery

Support for children who need extra help gives Play Alma Mater Private Day Nursery its clearest character. At its March 2026 inspection, Ofsted judged inclusion a Strong standard, the other assessed areas an Expected standard and safeguarding standards met, finding that children made steady progress and received effective SEND support.

The Chadderton nursery has capacity for 50 children, with an age range of 3–60 months. Practical independence and relationships feature strongly in its inspection-era daily life, alongside areas of teaching that need more attention.

The early years foundation stage is the framework for children's learning, development and care: here, the March 2026 activities included learning through play, conversation and everyday routines. Children could follow their interests, with staff planning what they needed to learn next.

In March 2026, the baby room emphasised language, using interests such as dinosaurs to encourage listening and responses; the toddler room included yoga sessions and outdoor activity to support physical development; and the pre-school room revisited good star values each day to practise sharing, manners and turn-taking. These were different emphases for different stages.

The garden offered concrete opportunities for movement. In March 2026, children practised balance on beams and stepping stones, played catching games with adults and explored mixtures of sand and water. Older children also handled cotton balls with tweezers, combining small hand movements with imaginative conversation.

Daily exchanges with parents informed care in March 2026. Staff discussed sleep and changes at home, then adjusted routines: babies whose night had been unsettled could rest in the morning. That connects home information with what happens during the nursery day.

For children needing additional help, March 2026 practice included individual learning steps, collaboration with the local authority and social care teams, and specialist help with speech and language. Staff also preserved memories of positive nursery experiences for children known to social care. A weighted blanket purchased with funding targeted at children's individual needs was another example of tailored support.

In March 2026, children ate home-cooked food with fresh fruit at lunch and practised feeding themselves with cutlery. Clearing plates and putting on coats gave them everyday opportunities to do more for themselves, relevant to their next stage of learning.

The address is Play Alma Mater, 123 Long Lane, Chadderton, Oldham, OL9 8AY. Opening hours are 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, across the year, with closures on bank holidays and for one week at Christmas.

In March 2026, staff discussed parents' shifts and working patterns when reviewing attendance arrangements. Absences were logged and followed up with families, keeping contact around children's routines.

• Teaching consistency. In March 2026, Ofsted identified uneven learning interactions, supervision that needed to concentrate more consistently on improving teaching, and missed opportunities to explain healthy habits. Ask how staff feedback now addresses these points.
• Attendance arrangements. The weekday opening window spans early morning to evening. Which booking pattern would fit your working week, including the Christmas closure?

Play Alma Mater suits families seeking year-round weekday care and parents who value practical independence and support tailored to individual needs. Its March 2026 inclusion judgement is the strongest part of the assessment. The balance is clear: thoughtful examples of care sit alongside a need for more consistent teaching interactions and clearer reinforcement of healthy habits.