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Nursery at Shade Primary 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Listening games, balance bikes and woodland learning give Shade’s nursery its character. It belongs to The Nest, the school’s combined Nursery and Reception provision in Todmorden. An EYFS lead, teaching assistants and a nursery nurse form the team, bringing teaching and care roles together within the early years setting.
Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Good at its inspection on 10 and 11 May 2023. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings learning, development and care together. In The Nest, children combine activities guided by adults and work in small groups with opportunities to pursue their own interests. Baking and science sit alongside creative activities, while climbing, balancing and balance bikes give movement a place in the learning programme. Children have different ways to explore a topic, rather than a day built entirely around group teaching.
White Rose Maths supplies the mathematical approach. Early years activities explore measures, shape and number through resources children can use independently and through focused teaching. This connects mathematical ideas with practical exploration.
Nursery phonics starts with daily Twinkl Level 1 sessions. Children distinguish sounds through listening games, compare noises made by instruments and toys, and explore rhythm and rhyme. The emphasis is on hearing and talking about sounds. Stories, rhymes and singing also formed part of nursery life in May 2023, giving children repeated opportunities to listen and join in.
Outdoor learning has a named base: Chapel Wood, beside the school on Rochdale Road. A qualified Forest School leader runs sessions for EYFS as well as other groups. The Nest timetable places Forest School on Tuesday afternoons and PE on Wednesday afternoons, so clothing for movement and weather matters.
In May 2023, early years children showed curiosity, persistence and cooperation. Adults extended their vocabulary through exploration: one activity used magnifiers to examine shells before children drew their details. It is a concrete example of observation, conversation and drawing working together.
Tapestry connects home with the early years day. Staff use the online journal to capture significant learning moments, and parents can contribute experiences and observations from outside school. That gives families a way to share what their child is exploring beyond the classroom.
Milk is provided at the morning break for children under five, while EYFS children receive morning fruit. Water drinking is encouraged during the day. The school’s lunches come from Todmorden High School; its packed-lunch guidance encourages sandwiches, fruit and a drink, excluding sweets, chocolate bars and fizzy drinks.
For additional needs, the school’s support structure includes teaching assistants and links with speech and language therapy, occupational therapy and the community paediatric team. One Page Profiles describe a child’s strengths, difficulties and useful learning aids. These are reviewed three times annually and emailed to families, giving parents regular information about support.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline.
Nursery and Reception already sit within The Nest. This places both stages within the same named early years provision, but the educational connection must be kept separate from the application decision.
The Nest’s collection time is 3.25pm. Families are asked to label belongings and provide spare clothes for accidents. Forest School clothing includes wellies and waterproofs, with a sunhat also listed.
Prospective families can arrange a visit through the school office: telephone 01706 812913 or email admin@shade.calderdale.sch.uk. The Nest also directs families to the childcare support service for information about 30 Hours Funding.
Yes. The Nest combines Shade Primary School’s Nursery and Reception provision, with an EYFS lead, teaching assistants and a nursery nurse.
Daily Twinkl Level 1 sessions focus on listening games and distinguishing sounds. Activities include songs, rhymes and comparing sounds made by toys or instruments.
Chapel Wood is the school’s Forest School area beside the school on Rochdale Road. Sessions include EYFS groups, and The Nest lists Forest School on Tuesday afternoons.
Parents can add their own observations and experiences to Tapestry, the online journal used by The Nest to record significant learning moments.
No. Nursery and Reception admissions are separate, so families must apply again through the normal Reception admissions process and meet its deadline.
