Springhead Infant and Nursery School Nursery Review

Lunchtime counts as learning at Springhead: choosing food, becoming more independent and sharing a meal are part of the nursery curriculum. That gives everyday routines a clear purpose alongside books and conversation.

Caterpillars is the nursery class at Springhead Infant and Nursery School on Cooper Street in Springhead, Oldham. Funded early education places cater for eligible children aged three to four. The nursery belongs to the school's early years provision. Ofsted's January 2026 report assessed early years as meeting the Expected standard; this is an early years judgement within the school inspection.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings learning and development into ordinary experiences. Here, mealtimes provide a concrete example: children practise doing things for themselves, encounter unfamiliar foods and learn through eating together. For children attending full days, lunch therefore has a place in the educational day as well as meeting a practical need.

Conversation is another important feature. In January 2026, adults used exchanges with children to extend their vocabulary and encourage thought. Books, questions and the choice of language received careful attention. This gives children opportunities to develop their ideas with an adult, rather than simply answer a question and move on. Across early years, children developed confidence and coordination in movement.

Activity choices. Some early years activities did not teach their intended content effectively enough in January 2026. Improving that match was the required next step. Families should weigh the purposeful language work alongside this limitation in the learning day.

Recognising additional needs starts in Nursery. In January 2026, identification of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) was prompt and effective, with parents, earlier settings and outside agencies involved. This matters for children who need extra help: support can begin during their nursery education.

The school's SEND approach includes adjusting teaching materials and the curriculum, reviewing individual progress and involving parents in those reviews. Children receiving SEN support learn with their peers. A direct SENCo contact form provides a route for families to discuss additional needs.

Communication about learning was regular and effective across early years in January 2026. Emotional learning also begins in the foundation stage: children are encouraged to explain their feelings and connect them with actions and relationships. That gives adults and children a shared way to talk about difficult emotions.

School dinners are encouraged for children attending full days, but taking them is optional. Families declining dinners should discuss alternative meal arrangements with the school.

Attending Springhead's nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route by the normal deadline. Treat choosing nursery and applying for Reception as two distinct decisions, and follow the applicable admission arrangements for the Reception application.

Eligible children can use their 30 funded hours from 9am to 3pm without buying extra time or services. Optional paid hours extend attendance to align with the school day, taking the nursery week to 32.5 hours. The funded-only option remains a separate choice. Refer to the school for current charges for additional hours and meals.

Nursery applications use the policy and application form hosted on the federation website, reached through Springhead's Nursery Admissions page. For enquiries, contact the school on 0161 770 5620 or info@springhead.oldham.sch.uk. The term dates page includes a separate nursery calendar for 2026–2027, so use the nursery calendar when planning attendance.