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Nursery at Northmoor Academy
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.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, nursery rhymes and topics such as Minibeasts give Diamond Class its character. This is Northmoor Academy's own nursery in Oldham, part of The Harmony Trust, with provision for two-year-old children alongside funded nursery sessions for three- and four-year-olds. The focus is on the early steps: talking, playing, forming friendships and becoming more independent.
Early years provision was graded Good at the Ofsted inspection on 24 and 25 September 2024. That judgement covers the school's early years provision, rather than a separately inspected nursery. Reading and early number work were strengths; vocabulary development needed more attention.
Books are a regular part of Diamond Class learning. For 2026-2027, topics include Traditional Tales, Food, All about me, Minibeasts, Safari and People who help us. These give children familiar experiences and new subjects to talk about. Families are encouraged to read together at home and discuss stories, extending that conversation beyond the session.
The Early Years Foundation Stage approach aims to connect learning with children's own experiences. Northmoor describes learning through the senses and practical experiences, with independence, relationships and clear communication among its goals. In parent terms, the emphasis is on children exploring, asking questions and expressing what they want and need.
There are concrete examples of that approach. In October 2022, nursery activities included constructing rockets and buses in a workshop area, singing rhymes and talking during messy play. These brought making and language together. In September 2024, early years children enjoyed books with adults and learned new sounds confidently. Number rhymes helped them explore adding or taking away one, giving simple calculations a playful starting point.
Language development. In September 2024, some early years children were acquiring too narrow a vocabulary. Staff needed further preparation to help children learn the words they required. For families, support for communication deserves attention alongside the reading and number work.
Tapestry connects nursery learning with home: parents can check their child's learning and contribute through the app. Northmoor described its November 2025 nursery group as becoming comfortable, exploring activities and forming friendships. This gives a picture of that group's settling experience, rather than a promise about how quickly each new child will settle.
Children have a snack each session. Hot meals, where offered, require advance booking and payment through ParentPay; a voluntary snack contribution may apply. Those arrangements matter when planning food around a morning or afternoon place.
For children with SEND, the academy's support structure includes the class teacher and Trust SENDCo. Parents can discuss progress and concerns with either, and individual plan targets are reviewed with families each term. Transition planning for pupils with SEND involves liaison between teachers, parents and the SENDCo, helping the next staff team understand a child's needs.
A nursery place does not guarantee a Reception place at Northmoor Academy. Treat Reception as a separate application: apply again through the normal admissions route by the normal deadline. Familiarity with the school must not be mistaken for a secured place.
SEND transition planning is a support arrangement. It should be considered separately from the decision about allocating a Reception place.
Morning sessions run from 08:30 to 11:30; afternoon sessions run from 12:30 to 15:30. Nursery applications go directly to the academy office. Enquiries can be made on 0161 260 0482 or at info@northmoor.theharmonytrust.org.
For eligible two-year-olds, the targeted offer provides 15 funded hours a week from the term following their second birthday. Families apply through the local authority and need a valid funding code. Three- and four-year-olds have a universal 15-hour entitlement; eligible working families may access up to 30 hours. This funding is term-time only, beginning in the term following the third birthday. Working-family codes must be supplied and regularly reconfirmed, and an unconfirmed eligibility position means the academy cannot hold the place.
Ask the academy for current meal charges. The academy uniform includes a blue sweatshirt or cardigan, a white top and black or grey bottoms; clothing should be labelled with the child's name.
Morning nursery runs from 08:30 to 11:30, and afternoon nursery from 12:30 to 15:30.
No. A nursery place does not guarantee Reception admission at Northmoor Academy. Families should make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process.
Eligible two-year-olds may receive 15 hours weekly from the term after their second birthday, with a valid local authority funding code. Three- and four-year-olds have 15 universal hours; eligible working families may access up to 30. The latter funding is term-time only from the term after the third birthday, and working-family codes require regular reconfirmation.
Parents can check and contribute to their child's learning through Tapestry. Reading and talking about stories together at home are also encouraged.
Children receive a daily session snack. Hot meals are available where offered and must be booked and paid for in advance through ParentPay. A voluntary contribution towards snacks may apply; contact the academy for current meal charges.
