Business Details
22 Years
experience
Trusted Child Care Excellence in Rochdale
The Willows Nursery was founded over a decade ago by qualified teachers Stacey Mckler and Tamsin Johnson, who combined their extensive early years expertise to create a purpose-built nursery environment. Our facility, designed to meet the highest standards, has achieved Ofsted's 'Outstanding' rating twice, reflecting our unwavering commitment to excellence. We provide childcare and education for children aged 3 months to 5 years, with a curriculum that balances structured learning and free play across age-specific rooms. Our team of Early Years Professionals ensures each child develops confidence and independence through stimulating activities. We maintain rigorous health and safety standards, evidenced by our 'Golden Grin Award' for healthy eating practices. The nursery operates 7.30am-6.00pm Monday-Friday, offering flexible care while maintaining strong partnerships with parents.Our three dedicated units - Squirrels, Badgers, and Owls - cater to different developmental stages with tailored resources and outdoor spaces. We accommodate special dietary needs and provide freshly prepared meals following seasonal menus. The nursery's location in Rochdale offers convenient access with safe parking facilities. Our open-door policy encourages parental engagement and transparency in our childcare practices.
Services
Baby Room Care
Toddler Development
Preschool Education
Healthy Meal Provision
Outdoor Play Areas
Details
- Year established: 2004
Highlights and features
- Directors with 5+ years' early years teaching experience
- Double Ofsted 'Outstanding' rating recipient
- Purpose-built nursery with age-specific learning environments
- Award-winning healthy eating and hygiene practices
- Flexible age-group transitions based on child development
Associations and certifications
- Ofsted Outstanding
- Golden Grin Award
What people say
Outstanding Ofsted rating
Excellent staff ratios
Clean environment
Healthy meal options
Developmental focus
Services
Baby Room Care
Our Squirrels room provides secure care for babies aged 3-20 months with dedicated sleep areas and sensory play spaces. Qualified staff deliver individualised attention through age-appropriate activities. The environment promotes motor skills development and early social interaction in a safe, nurturing setting.
Toddler Development
The Badgers units cater for toddlers aged 20 months to 3 years with five activity zones including messy play and outdoor areas. Structured group sessions introduce basic concepts while encouraging independence. Continuous assessment tracks developmental progress through observation-based learning.
Preschool Education
Owls group prepares 3+ year-olds for school with structured routines including phonics sessions and focused teaching. The curriculum balances free play with literacy and numeracy development. Outdoor learning spaces support physical coordination and social skills development.
Healthy Meal Provision
Daily prepared meals follow seasonal menus meeting Rochdale's Golden Grin Award standards. Separate weaning menus accommodate infants while promoting healthy eating habits. Fresh water access and hygiene practices support child wellbeing and dental health.
Outdoor Play Areas
Secure outdoor spaces across all units feature age-appropriate equipment for physical development. Natural play elements encourage exploration and sensory learning. Supervised outdoor sessions promote motor skills and environmental awareness in safe settings.
People
Tamsin Johnson
Director/Nursery Manager
BA (HONS) PGCE qualified Early Years Professional with 5 years' primary school teaching experience. Co-founder of The Willows, specialising in early childhood development and nursery operations management.
Stacey Mckler
Director/Nursery Manager
BA (HONS) QTS qualified teacher with specialist early years' education expertise. Co-founder responsible for curriculum development and maintaining Ofsted 'Outstanding' standards through innovative teaching methods.
Questions
What are The Willows' operating hours?
We operate Monday-Friday from 7:30am to 6:00pm, closed for Bank Holidays and Christmas period.
How does age group placement work?
Children progress through Squirrels (3-20m), Badgers (20m-3y), and Owls (3y+) based on developmental readiness assessed through staff-parent consultation.
What qualifications do staff hold?
Directors hold teaching qualifications with PGCE/QTS, all staff are Early Years Professionals maintaining current childcare standards and practices.
How are dietary requirements handled?
Our kitchen provides freshly prepared meals with separate weaning menus and accommodates special dietary needs through individualised meal planning.
What outdoor facilities are available?
Each unit has dedicated outdoor play areas with age-appropriate equipment promoting physical development and nature-based learning experiences.
How is learning progress monitored?
Continuous observation-based assessments track development across all areas, with regular parent updates and individual learning journey records maintained.
