Springside Primary School Nursery Review

An enthusiastic start to reading and children who settle quickly give Springside’s early years provision its clearest character. The nursery belongs to Springside Primary School on Springside Road in Bury. It is part of a primary school, so the relevant inspection judgement covers early years within the school rather than a separately graded nursery.

Ofsted judged early years provision Good at the inspection on 25 and 26 February 2025. That is a useful starting point for families, but the more telling details concern how children settle and begin to use their learning.

Early reading supplies the strongest concrete picture of learning here. In February 2025, children in early years had secure phonics knowledge and were keen to use it when beginning to read and write words. The connection matters: knowledge of sounds was supporting children’s first attempts at written language, rather than remaining an isolated learning exercise.

That finding gives parents something more specific than a general promise of preparation for school. Children were beginning to put their knowledge to work. It describes an early years experience in which enthusiasm and the foundations of reading were working together.

Children also enjoyed the learning and development opportunities offered in early years. The emphasis extended beyond reading alone: those opportunities supported both learning and wider development. For a family considering the nursery, this adds a second dimension to the picture, alongside the clear evidence about children’s first reading and writing.

Settling is a strength of the early years picture. In February 2025, children adjusted quickly, giving families a concrete indication of how the beginning of school life was working at that point. This matters because becoming comfortable in a new setting is part of being ready to take part in its activities.

Their enjoyment of the opportunities around them adds useful context. The evidence describes children engaging with learning once settled, connecting the emotional adjustment to participation in the nursery experience.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply separately for Reception through the normal admissions process and meet the applicable deadline. Choosing the nursery and obtaining a Reception place are separate decisions; the early years judgement should not be read as an admissions assurance.

For parents planning ahead, that distinction matters alongside the learning itself. The positive evidence about settling and early phonics describes children’s experience, rather than an entitlement to remain at the school.

Springside Primary School’s address is Springside Road, Walmersley, Bury, BL9 5JB. Nursery enquiries can be directed to the school by telephone on 0161 764 2348 or by email at springside@prestoleetrust.org. These provide a direct contact route for families considering the provision.