Woodlands Nursery at Farley Hill Primary School

Outdoor learning in every weather and a nursery built for the purpose give Woodlands its character. Farley Hill Primary School opened the provision in September 2022 at its Arborfield Green site. Children belong to the wider school from the start: assemblies and shared activities introduce them to older pupils, while nursery learning has its own indoor and outdoor setting.

Play is the starting point, with adults joining children’s investigations and asking questions to extend their ideas. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) covers early communication, movement and relationships alongside reading, writing, maths, creativity and discovering the world. Development Matters guides the team’s planning, linking activities and resources to children’s developing skills rather than treating play as a break from learning.

The approach gives attention to how children learn, too. Exploring something unfamiliar, keeping going with a difficult task and trying another solution all feature in the curriculum. Adults act as fellow explorers, encouraging children to explain their thinking. Learning moves between the indoor space and the nursery’s outdoor learning environment, including in wet weather.

School life also contributes to the day. At the June 2025 inspection, Ofsted noted that participation in religious and national celebrations begins in Nursery. These occasions give children opportunities to encounter traditions beyond their own.

A nursery manager, early years practitioners and a nursery teaching assistant form the Woodlands team. Learning about emotions, looking after themselves and keeping healthy are part of the early years approach, so personal care and development sit alongside curriculum activities.

Picnic club bridges the two sessions. Between 11.30am and 12.30pm, children bring a packed lunch and eat in the school’s main hall with nursery staff supervising. Families choosing both sessions therefore need to plan a lunch as well as the nursery day.

For additional needs, the school’s SEND process allows parents to raise concerns alongside teaching and support staff. Its categories include communication, learning, emotional needs and physical or sensory needs. Parents can contact the SENCo through SENCO@farleyhill.wokingham.sch.uk, providing a direct route for discussing support.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline.

Assemblies and activities with the wider school can make people and routines familiar before that next step. This experience is separate from the decision about a Reception place; participation should not be treated as an admissions advantage.

The 15-hour pattern means choosing mornings, 8.30am to 11.30am, or afternoons, 12.30pm to 3.30pm. Children with 30-hour placements attend both sessions. The distinction matters for collection arrangements and whether the lunchtime Picnic club fits the family’s plans.

Nursery applications go directly to the school, with enquiries through Nursery@farleyhill.wokingham.sch.uk. Intakes take place in September, January and April. Woodlands uniform items can be purchased through MyClothing.

Visits require advance booking through the office on 01189732148 or office@farleyhill.wokingham.sch.uk. Nursery tours take place on each term’s final day between 10.30am and noon, when enrolled children are away from the nursery. Families unable to attend those sessions can arrange a tour after school hours. This gives parents and their child time to explore the setting together.