Nursery
We are committed to providing a safe and stimulating learning environment that supports young children in developing and extending their knowledge and skills.
We work to achieve this by:
- Nurturing warm and positive relationships between staff, children and their families.
- Providing high quality education and care where children are able to learn through play and first-hand experiences both indoors and outside.
- Supporting children in achieving their potential through high expectations and providing good role models.
About Us
We provide 30 Nursery places per session. These are available to children from the term following their third birthday in accordance with our Admissions Policy. Children are eligible for a minimum of fifteen hours of funded provision per week, with working parents able to claim extra hours of funded provision. Further information re 30 hour entitlement can be found here.
For further information please see our Admissions Policy or contact the school office. We are here to answer any queries you might have, so please do get in touch.
Admissions Procedure
If you would like to visit the Nursery please contact the school office. Application details can be found on our Admissions Page.
We will be holding an open evening for both the Nursery and Reception on Tuesday 4th October 5-6.30pm. Do come along and meet the teachers.
Session times
Morning session: 8:45-11:45am
Afternoon Session: 11.45 -2.45pm (if your child has a sibling in our school, this can be extended to 3:15 for a small surcharge)
Whole Day Session: 8:45am-2:45pm (if your child has a sibling in our school, this can be extended to 3:15 for a small surcharge)
The Nursery Day
The Nursery is organized into clearly defined areas and the children are able to choose an activity and move freely from one activity to another. The outdoor area is available for use by the children for much of the day. During each session, we come together as a group for story, singing or other activity. We regularly visit the school Hall.
A healthy snack and a carton of milk is provided free of charge each day and drinking water is always available. We have facilities for children who need to rest in the afternoon.
Children who are staying at Nursery for the whole day, will need to bring a packed lunch with them in a lunch box clearly labelled with their name. Please do not include nuts or nut products in your child’s lunch. Water will be provided, but if you wish to send in a drink, please ensure that it is in a carton or plastic bottle. Fizzy drinks are not permitted. If your child brings grapes to eat at Nursery, please ensure that they are cut into smallish pieces.
Children who receive Early Years Pupil Premium funding, who attend for a full day, are entitled to a free school lunch. If you think your child may be eligible for this funding, please let us know. Your enquiry will, of course, be treated confidentially and with sensitivity.
The Nursery Curriculum
In the Nursery we offer a broad and balanced play-based curriculum designed to help the children develop socially, emotionally, physically and academically. Our curriculum is based on “Development Matters in the Early Years Foundation Stage.” The areas of learning covered are:
- Personal, Social and Emotional Development
- Physical Development
- Communication and Language
- Literacy
- Mathematics
- Understanding the World
- Expressive Arts and Design
How your child learns is as important as what they learn. Concentration, motivation and the resilience to solve problems and learn from mistakes are qualities which we aim to encourage. These qualities are known as the Characteristics of Learning.
This stage of learning is referred to as the Early Years Foundation Stage and covers the years prior to children entering Year 1 in their primary school. It will include their time in the Nursery and their time in a Reception class.
Please see the link to our EYFS policy at the top of this page which gives more information on assessment and learning.
We use the Tapestry Online Learning Journal to track and record our learning
Special Educational Needs
Children with special educational needs have learning difficulties or disabilities that make is harder for them to learn than most children of the same age. They may need extra or different help from that given to other children in the class. You will always be consulted about this and your views and knowledge of your child will be valued.
As a school we follow the Special Educational Needs Code of Practice when identifying, assessing and providing help for your children with special educational needs. A copy of this document along with our Special Educational Needs and Behaviour Policies are available on our SEND page and in the school office for you to read if you wish.
Getting Involved
Parents and grandparents are most welcome to come into the Nursery to help once their child has settled. Parents help in a variety of ways including playing games, sharing books, supporting craft activities and accompanying small groups on local walks. If you would like to be involved we would love to hear from you.
Please note that the use of mobile phones is not permitted in the classroom or outdoor area while the Nursery is in session.
Transfer to Primary School
Please note, a place in our Nursery class does not guarantee a place in Reception at Wantage CE Primary School, so please remember to apply for school separately.
Admissions to Primary Schools are dealt with by Oxfordshire County council and parents should apply online at www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/admissions between September and December each year for starting school the following academic year. The deadline for applications is normally mid-January.
To find out more about admissions to Wantage CE Primary School, please click here!
Each Primary School organises their own pre-school visits during the children’s last term in Nursery.
If you have any queries about the application procedure, please ask at the school office or visit www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/admissions for more information.