Business Details
37 Years
experience
Family-Run Nurseries in Rochdale & Oldham
Channings Childcare has been a trusted provider of early years education and care for over 34 years, rooted in a family legacy of nurturing young minds. Founded in 1989 by Catherine Hoggard, our nurseries in Rochdale and Oldham combine decades of experience with a commitment to creating warm, secure environments that mirror home life. Our team of over 100 DBS-cleared professionals prioritises individualised learning, fostering social skills and independence while maintaining strong parent partnerships.With five nurseries offering flexible packages and a curriculum aligned with the Early Years Foundation Stage, we bridge the gap between home and school. Our focus on healthy eating, outdoor exploration, and continuous staff development ensures children receive holistic care tailored to their unique needs.
Services
Baby Care
Toddler Programs
Preschool Education
Outdoor Play
Parent Partnerships
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- Over 30 years of proven expertise in early years education
- DBS-cleared staff with continuous professional development
- Flexible full-year and term-time childcare packages
- Nutritious meals catering to all dietary requirements
- Family-run business with generational childcare experience
Associations and certifications
- DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service)
What people say
Amazing first week
Big smiles and laughs
Staff have done amazing job
Taught how to sustain friendships
Work so hard and are amazing
Services
Baby Care
Our baby rooms provide a stimulating environment with dedicated sleeping, eating, and play areas. Staff work closely with parents to follow individual routines while introducing sensory play and early socialisation. We offer gradual weaning onto homemade meals and ensure constant physical affection through our key worker system. Outdoor buggies walks and Turtle Bus excursions enhance developmental experiences.
Toddler Programs
Designed to encourage growing independence through structured yet playful activities. Daily messy play sessions, creative arts, and physical development exercises support motor skills. The EYFS framework guides language acquisition and social interaction while maintaining flexible routines that balance free choice with guided learning experiences tailored to toddlers' energetic needs.
Preschool Education
Pre-school rooms focus on transition preparation through imaginative play and foundational academic skills. Children engage in early literacy, numeracy, and construction activities while developing emotional intelligence. Continuous provision resources allow self-directed learning, complemented by teacher-led sessions that build confidence for formal education environments through familiarisation with routines and social expectations.
Outdoor Play
Secure garden spaces feature playhouses, sand/water zones, and growing areas for hands-on nature education. Daily outdoor sessions develop physical coordination through climbing, balancing, and gross motor activities. Weather-appropriate clothing enables year-round exploration while local area walks extend learning beyond nursery boundaries through community engagement and environmental discovery.
Parent Partnerships
Daily diaries and online platforms maintain transparent communication between staff and families. Key workers share developmental updates while incorporating home experiences into nursery planning. Parent-teacher consultations and focus planning sessions ensure continuity of care. This collaborative approach strengthens children's learning journeys through consistent support across both environments.
People
Kate Hoggard
Director
Daughter of founder Catherine Hoggard, Kate transitioned from teaching to nursery management in 2019. Holding a Master's in Education, she oversees safeguarding and staff wellbeing. Now leading the company post-her mother's retirement, Kate combines generational experience with modern educational practices while raising her young son.
Sharon Harrison
Director
Channings' first employee since 1989, Sharon has worked in every nursery role. Qualified to NNEB and NVQ Level 4 standards, she maintains operational excellence across sites. A rescue dog owner, she brings practical childcare expertise and institutional knowledge to daily management decisions.
Diane Brooks
Operational Director
Joined in 2008, Diane progressed from nursery practitioner to operational leadership. Trained to Level 5, she ensures consistency across nurseries while managing staff development. As grandmother to a former Werneth nursery child, she combines professional expertise with personal understanding of parental expectations.
Questions
What age groups do your nurseries cater for?
We provide care for children from 0-5 years across baby, toddler, and preschool rooms tailored to developmental stages.
Are meals and snacks included in nursery fees?
Yes, we provide three nutritious meals and two snacks daily, accommodating all dietary requirements and allergies.
How do you support children's transition to school?
Our preschool curriculum focuses on school readiness through structured activities that build confidence and social skills.
Can I visit my child's nursery anytime?
Parents are welcome to visit by prior arrangement, with daily updates provided through our online communication platform.
What qualifications do your staff hold?
All staff are DBS checked with minimum Level 3 childcare qualifications, including several holding university degrees.
