Drayton Community Primary School Nursery

Three session choices shape life in Ducklings: mornings, afternoons or a full day. This is Drayton Community Primary School’s nursery at Hilliat Fields in Drayton, serving children aged 3 to 4. Entry can begin in the term following a child’s third birthday, subject to session availability.

Ducklings has its own nursery building within the school. Space inside is limited, which influences the goodbye routine: once children have settled, parents leave them outside to enter independently. The practical emphasis is on helping children manage that small daily step for themselves.

Hands-on learning is the school’s aim for its early years phase. Its EYFS approach connects new learning with children’s existing experience and interests, using themes to build knowledge and curiosity. For parents, that means an intended balance between what children already enjoy exploring and the next skills staff want them to develop.

Indoor and outdoor learning spaces are adapted around children’s changing needs and current learning themes. The school also intends to enrich early years learning through forest school experiences, trips and visitors, giving children opportunities to connect classroom learning with the world beyond it.

In September 2023, early years children responded carefully to instructions, took turns and selected resources for themselves. These are useful foundations for learning alongside other children: listening, sharing access to materials and making independent choices. Ducklings does not join whole-school assemblies. The school considers those larger gatherings potentially overwhelming for its youngest children, so nursery participation has a different shape from the older pupils’ day.

Early Years Support Workers work across Ducklings and Robins, alongside an EYFS lead who is also an assistant headteacher. Qualifications within the support team include NNEB, a Foundation Degree and a level 3 diploma in Childcare and Education. Shared staff offer a connection between the nursery and the next early years class.

Settling changes the handover routine. Independent entry is requested once a child is settled, rather than being presented as the starting point for every newcomer. Afternoon children are brought to the main school reception, where someone from the early years team collects them.

Neither the morning nor afternoon session includes lunch. Full-day attendance spans the midday interval, with a separate charge covering that period. This distinction matters when choosing between a short session and a continuous day.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal local-authority route and meet the applicable deadline. Oxfordshire County Council manages school admissions.

Preparation for accepted new Robins children includes Stay & Play with parents before the summer holidays, a classroom visit lasting a couple of hours, and a half-hour home visit. Children can become familiar with their new classroom, garden and staff. These transition activities support the move; they do not secure admission.

Morning sessions run from 08.45 to 11.45; afternoons run from 12.15 to 15.15. Full days run from 08.45 to 15.15. The midday charge covers 11.45 to 12.15; contact the school for current charges.

Universal funding provides 15 hours per week here. Eligible working parents can access extended funding, with attendance between 15 and 30 hours weekly depending on session availability. Families who do not qualify for extended funding can apply for additional paid sessions.

To discuss registering for Ducklings, telephone 01235 531316 or visit the school office.