The FMS Inspection Score is FindMySchool's proprietary analysis based on official Ofsted and ISI inspection reports. It converts ratings into a standardised 1–10 scale for fair comparison across all schools in England.
Disclaimer: The FMS Inspection Score is an independent analysis by FindMySchool. It is not endorsed by or affiliated with Ofsted or ISI. Always refer to the official Ofsted or ISI report for the full picture of a school’s inspection outcome.
Nursery at St Andrew's Church of England Primary School and Nursery
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Sound games, shared play and learning to manage everyday tasks give St Andrew’s nursery its character. This is the nursery within St Andrew's Church of England Primary School and Nursery on Union Road, Rochdale, welcoming children from age 3. Full-time teachers work alongside teaching assistants, so the staffing model includes both teaching and classroom support.
The school describes its nursery as calm and welcoming. Its Christian ethos centres on forgiveness, friendship, honesty and respect. In March 2026, Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision to meet the Expected standard. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.
Development Matters guides the nursery’s Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum. In everyday terms, learning includes developing language, physical skills and independence through activities and play. The March 2026 early years findings describe a curriculum covering the areas children need, with additional attention to communication for children who need help expressing themselves. Adults demonstrate language and introduce vocabulary, giving children words they can use to take part.
Supersonic Phonic Friends brings a named approach to early sound work. Nursery children have short, guided phonics groups each day, alongside activities within the learning environment. Rhythm, rhyme, sounds made by instruments and voices, and listening to sounds around them are among the starting points. Adults also demonstrate how words can be broken into sounds and put together again. The emphasis begins with listening and speaking.
Physical learning has a clear purpose too. Preparation for writing includes physical development. The March 2026 early years findings link movement activities to this goal, with individual progress checks guiding extra help with balance and coordination. Social learning includes playing in small groups, while personal development activities address getting dressed, feeding themselves and toileting. These are practical steps towards independence.
Stay and play sessions let parents and carers spend time playing in nursery with their children. A visit by appointment also gives families time to meet staff and discuss their child. These opportunities make the first conversations about starting nursery more personal.
For children with identified special educational needs or disabilities before joining, staff work with people who already know them. Support can progress through monitoring, agreed learning plans and targeted interventions, with parents involved in decisions. A termly SEND Parent Forum provides another opportunity for discussion. Across the school, classrooms have a worry box and wellbeing wall, giving concerns a place in everyday classroom life.
Lunch falls between the morning and afternoon sessions, from noon to 12.30pm. School catering choices include jacket potatoes, sandwiches, vegetarian dishes and meat dishes, with fruit, yoghurt or dessert. Allergies. The school and its catering service cannot guarantee an environment or meals free of allergens. Families need to factor this into meal planning.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply again through Rochdale Council’s admissions route. For September 2026 entry, the main application deadline was 15 January 2026; that cycle is now past.
Continuity comes from familiarity with the school setting and existing friendships. This can help children feel more comfortable about the next stage, but it is separate from the allocation of a school place.
Monday to Friday, families can choose a morning session from 9am to noon, an afternoon from 12.30pm to 3.30pm, or a full day from 9am to 3.30pm. The nursery offers 15 funded hours a week for children aged 3 and 4, with 30 hours for eligible working parents and carers. Five morning or afternoon sessions can use the 15-hour entitlement. Five full days exceed either allowance and involve additional charges; contact the school for current charges.
Nursery uniform includes a yellow polo shirt, a St Andrew’s jumper or cardigan, grey or black bottoms and black school shoes. Preloved uniform is available through the school office. For enquiries or a nursery visit, email office@standrewsce.rochdale.sch.uk. Changes to collection arrangements require communication with staff, and written consent is required when another parent or an unfamiliar adult collects a child.
Children can start once they turn 3. Nursery intakes take place in September, January and April, subject to the corresponding birthday cut-offs.
Morning sessions run from 9am to noon, afternoons from 12.30pm to 3.30pm, and full days from 9am to 3.30pm, Monday to Friday.
Yes. Nursery tours are available by appointment. Email office@standrewsce.rochdale.sch.uk to arrange a visit. Stay and play sessions also allow parents and carers to play with their children in nursery.
No. Families must make a separate Reception application through Rochdale Council. Familiarity with the school does not guarantee admission.
The nursery offers 15 hours a week for children aged 3 and 4, and 30 hours for eligible working parents and carers. Additional hours can involve charges; contact the school for current charges.
