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Nursery at St Chad's Church of England 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Woodland play and a teacher-led pre-school give Little Doves its character. This nursery and pre-school opened in September 2025 within St Chad's Church of England Primary School in Uppermill, welcoming children aged 2–4. It operates during term time, so its calendar suits families looking for nursery care around school terms.
The provision is integrated into the primary school, with a Christian ethos that the school describes through love, service and respect. Nursery practitioners support children's development and practical life skills, while the pre-school has a teacher-led structure. That distinction gives families a clear picture of how the provision is organised as children approach school age.
Play shapes the learning. Little Doves follows the 2025 Early Years Foundation Stage framework alongside Development Matters guidance, adapting experiences to individual children. In parent language, the emphasis is on building skills and understanding through activities suited to each child's development, rather than expecting everyone to progress identically.
Forest School provides a concrete outdoor focus: the woodland supplies natural materials for exploration, practical challenges and imaginative play. Outdoor activity happens both through planned sessions and spontaneous opportunities. Children explore seasonal changes in different weather, giving them direct experience of the natural world rather than learning about it only indoors.
Across the school's early years provision, design and technology begins with connecting materials and making things from children's own ideas. Food activities introduce pouring, cutting and mixing, linking hand coordination with conversations about hygiene and nutrition. These are practical ways to combine learning with everyday skills.
Teaching assistants hold Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications and paediatric first-aid certificates. For everyday personal care, families supply their child's nappies and wipes; staff tell parents when supplies need replenishing. Dummies may be permitted while a child settles, but are not allowed beyond that period. This is a useful routine to prepare for before starting.
A school lunch is expected for every child in the Early Years Unit and carries a separate charge. Breakfast and snacks are included in the relevant wraparound sessions, so food arrangements depend on the hours booked.
For children needing additional support, the school's approach centres on discussions between parents and the class teacher, with the SENCo involved as concerns require further assessment. Support can involve a learning support assistant or specialist service, individually or in a group. The school also has early years staff trained in therapeutic play and mental health first aid, adding specific expertise to its support team.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place or confer admissions priority. Families must make a separate Reception application. For Oldham residents seeking September 2027 entry, the online application period runs from 1 September 2026 to 15 January 2027.
Where applications exceed places, priority follows care status, exceptional medical or social circumstances, a qualifying sibling link and proximity to school. Nursery attendance is not one of those criteria. Invitations to meet the class, teachers and other children in the term before starting help with familiarity; they are separate from the allocation of places.
Monday to Friday, families can choose a full day from 8:45am to 3:15pm, a morning from 8:45am to 11:45am, or an afternoon from 12:15pm to 3:15pm. Little Doves closes on bank holidays. Depending on family circumstances, children may qualify for 15 or 30 funded hours each week. Contact the school for current session and lunch charges; nursery charges remain payable during sickness or absence.
Wraparound care admits nursery children, with breakfast care starting at 7:30am and after-school care extending to 5:45pm. Book through Arbor. For enquiries or a school visit, contact the office on 01457 875151 or info@stc.fa1.uk.
Clothing is straightforward: a white polo, grey bottoms and a grey jumper, with dark shoes or trainers. Branding is optional. Keep wellies and a waterproof outdoor suit at school for woodland activity. Parents must notify staff before someone different collects their child; unfamiliar collectors also require a password.
Little Doves welcomes children aged 2–4 and is integrated into St Chad's Church of England Primary School.
Full days run from 8:45am to 3:15pm, mornings from 8:45am to 11:45am and afternoons from 12:15pm to 3:15pm, Monday to Friday during term time.
Depending on family circumstances, children may be eligible for 15 or 30 funded hours per week. School lunch has a separate charge.
No. Nursery attendance confers no admissions priority. Oldham residents must apply separately through the council's online system, by 15 January 2027 for September 2027 entry.
Families provide nappies and wipes where needed, plus wellies and a waterproof outdoor suit. Dummies may be allowed during settling, but not afterwards.
