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Nursery at Hodge Clough 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Stories, new words and growing independence give Hodge Clough’s nursery its character. Books are shared several times a day, and a Word of the Week gives families a specific starting point for conversation at home. Language is a clear thread through the nursery’s activities.
The nursery belongs to Hodge Clough Primary School and sits at the Wilkes Street site in Moorside. The Lower School grounds include a polytunnel for growing vegetables and plants, alongside a Bug Hotel for minibeasts. These are concrete features of the site’s gardening provision.
Reading takes several forms: children hear stories as a class, share books in smaller groups and choose books themselves. Books also go home and can be exchanged regularly. That connects the nursery’s interest in stories with time spent reading together as a family.
Traditional Tales introduces familiar characters through books including Three Little Pigs and Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Alien Invasion turns the focus towards space, with Aliens Love Underpants among the books used. Trouble on the Farm explores farm life; past activities have included a trip to Smithills Farm, visiting animals and eggs kept in an incubator. These are examples of previous experiences, rather than promises of future trips.
In July 2024, Ofsted identified nursery activities that developed recognition of letters and sounds. This gives children an early foundation for learning to read. Vocabulary work also extends beyond storytime: families are encouraged to describe what is happening during play and ask questions that invite explanations.
Independence has practical expectations. Children are expected to manage toileting themselves when they join, and families are asked to leave spare clothes on their child’s peg for accidents. Practising coat fastenings, zips and buttons at home supports the same emphasis on self-care.
Parentmail carries most school communications, so registration matters for keeping in touch. For families seeking SEND advice, POINT provides a parent-support route, while Oldham’s SEND Local Offer covers children, young people and their families.
Lunch boxes must contain no nut products. They are checked, and nut products are removed: this is a school-wide precaution for pupils with nut allergies, relevant when preparing food to bring in.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. The school manages nursery entry, while Oldham Council organises Reception admissions separately. Families must make a separate Reception application through that route.
The allocation priorities described are special educational needs or being looked after, followed by siblings at the school and then distance from home. Treat the nursery choice and the Reception application as separate decisions; familiarity with the school does not secure admission.
The Covid-era nursery session pattern was 8.40am to 11.40am for mornings and noon to 3pm for afternoons, with doors opening at 8.30am. These are historical timings associated with restrictions and staggered arrangements.
For nursery enquiries, contact the school on 01617705790. At Wilkes Street, parents’ cars cannot enter the school car park, including for nursery lunches and collection. Plan collection around that restriction.
No. Nursery entry is managed by the school, and a separate Reception application goes through Oldham Council.
They hear whole-class stories, read together in smaller groups and choose books independently. Books are also sent home to share and can be changed regularly.
Children are expected to use the toilet independently. Families are asked to leave spare clothing at nursery and practise dressing skills, including coat fastenings.
No nut products should be brought into school. Lunch boxes are monitored and nut products removed because some pupils have nut allergies.
No. Parent vehicles cannot enter, including for nursery lunches and collection.
