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Nursery at South Failsworth Community 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Rhymes, bedtime books and a travelling bear give South Failsworth’s nursery its character. Daily stories run alongside questions about animals, growing things and people who help us, giving children familiar starting points for exploration. This is the school’s own nursery on Paddock Lane in Failsworth, with entry from age three.
Early years provision was graded Good at the Ofsted inspection of 16 and 17 April 2024. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Play has a deliberate place in the timetable. Within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), periods of independent exploration alternate with teaching led by adults, so children have time to try out what they have just learned. Language, early number work and learning about other people sit alongside that play. Regular Forest School sessions, visitors and trips extend the early years curriculum beyond classroom activities.
Nursery Rhymes starts the year, with familiar verses used to develop movement and hand skills. Children’s interests then help shape the topics: animals’ homes, how things grow and the people who help them provide prompts for asking questions. Stories supply material for learning across the curriculum.
Rhyme Time leads into Phase 1 Phonics. In April 2024, nursery children were practising rhyme and identifying sounds in their surroundings, building the listening skills needed for later phonics. Early years children also listened attentively, followed directions and enjoyed talking about their learning.
The class library adds a practical link with home. From the first week after October half term, children can exchange a bedtime book on Fridays, returning the previous book in a named bag. Ted, the nursery’s Everywhere Bear, also takes turns going home on Friday. Families add drawings, photographs or notes to his diary and return him on Wednesday, giving children something personal to share with classmates.
Before children start, staff collect information from families and relevant professionals about their experiences and needs. That gives the team a starting point for planning around the individual child.
School Spider carries photographs, videos and messages about nursery learning, including a weekly update on Rhyme Time or phonics. Parents can pass brief messages to the teacher or arrange a telephone conversation for a longer discussion. The combination makes everyday communication possible while leaving space for more detailed concerns.
For additional needs, the school’s SEND approach includes curriculum adjustments and family involvement in decisions. Parents raise concerns with the class teacher first; the SEND coordinator works with teachers and senior leaders. First aiders are on site, and teachers tell families about accidents and the action taken. Snacks and lunch form part of the full-time nursery arrangement.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal local authority process by the deadline for their child’s intake. Oldham allocates places, and the school’s listed Reception criteria cover care status, exceptional medical or welfare circumstances, siblings and distance. Nursery attendance is not a priority criterion in that list.
Listening and rhyme work prepare children for the next stage of learning. That educational preparation is separate from admission entitlement.
Part-time places follow a five-morning or five-afternoon pattern. The admissions page gives morning sessions as 9am to noon and afternoons as 12.30pm to 3.25pm. Eligible working families can use the 30-hour entitlement for full-day attendance; eligibility must be renewed every three months. Additional hours and meals can carry charges, which the school describes as voluntary. Contact the office for current charges and alternative arrangements.
Collection times. The admissions page gives different full-day collection options, while the opening-times page gives nursery finishing time as 3.25pm. Agree the collection time for the booked pattern before starting.
Foundation clothing includes a red polo shirt and jumper or cardigan, navy bottoms and black footwear. Wellies and red waterproof clothing stay at school. Nursery applications can be completed online or on paper through the office; general enquiries go to 0161 681 6351 or info@southfailsworth.oldham.sch.uk.
Children can join from age three. The nursery is part of South Failsworth Community Primary School.
Children share stories and rhymes daily, beginning with Rhyme Time before moving to Phase 1 Phonics. Families receive weekly learning updates through School Spider.
Yes. The part-time pattern is five mornings or five afternoons. The school lists mornings as 9am to noon and afternoons as 12.30pm to 3.25pm.
No. Reception requires a separate application, and nursery attendance is not included in the school’s listed Reception priority criteria.
Parents can share a brief message with the nursery teacher or arrange a telephone conversation. For specific additional-needs concerns, the class teacher is the first contact.
