St Nicolas, Abingdon Nursery Review

Learning to put feelings into words gives the early years at St Nicolas a clear focus. In February 2023, teachers helped young children develop communication alongside early literacy, mathematics and physical skills. That connects learning with the everyday task of explaining a feeling or asking for help.

The nursery belongs to St Nicolas Church of England Primary School in Abingdon, on Boxhill Walk. The school describes its mission as serving families with religious beliefs and families with none, within an education shaped by Christian values.

The school's early years approach brings learning and play together. In February 2023, activities followed termly themes, including Spring and All About Me. These gave children a shared subject to explore while developing their skills, rather than treating play and learning as separate parts of their experience.

Early reading, number work and writing were planned with later learning in mind. Physical development also received deliberate attention: play activities were selected to develop fine motor control as well as broader movement skills. For parents, the useful connection is between what children do and the abilities they practise through it.

Communication had an emotional purpose too. Teachers helped children express their feelings, giving language a practical role in their relationships and daily experiences. These are findings about the school's early years in February 2023.

For families dealing with additional needs, the school's special educational needs coordinator provides a contact through 01235 520456. The school aims to work with parents and match children's learning to their needs. This gives families a named team role through which to discuss support.

Safeguarding responsibility sits with the headteacher, supported by deputy safeguarding officers drawn from the school team. Staff receive child protection training and must pass concerns to the safeguarding team promptly.

Operation Encompass adds a specific link with the police. Following domestic abuse affecting a child, information reaches the school before the next school day; a trained safeguarding lead can use it to support that child. The practical purpose is timely support when circumstances at home affect a child's wellbeing.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through Oxfordshire County Council and meet the deadline for their entry year. Online and paper applications are both possible. Treat this as a separate family task when planning the move to school.

Preparation for starting school is a different matter from allocation of a place. The school's entry arrangements include a June meeting for parents, September home visits and a phased start over the first two weeks of September. These provide opportunities to prepare for the change; they do not secure admission.

The school office handles enquiries by telephone on 01235 520456 or email at office.3247@st-nicolas.oxon.sch.uk. An enquiry form is another contact route. Office hours are 8.30am to 4.30pm.

School visits can be arranged by contacting the office for an appointment. For families considering the nursery, that provides a direct way to begin a conversation and arrange to see the school.