Smithy Bridge Foundation Primary School Nursery

Language, play and learning to cooperate give Smithy Bridge's nursery its character. This is the nursery class within Smithy Bridge Foundation Primary School on Bridgenorth Drive in Littleborough, with an EYFS phase leader forming part of the school leadership team. Children can start during the term of their third birthday through the Rising 3s entry route, alongside the usual start in the following term.

Ofsted judged the school's early years provision Good at its inspection on 18 and 19 October 2023. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.

Play and exploration are part of the school's stated approach to acquiring knowledge and skills, with repeated interactions helping learning stick. Its curriculum drivers are Emotional Wellbeing, Personal Responsibility and Diversity. For a nursery child, this places learning alongside relationships and the experience of being part of a group.

The early years foundation stage (EYFS) includes science through Understanding of the World here. Music uses Charanga across EYFS, with classroom activities involving listening, singing, making music and performing. These give children ways to explore ideas through sound as well as words.

Language support is a strength grounded in the October 2023 findings: nursery staff were skilled in helping children develop their language. Across early years, children learned routines promptly, paid attention to adults and worked cooperatively with other children. Those everyday habits matter for taking part in shared activities.

Curriculum sequencing. In October 2023, a few subjects still needed clearer decisions about essential knowledge, with the improvement action explicitly extending from early years onwards. Families should weigh the positive language findings alongside this concern about how learning builds over time.

For children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), the school uses a graduated approach: identifying needs early and providing support as those needs develop. Parents raise concerns with the child's teacher first, then the SEND coordinator if further help is needed. This gives families a clear sequence of contacts.

Meetings with a class teacher or phase leader can be arranged through the office. Safeguarding concerns go to the designated safeguarding lead or deputy leads, who oversee procedures, training and child protection records. Early years online safety teaching also covers seeking adult help and responding to unexpected material on a screen.

Behaviour expectations. The October 2023 findings included a school-wide concern that expectations were reinforced unevenly by staff. This sits alongside the positive early years findings about cooperation and routines, rather than establishing a nursery-specific behaviour problem.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Parents must make a separate Reception application through Rochdale Council. For September 2026 entry, the school's listed deadline was 15 January 2026; that admissions cycle is now past.

Get Ready with Teddy is offered to families preparing for Reception, with an emphasis on preparation at home. Treat that support separately from the application process: getting ready for school does not secure admission.

Wraparound care accepts nursery children and operates in the school hall. Morning care begins at 7:45am and runs until school starts; afternoon care runs from 3:30pm to 6:00pm. Children receive drinks and hot or cold snacks during club sessions. Morning access is through the hall door on the KS2 yard, while afternoon access is through the school office.

Club places are allocated in application order, with a waiting list when places are taken. Payment is required in advance, and late collection attracts an additional charge. Contact the office for current charges and bookings: 01706 378 083 or office@sbs.rochdale.sch.uk. School visits can also be arranged through the office by appointment.