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Nursery at Propps Hall Junior Infant and Nursery 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Traditional tales give Darwins, Propps Hall's nursery class, a clear starting point: children learn to retell stories with enthusiasm, while everyday routines build independence. This is the school's own provision for three- and four-year-olds in Failsworth. Children join during the school year of their fourth birthday and usually spend a year in nursery.
Darwins belongs to the school's Foundation Stage. At the Ofsted inspection on 19 and 20 November 2024, early years provision received an Outstanding judgement. That judgement covers the early years provision within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.
Play provides the main route into learning. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together physical development, language, early number skills, reading and writing, creativity, understanding the world and learning to manage feelings and relationships. For parents, that means learning extends beyond an early reading or maths activity: playing with others and becoming more independent count too.
Storytelling gives this approach a concrete focus. In November 2024, nursery children were eager participants in retelling familiar tales. They also listened attentively to adults and were learning to persist when something proved difficult. These are useful foundations for taking part in group activities and staying with a task.
Lunchtime continues the learning. Shared meals give children practice in making food choices, trying unfamiliar textures and managing everyday tasks for themselves. Eating together also creates an opportunity to practise social skills. The school encourages children attending full days to have a school dinner, while keeping that choice optional.
Settling begins before the first nursery session, with an introductory home visit from nursery staff. The early years home visits described in the school's SEND offer allow families to exchange information about their child and help staff plan equipment, adaptations or involvement from other agencies where needed.
Physical access is a concrete strength of the layout: the school occupies one level and has wide doors inside and outside. Its SEND resources include visual timetables, easy-grip pencils and visual timers. These give staff practical ways to adapt activities to individual needs. Parents take part in Person Centred Reviews with the class teacher, SENCo and relevant professionals.
The 2025–2026 prospectus describes a Foundation Stage team of two teachers and two learning support assistants across the provision. Nursery assessments begin on entry and continue to track progress, with assessment information accessible to parents. Teachers are also available for information sharing at the beginning and end of the day.
Orian prepares school meals on site, and parents book them online before the school day begins. Dinner is optional for nursery children; families choosing another arrangement discuss it with the school. Milk is provided free for children in early years.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. The school handles nursery admissions, while Oldham Council controls Reception admissions. Families must make a separate Reception application through the council's normal process and meet the applicable deadline. Treat that application as a distinct step, even if your child already attends Darwins.
Part-time attendance follows two patterns: Session 1 combines Monday and Tuesday full days with Wednesday morning; Session 2 combines Wednesday afternoon with Thursday and Friday full days. Full-time places are also offered.
For children eligible for 30 funded hours, the funded-only day runs from 9:00am to 3:00pm. Families can choose optional additional time to align attendance with the school day, bringing the week to 32.5 hours. Neither extra hours nor additional services are compulsory purchases to access funded entitlement. Ask the school for current optional charges.
Nursery applications use the policy and form linked from the Nursery Admissions page to the federation website. The school office is the enquiry route on 0161 770 8400. Uniform is compulsory: grey or black trousers or a skirt, a white shirt or polo shirt, a navy jumper or cardigan and black school shoes.
Children enter in the school year when they turn four. The nursery offers funded early education for eligible three- and four-year-olds.
Session 1 covers Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday morning. Session 2 covers Wednesday afternoon, Thursday and Friday. Full-time places are also offered, with a 9:00am to 3:00pm funded-only option for children eligible for 30 hours.
No. School dinners are encouraged for full-day children, but the meal charge is optional. Families choosing another arrangement discuss it with the school.
Nursery staff make an introductory home visit before children start. This gives families an opportunity to share information about their child.
No. Reception requires a separate application through Oldham Council's normal admissions process, by the applicable deadline.
