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Nursery at Rush Common School
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Inspection data and key information above update regularly, however, this review below is refreshed bi-annually and may not reflect recent changes. Contact the nursery directly to confirm current arrangements. If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
A refurbished preschool for children aged 2–4 gives Rush Common’s youngest children their own starting point within the primary school. The provision belongs to the school and operates under the same registration. It is part of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), rather than a separately registered nursery.
There are 28 full-time equivalent places, with each equivalent representing 30 hours a week in term time. That is a measure of provision, rather than a headcount. For 2026–27, the allocation for two-year-olds is capped at four full-time equivalent places.
Language is a clear focus in the early years. In January 2026, the curriculum built knowledge in planned stages, with adults extending children’s understanding through carefully chosen questions and precise words. For parents, the useful feature is conversation that develops learning, rather than simply accompanying an activity.
EYFS covers development through the early years: communication, physical skills, relationships and early learning sit within the same framework. The preschool’s place within EYFS means these developing skills belong together, rather than being treated as separate school subjects.
Focus and outdoor learning. The January 2026 early-years judgement was Expected standard, but the experience for two- and three-year-olds had specific weaknesses. Familiar routines were in place, yet children sometimes needed better help to stay engaged. Some learning planned for the outdoor area also fell short of leaders’ ambitions. Improving adult interactions across the day was an explicit next step. These are practical points for families weighing the youngest children’s experience.
A preschool manager and deputy manager both hold safeguarding responsibilities. The team also includes qualified early-years practitioners and early-years practitioners, giving the provision its own staffing structure within the school.
Settling arrangements can include induction periods or staggered starts. However, a child offered a place must also have the option of beginning on the first day of term. Families can therefore consider a gradual introduction without losing that starting option.
For questions about special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), parents can arrange a meeting with the Pupil Support and Welfare Lead through the school office. That gives families a direct route to discuss their child’s needs.
Preschool attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Oxfordshire County Council, online or on paper, by 15 January in the academic year containing the child’s fourth birthday.
The year of entry matters. For September 2026 entry, preschool attendance carries no oversubscription priority. For September 2027 entry, attending an Abingdon Learning Trust primary school nursery or preschool gives category-five priority. With a qualifying sibling who is on roll when applying and remains at entry, that becomes category two. Service Pupil Premium eligibility gives additional priority within categories two to six. These priorities affect allocation when places are oversubscribed; they do not secure an offer.
Preparation is a separate benefit. Children starting Reception have three visits before September, alongside home visits and information shared from their preschool or nursery. Children with SEND may have extra visits and additional liaison with their preschool keyworkers, helping staff understand support needs before the move.
Half days, full days and sessions extending across lunchtime are offered. Provision is term time only, with funding organised across three terms. Universal funded education provides 15 hours weekly, or 570 hours annually, from the term after a child turns three.
Requests for fewer hours can be agreed, but the school is not obliged to accept them and gives preference to families taking the full provision. Splitting funded entitlement with another provider requires discussion with the school.
Preschool wraparound care runs Monday to Friday, from 7.30–8.30am and 3–5pm. It sits outside the universal entitlement. Contact Preschool@rushcommon.school or call 01235 639760 for preschool enquiries; refer to the school for current charges.
Children aged 2–4 attend the preschool, which forms part of Rush Common School’s EYFS provision.
There are 28 full-time equivalent places. One equivalent represents 30 hours per week in term time; the 2026–27 limit for two-year-olds is four equivalents.
Half-day and full-day sessions are offered, alongside sessions covering lunchtime. Preference goes to families wanting the full hours of provision.
No. A separate application is required through Oxfordshire County Council. Preschool attendance gives oversubscription priority for September 2027 entry, with a higher category for children who also meet the sibling condition.
The preschool’s before and after school provision runs from 7.30–8.30am and 3–5pm, Monday to Friday, outside the universal funded entitlement.
