Welcome to Nursery!
| Miss Gartside | Class Teacher |
| Miss Smith | Teaching Assistant |
Welcome to our Nursery
Miss Gartside and Miss Smith give you a warm welcome to our lovely Nursery! We are very proud of all that we provide here, and of how the children attending Meanwood learn and develop together. Focussing on what is best for every individual child, and using the most expert knowledge of what helps young children to learn, we provide a warm and nurturing environment that enables each child to thrive.
Recently renovated to a high standard, the Nursery provides a bright, beautiful, high quality environment for your child's learning. In addition, attending Nursery at Meanwood provides a seamless transition into the main school when children attend Reception the following year.
We have 26 part time places for 3 and 4 year olds in morning sessions from 8:45 - 11:45 Monday - Friday.
We are now accepting applications for January 2024. Contact the school office for further details on 01706 648197 or email office@meanwood.rochdale.sch.uk
EYFS Booklet
Why should I choose Meanwood?
Don’t just take our word for it!
“I feel that my child’s needs are constantly being considered on an individual basis”
“Amazing teachers who always appear happy and interested in what each child is doing or saying.”
“The school is fabulous”
“Meanwood now has a strong emphasis on children’s emotional and mental wellbeing along side their academic education”
“My children are relatively new here but they love it. Just wish we moved sooner.”
Do I have to pay for nursery?
As we are open for a total of 15 hours, everyone can access our nursery for free.
In Rochdale we provide free early education places up to 15 hours per week for all 3 and 4 year-olds, from the term after their third birthday.
What will my child need?
It is helpful if children are able to do certain things before they arrive, so here are a few ideas about how you can help them get ready for starting Nursery. Try to encourage them to do some things independently, for example, putting on their own coat and taking it off; assisting with dressing; drinking from a cup; using a spoon and carrying their own bag. It is amazing what young children can do when they are shown! In addition, once your child is ready, try to potty train them and help them to learn how to use the toilet independently.
Don't worry though if your child has not managed to achieve these things before they start Nursery. We will of course give them all of the help they need, and work with you to help them continue to grow and develop wherever they are up to when they arrive.
When children do come to Nursery they will need suitable clothing for our very changeable weather, clothes which are easy to manage, and velcro shoes. Although uniform is not compulsory, we do recommend it as a cheap, suitable option for our lively Nursery environment. Your child will be provided with a book bag in which to keep their things when they arrive, including their library book which they will be able to choose every Friday once they have settled in.
Curriculum and Useful Documents
A guide for parents on what to expect in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS):
EYFS resources for parents: https://foundationyears.org.uk/2019/09/resources-for-parents/
Find out why early childhood matters - from the Centre for Early Childhood:
https://shapingus.centreforearlychildhood.org/
Fun ideas and activities you can try at home with your child
Fantastic ideas and fun activities to help develop your child's communication and language: https://www.bbc.co.uk/tiny-happy-people/3-to-4-year-old-child-development-activities
Nursery rhymes and songs by the BBC: https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/school-radio/nursery-rhymes-songs-index/zhwdgwx
Music: https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/shows/melody
Books, stories and activities: https://www.booktrust.org.uk/books-and-reading/have-some-fun/hometime-for-your-child/
Physical and movement activities: https://www.earlymovers.org.uk/activities
Child friendly yoga: https://www.youtube.com/@CosmicKidsYoga/videos
Games and activities for toddlers and preschoolers: https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/curations/fun-activities-for-toddlers-and-preschoolers
If we have more applications than places
If the number of applicants is less than the number of places, the school will admit all applicants. However, if places are oversubscribed, these admissions criteria will be used:
Where a child has an Education Health Care Plan naming Meanwood Nursery, the child will be allocated a place before any other places are allocated.
The remaining applications are considered in the following order of priority:
1. Children in the Care of a Local Authority or other exceptional welfare needs (request must be supported by a social worker or other professional.)
2. Children with medical or developmental needs or a disability. Evidence of additional needs must be provided by a health care professional who is currently working with the child, e.g. Speech and Language Therapist, GP or Health Visitor (using information from other health professionals such as a paediatrician.)
3. Children with older siblings attending the school.
4. Proximity to school.
Children who are not offered a place to start will be put on a waiting list and whenever a place becomes available, this will be allocated according to the above criteria
Virtual Tour
Please see this terms curriculum newsletters below.
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