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Nursery at St Michael's Church of England Primary School, Bamford
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Inspection data and key information above update regularly, however, this review below is refreshed bi-annually and may not reflect recent changes. Contact the nursery directly to confirm current arrangements. If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Stories, rhymes and learning to prepare a snack give this nursery its character: language and independence develop together. Nursery forms part of St Michael's Church of England Primary School, Bamford, with its own class teacher and teaching assistant. Ofsted graded the school's early years provision Outstanding at its inspection on 8 and 9 May 2024. That judgement covers early years across the school rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Play shapes the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum here. Children have opportunities to choose their own play alongside activities led by adults. The approach brings physical development, communication, thinking and emotional development together, so learning involves more than early reading and counting. Predictable routines and relationships with adults are part of that daily framework.
Stories and rhymes are central to Nursery learning. In May 2024, children in early years joined learning activities enthusiastically, while counting games helped build their understanding of numbers. Independence also had a practical expression: adults taught children how to handle knives safely when making their snacks. These are useful foundations for children learning to do things for themselves.
For activities at home, the nursery links to Dough Disco, Squiggle Whilst You Wiggle and Cosmic Kids Yoga. These give parents named starting points for joining in beyond the classroom. Nursery children could also participate in the July 2026 sports day at Bamford Chapel; parents accompanying children outside their usual Monday morning attendance had to stay with them.
Food arrangements are straightforward. Nursery supplies a healthy snack, with water and/or milk, and parents can send an alternative to cow's milk when their child needs it. Lunch can be a school dinner or a packed meal from home. Families bring spare clothing and, where appropriate, nappies or pull-ups and wipes, making those care supplies part of the daily bag.
Tapestry connects classroom learning with home. Parents can follow their child's learning journey and contribute photographs or videos of activities outside school. Stay, Play & Share sessions provide another opportunity for involvement. Together, these offer ways to take part rather than relying solely on a conversation at collection.
For additional needs, the school's SENCo can be reached by email. A school-wide concern in May 2024 was that some parents of children with SEND felt negatively about the support their children received. Coffee mornings had been introduced to discuss progress and concerns. Families should distinguish that communication issue from the nursery's everyday arrangements.
Attending this nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline. Treat choosing the nursery and applying for Reception as separate decisions; familiarity with the school does not secure admission.
Full uniform is required, with black shoes fastened by Velcro; nursery children do not need a PE kit. Pack wellies and a waterproof coat, plus hats or gloves suited to the weather. Label clothing and belongings, and use a PE bag or reading packet to carry them.
Contact the school office on 01706 369339 or email office@stmichaelscebam.rochdale.sch.uk for nursery enquiries. Open days for prospective nursery families take place in November and January, with details obtainable from late October. Visits at other convenient times can also be arranged through the office.
No. Nursery attendance does not guarantee admission to Reception, and families must make a separate application through the normal admissions process.
Nursery provides a healthy snack and milk and/or water. Parents may supply an alternative to cow's milk if needed. Send a packed lunch if your child will not have a school dinner.
Use Tapestry to view your child's learning journey and share photographs or videos from home. Look out for Stay, Play & Share sessions too.
Full school uniform and black Velcro school shoes are required. No PE kit is needed for nursery. Bring weather-appropriate clothing, wellies and spare clothes, with belongings labelled.
Yes. The school offers open days in November and January and can arrange visits at other convenient times through the office. Telephone 01706 369339.
