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Nursery at Beech House 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Counting, putting on coats and taking turns give Beech House’s nursery its character: early learning includes practical independence as well as number work. The early years provision serves children aged two to four within this independent school in Rochdale. Nursery belongs to the Lower Preparatory department, whose address is Broadfield Stile, Drake Street, rather than the senior school’s Manchester Road site.
In February 2024, ISI recorded one nursery class within the early years setting. This places the provision within a school department for younger children, on a separate site from the main school.
Children’s interests shape the learning. In February 2024, early years staff used what they knew about individual children to choose activities and extend existing skills. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together learning to communicate, think, create, move and manage feelings and relationships. Here, those areas are developed through activities planned around children’s needs and what they can already do.
Number work has concrete substance. Nursery children demonstrated counting up to 10, simple addition and subtraction, and an understanding that these operations change quantities. That gives parents a clearer picture than a general promise of preparation for school: children were making sense of numbers as well as reciting them.
Movement and social learning also have a place. Dedicated PE sessions give early years children opportunities for physical activity. Learning about different faiths includes celebrating feast days, while turns as classroom monitors introduce responsibility. Sharing equipment and waiting for a turn provide everyday practice in getting along with others.
Independence develops through small tasks. In February 2024, children practised getting their hats and coats on before going outdoors, and staff demonstrated the behaviour they wanted children to adopt. Fresh fruit accompanied snack time, alongside explanations about healthy eating. An optional school lunch appears in the September 2021 fee schedule; families should obtain current charges from the school.
Supervision and staff preparation are concrete strengths in the dated early years findings. Staffing met the required ratios, safeguarding procedures were followed, and staff had the relevant training. Early years staff also held paediatric first aid training, with illness and injury recorded and parents notified. These arrangements connect daily supervision with a response when a child needs care.
Early years leaders were accessible to parents for conversations about learning and progress. The staff listing includes early years teaching qualifications at degree and PGCE level, plus a Foundation Degree for an early years teaching assistant.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families should confirm Reception entry arrangements directly with the school.
Beech House’s admissions terms express an expectation that children joining Nursery or Preparatory classes will stay until age eleven. That expectation is a family commitment, not a promise of Reception priority. Places are offered at the head’s discretion, so the distinction matters when considering a longer relationship with the school.
The September 2021 fee schedule includes full-time provision, a five-half-day pattern and additional sessions. It also describes part-time provision using either 15 or 30 hours of flexible entitlement, with additional time beyond the 15-hour entitlement charged separately. Treat this as a dated description of the charging structure and obtain current charges directly from the school.
Holiday Club extends provision into another twelve weeks of the year for children from the term in which they turn three. Hours are 08:30 to 17:00, with daily or weekly bookings. Advance booking is required, and booked attendance remains chargeable if the child does not attend. This age condition matters for families considering care for a two-year-old.
To arrange a viewing, contact the main school secretary for an appointment. Nursery enquiries can also go through the contact form or the Lower Preparatory telephone number, 01706 645985.
The fee schedule identifies early years provision for ages two to four.
It belongs to the Lower Preparatory department at Broadfield Stile, Drake Street, Rochdale, OL16 1UT.
Activities build on children’s interests and existing skills. In February 2024, nursery children demonstrated counting to 10 and simple addition and subtraction; early years activities also included PE, sharing equipment and practising independence.
No. Confirm Reception entry arrangements directly with the school. The school’s expectation of attendance until age eleven does not establish Reception priority.
Children qualify from the term in which they turn three. Holiday Club operates from 08:30 to 17:00 for an additional twelve weeks of the year, requires advance booking and charges for bookings even when unused.
