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Nursery at Hollin Primary School
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Three rainbow challenges, time to follow an interest and books to share at home give Hollin’s nursery its character. This is the school’s own nursery in Middleton, with learning organised around children’s play as well as separate teaching sessions. Independent choices have a practical place in the day: children are encouraged to tackle the challenges themselves, with a reward at the week’s end.
Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Good at the inspection on 13 and 14 February 2024. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
The morning begins with children finding their own name among their classmates’ names. Families can reinforce name recognition at home using the nursery’s name card. It models an initial capital followed by lower-case letters. The nursery gate opens at 8.45am, followed by carpet teaching at 9am. Being on time means joining that shared learning from the start.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the framework for learning, alongside the Developments Matters guidance. In everyday terms, Hollin combines topics and children’s interests with separate teaching in mathematics, literacy, phonics and funky fingers. These sessions sit around changes of activity, leaving longer stretches for children to choose their learning in indoor and outdoor provision. Adult teaching and time to explore both have room in the timetable.
Sound awareness comes first in nursery. Letters and Sounds Phase 1 helps children listen closely and distinguish sounds; the wider early years reading approach uses Read, Write, Inc. Books also travel home for adults and children to enjoy together, extending vocabulary through stories. In nursery’s final term, a reading book goes home and is replaced each week. Half-termly story-sharing events give families another way to participate.
Cooking and baking feature in a planned experience each half term. Oral hygiene receives attention on the same half-termly cycle, connecting learning with everyday care habits.
A teacher and teaching assistants form the nursery team. Each week, three children become focus children: staff capture moments from their play and interactions, then share observations and photographs through Tapestry. Families receive advance notification. The journal also carries weekly homework and important messages, and allows parents to respond, making communication part of the routine.
Family Fridays invite parents into the classroom to spend time alongside their child and exchange the Class Library Book. The nursery acknowledges that parting afterwards can feel difficult for some children. In February 2024, older pupils helped early years children make friends and settle, while established routines supported children in following adults’ instructions. Familiar routines and connections with other children matter alongside the learning itself.
Language support starts with screening: nursery children complete WellComm screening at the beginning of the school year to identify those who may need additional help. Staff are trained to use the toolkit, and a school-based speech and language therapist works on Wednesdays. Families can contact the SEND coordinator through the school office. The Children’s Welfare Officer is also a contact for Early Help when a family needs coordinated support.
Separate application. Attending Hollin’s nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply again through the normal Reception admissions process and meet its deadline. Hollin’s admissions route is through Rochdale Local Authority, with an online application option. Nursery enrolment must not be treated as a Reception application.
For nursery enquiries, contact office@hollin.rochdale.sch.uk or telephone 0161 643 5148. Hollin’s uniform policy applies to all children: grey trousers or a skirt accompany a yellow polo shirt and blue cardigan or sweatshirt, with black shoes or plain black trainers.
The nursery asks families to label clothing and provide a hooded, warm coat every day. Keep a complete spare outfit at school, including socks and underwear. Practising coat fastenings at home supports the independence children are developing in class.
No. Reception requires a separate application through the normal admissions process. Hollin directs applications through Rochdale Local Authority.
The nursery gate opens at 8.45am and the morning carpet session starts at 9am.
Tapestry carries messages, weekly homework and observations. Parents are notified before their child’s focus week and can respond through the platform.
Children practise tuning into sounds through Letters and Sounds Phase 1. This is the nursery’s preparation before phase two phonics.
A labelled warm coat with a hood and a complete change of clothes, including underwear and socks. The nursery also asks families to label jumpers and shoes.
