Graven Hill Primary School Nursery Review

A purpose-built preschool with 90 places gives Graven Hill’s youngest children their own provision within the primary school. Children can join between ages 2 and 4. The preschool and school opened in September 2023, so this is an early-years setting within a relatively new school community.

Graven Hill belongs to The Warriner Multi Academy Trust. Its stated priorities include curiosity, creativity and learning through practical experience. For parents, the distinction matters: the preschool is part of the school’s educational approach, but choosing it and obtaining a Reception place are separate decisions. There is no Ofsted graded rating yet.

Learning begins at age 2 within Graven Hill’s curriculum. The school aims to develop communication, independence and emotional security alongside curiosity and early problem-solving. That gives families a useful picture of its intentions: learning is about how children express themselves and manage new experiences as well as what they know.

Practical exploration is part of that approach. Graven Hill describes children investigating questions, trying out ideas and connecting learning with the world around them. Its curriculum also introduces knowledge and vocabulary from the early years, with later learning building on those foundations. Language therefore has a place alongside hands-on activity.

The physical setting includes the purpose-built preschool provision, while the wider school has outdoor spaces. These are concrete features to weigh alongside the curriculum’s emphasis on exploration. The school’s aim is for children to become curious and increasingly independent learners; this is an educational intention rather than an inspected assessment of its effectiveness.

Settling starts with a stay-and-play session for the child and parent after the registration form has been received. It gives families time with the preschool team before the child starts, with an opportunity to ask questions and become familiar with the setting together.

Once registration has been reviewed, families receive their session allocation and information about settling, everyday routines and what to bring for the first day. This makes the introduction a sequence of practical steps, rather than just a confirmed place.

Communication continues beyond registration. Across Graven Hill, parents receive information about their child’s learning and next steps. The school also works with families on difficulties affecting attendance, including from preschool onwards.

Attending the preschool does not guarantee a Reception place. Parents must make a separate application through their home local authority, usually Oxfordshire County Council for families here, and submit it before that authority’s closing date. Families living elsewhere apply through their own council.

The Warriner Multi Academy Trust is the admissions authority, using the local authority’s coordinated application system. Treat the preschool choice and the Reception application as two separate tasks: accepting preschool sessions does not replace the later application.

Applications for preschool can be made throughout the year, subject to space. Parents complete the registration form with their preferred sessions and intended start date, then email it to preschoolenquiries@gravenhillprimary.school. The preschool manager confirms availability; allocated sessions follow the registration review.

Funding is discussed with families individually. Options include funding for eligible 2-year-olds and the 15-hour or 30-hour entitlements where applicable. Preschool tours and applications use the same enquiry address, giving families a direct contact for arranging a look around and beginning registration.