Heybrook Primary School Nursery Review

Songs, pretend play and a large garden give Heybrook’s nursery its own character. Part of Heybrook Primary School, it operates on South Street in Rochdale, separately from the main school site. Children can start in the term following their second birthday, with provision for two- and three-year-olds.

The admissions policy sets a maximum of 12 morning places for two-year-olds, subject to staffing ratios, and 52 places in each morning and afternoon session for the three-year-old provision. These are session capacities, rather than a single nursery roll. Children may transfer to the three-year-old room during their third birthday term, with room allocation decided according to their needs.

Play carries the learning. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) approach combines activities guided by adults with children’s own choices, giving space both for teaching and for independent exploration. Language is a clear thread: children practise making requests, talking during play and expressing feelings. The nursery curriculum organises development into three steps to accommodate children starting at different points in the year.

Indoors, the role-play area supports make-believe, while small-world toys let children create their own scenes. Paint, sand and playdough provide opportunities to experiment with marks and materials. Mathematics starts with practical experiences, including stacking objects, comparing amounts and counting during play. These are learning activities children can handle, move and talk about.

Outside, the large garden supports movement, including ball and bike skills. Garden themes connect language with plants and living creatures; the curriculum also includes caterpillars and a visit from farm animals. Phase 1 phonics explores rhyme, voices and other sounds, with familiar songs such as Twinkle Twinkle Little Star providing repeated practice in listening and joining in.

In October 2023, Ofsted found that nursery children participated confidently in rhymes and singing, and that early-years children developed sharing and turn-taking skills. The school-wide improvement action concerned clearer definitions of essential knowledge in a few subjects; it was not identified as a nursery-specific weakness.

Settling starts before the first session. A home visit follows the offer of a place, and children begin with reduced sessions over their first few days. Parents usually join a stay-and-play session. Bilingual teachers are available to answer questions, providing a practical way for families to discuss concerns.

The curriculum gives the key person a role in reassurance and emotional comfort. Care routines also become learning opportunities: children work towards managing coats, eating independently and using the toilet with help before doing so themselves. Half-termly curriculum newsletters give parents a connection to classroom learning and vocabulary.

The October 2023 inspection found that trained nursery staff recognised additional needs early, enabling support to begin promptly. SEND provision uses assessment, planning, action and review, with parents involved and support adjusted termly. Intervention is allocated according to need rather than requiring a diagnosis.

Lunch arrangements. Full-time attendance includes supervision over lunch, but the nursery does not supply food during that break. Agree the food arrangements when accepting a full-time place.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Rochdale Council, which handles school admissions. The policy directs parents to meet the deadline on the council application form; its reference to the end of January also says the date varies annually. Use the council’s deadline for your child’s entry year.

For children with SEND, the same SENCo oversees nursery and school provision. Transition visits allow children to become familiar with their next setting before starting. That preparation supports the move; it does not secure admission.

Morning sessions run from 8.30am to 11.30am; afternoons run from 12.15pm to 3.15pm. Full-time attendance spans 8.30am to 3.15pm. Booking patterns are five sessions weekly, with morning, afternoon or full-time places; a preferred session cannot be guaranteed.

The admissions policy describes a universal 15-hour entitlement for three-year-olds and conditional 30-hour places requiring a valid eligibility code, application within the DFE time frames, termly eligibility checks and renewal. Two-year-old funded places may use a local-authority Golden Ticket or Working Parent code, but the policy excludes 30-hour provision for that age group. Additional hours can be charged where the required code is invalid. Contact the school for current charges.

Enquiries go directly to the nursery on 01706 645435 or office@heybrook.org. Children are asked to wear a school jumper or cardigan with comfortable, washable clothes suitable for indoor and outdoor play.