Nursery Advice
Claim Your Nursery

Spring Willows Playgroup

Ofsted: Good
(Sept 2024)
·
5.0(4 parent reviews) ·ST. ANNES HOUSE RYECROFT AVENUE, HEYWOOD, OL10 1QB · Rochdale
Number of places
26 places
Age range
2–4 yrs
Last inspected
Sept 2024
Local authority
Rochdale

About this day nursery

Spring Willows Playgroup, located in Heywood, Rochdale, has been providing childcare since its registration in 1997. The setting welcomes children aged 2 to 4 and operates Monday to Friday, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, during term time only.

The playgroup focuses on supporting children's independence, communication, and social skills through a dynamic curriculum. A team of eight dedicated childcare staff, with varying levels of early years qualifications, ensures a nurturing and engaging learning environment.

The playgroup actively incorporates mathematical concepts into its curriculum and collaborates with local authorities, participating in initiatives such as a pilot scheme focused on language and communication development. They also provide funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

Parents often describe the setting as "vibrant" and "full of joy," highlighting the enthusiastic and motivated staff who create a safe and welcoming atmosphere.

What it's like

Children at Spring Willows Playgroup are excited to learn, understanding that activities have a purpose, which helps them develop a positive attitude. They develop independence, communication, and social skills through a planned curriculum. Staff calmly engage with children, modelling good behaviour and using gentle reminders and visual cues to support positive interactions. Children respond well to staff and know what behaviours are expected.

Good quality educationStrong independencePositive behaviourEffective safeguarding

Pricing & funding

Funding accepted

15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)

Key facts

Opening hours

Monday to Friday, from 9am to 3pm

Term time / All Year

Term_time_only

Established

1997

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Spring Willows Playgroup

Last inspected 20 September 2024

Overall effectiveness
Good

What it's like to attend

Children at Spring Willows Playgroup are excited to learn, understanding that activities have a purpose, which helps them develop a positive attitude. They develop independence, communication, and social skills through a planned curriculum. Staff calmly engage with children, modelling good behaviour and using gentle reminders and visual cues to support positive interactions. Children respond well to staff and know what behaviours are expected.

Inspector highlights

  • Staff are enthusiastic and motivated in this safe and welcoming setting, which parents say is 'vibrant' and 'full of joy'.
  • The curriculum is planned to support children in developing their independence, communication and social skills.
  • Staff plan learning opportunities to support each child's current level of development.
  • Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are quickly identified and supported effectively.
  • The setting continually considers ways to build upon staff skills, including embedding mathematics in the curriculum.
  • The arrangements for safeguarding are effective and there is an open and positive culture.
  • Children benefit from a consistent routine, with most transitions well planned.
  • The setting has strong partnerships with other agencies to support children's development.
  • Staff offer choices to children throughout the day, helping them become confident in making simple decisions.

Areas to develop

  • 1Support staff to give children time to think and resolve the problems that they encounter during play, so they consistently develop their thinking and problem-solving skills
  • 2Organise transitions between routines effectively, so that children remain aware and confident in what will happen next during the day.
Inspection #10351195 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are quickly identified and support is put in place to help them make progress. Referrals for additional support are swift and robustly followed up, and any additional funding is used effectively to support their learning.

EAL / language support

The setting has a strong partnership with other agencies, including the local authority, to support children's language and communication development, having participated in a pilot scheme that has led to improvements in children's speech.

Parent Reviews of Spring Willows Playgroup

5.0
(4)
Andrew Coates
11 months ago

This is a fantastic nursery, real family feel and the staff are experienced and have been there for years. You can spot a happy and competent team by how they treat and keep their staff, you won’t find a better and more caring environment for your children. They do Forrest play alongside the fantastic garden and work tirelessly to prep the children for school. We are so grateful we found you for Belle and very happy our baby is starting with you in September. You work hard to keep costs down, there are so few places that not only provide absolute gold plated care for their children but also do not charge a penny over the funded costs - you are a godsend and we are very grateful.

Read on Google
Georgina
10 months ago

Spring Willows is a fantastic playgroup! My little boy felt at home from his first visit, he didn't want to leave because everyone was so friendly, from the team to the children, the atmosphere is great. The team are kind, friendly and calm, nothing is too much trouble, they treat each child like a person, and it's been lovely to see how my little boy thrives as a result. They spend lots of time outside in their brilliant playground which is always full of interesting things to engage with, and my little boy is really excited about forest school. I've even seen a family of deer there! The team are great at following the children's interests and encouraging their natural curiosity. They have also been fantastic at handling unusual allergies. I'm so glad that I came across this gem of a playgroup and I'm so thankful for all the love and care my little boy receives here.

Read on Google
Bonnie Taylor
10 months ago

Both my children have attended Spring Willows and both have absolutely loved it. The outdoor area is absolutely amazing and the forest play has been Both of the kids favourite. I cannot recommend it enough. I truly felt like ive left my children with family. Thank you 😊

Read on Google

Reviews from Google for Spring Willows Playgroup. See all on Google Maps

Inspection history
  • September 2024Good
  • September 2015Good
  • March 2015Inadequate
  • December 2008Good

Frequently asked about Spring Willows Playgroup

Are you the owner of this nursery? Claim this listing to manage photos, hours and contact details.

Claim listing

Share this nursery

Send to a partner, friend or family member.

This listing has been compiled from official Ofsted records, the nursery's own website, details provided directly by the nursery where available, and other trusted public sources. We regularly review and update listings to keep the information as accurate as possible. Learn more