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Nursery at Norden Primary Academy
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Morning or afternoon nursery sessions, with Busy Bees care bookable around the school day: Norden’s practical character is its combination of shorter sessions and additional childcare. The nursery belongs to Norden Primary Academy, part of The Harmony Trust, on Shawfield Lane in Norden, Rochdale.
Funding arrangements cover three- and four-year-olds and eligible two-year-olds, with different eligibility rules for each group. Nursery teaching staff and support staff are assigned to the class. We hold no published inspection grade for it.
The morning session runs from 8:30am to 11:30am; the afternoon runs from noon to 3pm. These give families two distinct session windows rather than a single compulsory full day. Children receive a snack during their session.
Busy Bees extends the childcare options for nursery pupils. Its activities include both adult-led and child-led choices, giving children some scope to choose alongside organised activities. Breakfast care runs from 7:30am to 8:30am, and afternoon care from 3pm to 6pm. The Community Hall door is the collection and drop-off point for this provision, with collection possible during the afternoon session.
Food arrangements require some planning. Hot meals are offered where available and must be booked and paid for ahead of time through ParentPay. The daily nursery snack is part of the session; a voluntary contribution may apply. Busy Bees breakfast care includes breakfast choices and drinks, while its afternoon provision includes snacks and drinks.
For children with additional needs, the academy aims to include pupils as far as reasonably possible and help them progress whatever their needs. Its SEND information covers sensory and physical needs, communication and interaction, learning and cognition, and social, emotional and mental health difficulties. Rochdale’s Local Offer provides families with information about support and services from birth to 25 years. This gives parents a wider service directory alongside discussions with the academy.
A nursery place does not guarantee a Reception place at Norden. Families must make a separate Reception application through Rochdale’s normal primary admissions process. The local authority handles school admissions, while the academy handles nursery applications: these are distinct routes, so accepting a nursery place does not complete the next application.
Keep the Reception application separate from nursery booking and funding arrangements. Apply through the local authority within the relevant application timetable.
Nursery applications go directly to the academy office. Application packs can be downloaded or collected, but completed applications must be brought to the office for checks of the child’s birth certificate and proof of address. Enquiries can go to info@norden.theharmonytrust.org or 01706 641013.
Three- and four-year-olds have a universal entitlement of 15 funded hours weekly; eligible working families can access up to 30. Funding operates during term time, starting in the term following the third birthday. The extended entitlement requires a valid code that parents regularly reconfirm; an unconfirmed eligibility position means the academy cannot retain the place.
Eligible two-year-olds may receive 15 funded hours weekly from the term following their second birthday. Families apply through the local authority and must supply a valid code. Additional hours and hot meals carry charges; contact the academy for current charges. Busy Bees needs advance booking through Parentmail because places are limited.
Morning sessions run from 8:30am to 11:30am, and afternoon sessions from noon to 3pm.
Yes. Nursery pupils can use Busy Bees from 7:30am to 8:30am and from 3pm to 6pm. Booking through Parentmail is essential because numbers are limited.
No. A nursery place does not guarantee a Reception place. Families make a separate application through Rochdale’s primary admissions process.
Three- and four-year-olds receive 15 universal funded hours weekly, with up to 30 for eligible working families. Eligible two-year-olds may receive 15 weekly funded hours. The relevant eligibility and funding-code requirements apply.
Apply directly to the academy office. Return the application there so the child’s birth certificate and proof of address can be checked.
