--- title: "Spring Willows Playgroup — Rated Good by Ofsted" description: "Spring Willows Playgroup, a nursery in Heywood — Rated Good by Ofsted. See opening hours, fees, photos, parent reviews and contact details on Nursery Advice." lang: en-GB json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "WebSite", "name": "Nursery Advice", "url": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk", "description": "Search and compare UK nurseries. Ofsted ratings, fees, opening hours, parent reviews and inspection history — all in one place.", "inLanguage": "en-GB", "potentialAction": { "@type": "SearchAction", "target": { "@type": "EntryPoint", "urlTemplate": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/search?q={search_term_string}" }, "query-input": "required name=search_term_string" } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Organization", "name": "Nursery Advice", "url": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk", "description": "Search and compare UK nurseries. 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See opening hours, fees, photos, parent reviews and contact details on Nursery Advice.", "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/#website" }, "about": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/spring-willows-playgroup-ol10-1qb-316426#nursery" }, "breadcrumb": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/spring-willows-playgroup-ol10-1qb-316426#breadcrumb" }, "speakable": { "@type": "SpeakableSpecification", "cssSelector": [ "h1", "[data-speakable]" ] } }, { "@type": "ChildCare", "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/spring-willows-playgroup-ol10-1qb-316426#nursery", "name": "Spring Willows Playgroup", "url": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/spring-willows-playgroup-ol10-1qb-316426", "address": { "@type": "PostalAddress", "addressCountry": "GB", "streetAddress": "ST. ANNES HOUSE RYECROFT AVENUE", "addressLocality": "HEYWOOD", "postalCode": "OL10 1QB" }, "mainEntityOfPage": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/spring-willows-playgroup-ol10-1qb-316426#webpage" }, "geo": { "@type": "GeoCoordinates", "latitude": 53.593522, "longitude": -2.207051 }, "areaServed": [ { "@type": "City", "name": "HEYWOOD" } ], "audience": { "@type": "PeopleAudience", "suggestedMinAge": 2, "suggestedMaxAge": 4 }, "award": "Ofsted: Good", "aggregateRating": { "@type": "AggregateRating", "ratingValue": 5, "reviewCount": 4, "bestRating": 5, "worstRating": 1 }, "review": [ { "@type": "Review", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": 5, "bestRating": 5, "worstRating": 1 }, "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Andrew Coates" }, "reviewBody": "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.\n\nThey do Forrest play alongside the fantastic garden and work tirelessly to prep the children for school.\n\nWe are so grateful we found you for Belle and very happy our baby is starting with you in September.\n\nYou 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.", "datePublished": "2025-06-20T20:15:50.880074802Z", "inLanguage": "en" }, { "@type": "Review", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": 5, "bestRating": 5, "worstRating": 1 }, "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Georgina" }, "reviewBody": "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.\n\nThe 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.\n\nThey 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!\n\nThe team are great at following the children's interests and encouraging their natural curiosity.\n\nThey have also been fantastic at handling unusual allergies.\n\nI'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.", "datePublished": "2025-06-27T22:39:44.965333898Z", "inLanguage": "en" }, { "@type": "Review", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": 5, "bestRating": 5, "worstRating": 1 }, "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Bonnie Taylor" }, "reviewBody": "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 😊", "datePublished": "2025-06-27T19:00:53.270682843Z", "inLanguage": "en" }, { "@type": "Review", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": 5, "bestRating": 5, "worstRating": 1 }, "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Corrie Wood" }, "datePublished": "2018-07-18T17:15:11.452Z", "inLanguage": "en" } ] }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/spring-willows-playgroup-ol10-1qb-316426#breadcrumb", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Nurseries", "item": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nurseries" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "North West", "item": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/search?region=North%20West" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "Spring Willows Playgroup", "item": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/spring-willows-playgroup-ol10-1qb-316426" } ] }, { "@type": "FAQPage", "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/spring-willows-playgroup-ol10-1qb-316426#faq", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is Spring Willows Playgroup suitable for under-twos?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The setting accepts children from 2 to 4 years old. It does not take under-twos." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is Spring Willows Playgroup a day nursery or preschool?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "It is registered as childcare on non-domestic premises. The day care offer is full day care." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Which area does Spring Willows Playgroup serve?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The setting is in Heywood, OL10 1QB, at St. Annes House on Ryecroft Avenue in Rochdale." