Broadfield Community Primary School Nursery Review

Songs, rhymes and learning outdoors give Broadfield’s nursery its character. This is the school’s own provision on Sparrow Hill in Rochdale, with 52 part-time places for children aged three. Some places can accommodate 30 hours for families eligible for that funding.

Ofsted judged early years provision Good at the inspection on 13 and 14 December 2023. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Songs and rhymes help nursery children prepare for phonics. In December 2023, nursery children enjoyed singing and rhyming activities that prepared them well for phonics. For parents, the useful distinction is that this stage builds the foundations for later reading. Vocabulary and communication are also priorities across the early years, with the school aiming to help children use English socially as well as in their learning.

Books have a physical place in the classroom: every classroom has an area for reading. Early years projects draw on books connected with children’s interests, giving stories a role in what children explore. Nursery teaching takes place indoors and outside, including a nursery outdoor area.

Outdoor learning extends across the school. All children take part in at least one Outdoor Experience Day each academic year, led by a Forest School leader. The school’s Forest School grounds include a mud kitchen, a pond with a platform for dipping and a den-building area. These are concrete features to look at during a visit, alongside the nursery’s own outdoor space.

Settling begins before the first nursery session. A home visit lets children meet staff somewhere familiar, while parents can discuss their child and raise concerns privately. Stay-and-play sessions allow children to explore the nursery with a parent present. The two steps introduce both the people and the place.

In December 2023, staff built affectionate relationships quickly with children starting nursery. Support for additional needs sits within the school’s wider structure, which includes a full-time SENDCo. Entrances have level access or ramps, and the school works with parents and other agencies when assessing a child’s support requirements. Individual assessment matters: the school acknowledges that some children may need staffing or care beyond what it can provide.

Class Dojo carries class updates, curriculum information and reminders for parents. Writing workshops also include nursery families, offering another way to engage with children’s learning.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal local authority process; admissions to Broadfield are managed by the local authority. Treat that application as a separate task from arranging a nursery place.

Preparation for starting school includes a meeting for parents with the class teacher. Children due to start are also invited to a half-day visit in the Foundation Stage, usually in July. These arrangements help families become familiar with the next stage, but they do not secure admission.

September nursery places are for children who are three by the end of August. January starts are also offered for children who are three by the end of December. Eligibility for 30-hour funding allows some part-time places to be used as 30-hour places.

To arrange a nursery visit, call the school office on 01706 647580. A nursery staff member will show families around and discuss the provision. Parents can phone or visit the office to add their child to the nursery admission list.