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What stands out about the setting?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Staff support children’s independence, communication and social skills through planned activities and a clear routine. Children also benefit from staff who identify SEND swiftly and put support in place, alongside strong work with other agencies to support progress." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How is English as an additional language supported?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The setting works closely with other agencies, including the local authority, to support language and communication development. Participation in a pilot scheme has helped improve children’s speech, alongside targeted support for communication skills." } } ] } ] } ] --- [![Nursery Advice](/__l5e/assets-v1/1c5557d3-f3fd-42f8-935a-3f2d2c3ac7e7/nursery-advice.webp "Nursery Advice")](/ "Nursery Advice") [Find Nurseries](/search)[Parent Hub](/parent-hub)[Compare](/compare)[About Us](/about-us)[For Nurseries](/for-nurseries) [Claim Your Nursery](/claim) 1. [Home](/) 2. [Nurseries](/nurseries) 3. [North West](/search?region=North+West) 4. Spring Willows Playgroup # Spring Willows Playgroup Compare Contact Nursery 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 - About - Pricing - Ofsted - Inclusion - Reviews - FAQ - [About](#about) - [Pricing](#pricing) - [Ofsted](#ofsted) - [Inclusion](#inclusion) - [Reviews](#reviews) - [FAQ](#faq) Email Nursery ## 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 education Strong independence Positive behaviour Effective safeguarding ## Pricing & funding Funding accepted 15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds 15 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 - 1 Support 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 - 2 Organise transitions between routines effectively, so that children remain aware and confident in what will happen next during the day. Inspection #10351195 · Source: Ofsted [View full Ofsted report](https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50260303) 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) ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocLne4ebJoCMsB6HUvXkqhBEGYvI7iYkeA7Bb4Kj4m5AQk-WDA=s128-c0x00000000-cc-rp-mo) 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](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m6!14m5!1m4!2m3!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT214NVoxcEtkMWRXWlRGVGJGbHdUbUl4Vm1kU2VWRRAB!2m1!1s0x487bbbb1c3ac6697:0x5f52fceda1fc2a23) ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocK6wZ3gRSeQS13TU0kzJ3HQPEylYJoD-ypfSrLYm_I7to3iFQ=s128-c0x00000000-cc-rp-mo) 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](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m6!14m5!1m4!2m3!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT2pOWk9USkxhMUZTYzI1blJUbERkRkZWTTA5R1dGRRAB!2m1!1s0x487bbbb1c3ac6697:0x5f52fceda1fc2a23) ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a-/ALV-UjWaaq4ZQ2qXn0jQxkIKIwfwyn4E4MBrGOR7yaurAd1qVwQc8CzIDA=s128-c0x00000000-cc-rp-mo-ba3) 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](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m6!14m5!1m4!2m3!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT2pOU1pHRmxUVUpYV0cxdWRtSm1NWFpJUTNKUllsRRAB!2m1!1s0x487bbbb1c3ac6697:0x5f52fceda1fc2a23) ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocKgLZ3-HUhKYY9PqFtL857hNq1FoAjvhWrme1jZmR9bnq8D8g=s128-c0x00000000-cc-rp-mo) Corrie Wood 7 years ago [Read on Google](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m6!14m5!1m4!2m3!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURRdGItOTJRRRAB!2m1!1s0x487bbbb1c3ac6697:0x5f52fceda1fc2a23) Reviews from Google for Spring Willows Playgroup. [See all on Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=6868830479248534051&g_mp=CiVnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLkdldFBsYWNlEAIYBCAA) Inspection history - September 2024 Good - September 2015 Good - March 2015 Inadequate - December 2008 Good ## Frequently asked about Spring Willows Playgroup ### Is Spring Willows Playgroup suitable for under-twos? ### Is Spring Willows Playgroup a day nursery or preschool? ### Which area does Spring Willows Playgroup serve? ### What stands out about the setting? ### How is English as an additional language supported? ## Nearby day nurseries in HEYWOOD Other Ofsted-registered day nurseries close to Spring Willows Playgroup. - [ Ofsted: Good 0.3 mi ### Crimble Croft Pre-School Heywood · OL10 4HW 4.6(50 reviews) ](/nursery/crimble-croft-pre-school-ol10-4hw-316401) - [ Ofsted rating unavailable 0.4 mi ### Kids Planet Heywood Heywood · OL10 1AA ](/nursery/kids-planet-heywood-ol10-1aa-2811189) - [ Ofsted: Good 0.5 mi ### Wendy's Private Nursery & Pre-School Group Heywood · OL10 4NH 4.7(12 reviews) ](/nursery/wendy-s-private-nursery-pre-school-group-ol10-4nh-316470) - [ Ofsted: Good 0.5 mi ### St Josephs Pre School Nursery Heywood · OL10 1AQ 4.9(15 reviews) ](/nursery/st-josephs-pre-school-nursery-ol10-1aq-ey443075) - [ Awaiting first inspection 0.6 mi ### Tiddlywinks Nursery School (Heywood) Rochdale · OL10 1EF ](/nursery/tiddlywinks-nursery-school-heywood-ltd-ol10-1ef-2840256) - [ Ofsted: Good 0.7 mi ### Hopwood House Day Nursery Heywood · OL10 2PN 4.8(20 reviews) ](/nursery/hopwood-house-day-nursery-ol10-2pn-2505732) [See all nurseries in HEYWOOD →](/search?q=HEYWOOD) ### Official Ofsted Report Independent inspection of Spring Willows Playgroup Inspection date Sept 2024 Inspection no. 10351195 [Download full report (PDF)](https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50260303)[View on Ofsted.gov.uk](https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/16/316426) Visit or enquire ### Book a show-around Most settings reply within 48 hours. 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