St Mary's Church of England School Nursery Review

A purpose-built Early Years building and substantial outdoor provision give St Mary's nursery its own space within the school. Play follows children's interests. The nursery aims to support children's exploration through adults asking questions about what they are discovering. This is a start built around doing and discovering.

The nursery serves children aged 3 and 4 in Fairford Leys, Aylesbury; children can begin in the term after their third birthday. There are 48 nursery places. In January 2025, Ofsted graded the school's early years provision Good. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Children have opportunities to choose their play as well as take part in activities directed by adults. In early years art, they investigate materials, experiment with colour and practise using simple tools. The combination gives children room to develop an idea themselves and receive help with the skills needed to carry it out.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together seven areas of development, including language, physical skills, relationships, literacy and mathematics. In everyday parent language, learning includes talking, moving, getting along with others and beginning to understand words and numbers. Conversations and vocabulary receive explicit attention here, with books and discussion linked to children's activities.

Reading starts early. In January 2025, children in early years encountered books alongside songs, rhymes and stories that helped them recognise sounds. Familiar rhythms make listening part of play. Outside, the nursery's outdoor provision extends the space for exploration beyond the building.

A staggered start introduces children to their attendance pattern gradually. Parents stay connected through online learning journals, daily welcome time and Stay and Play sessions. These offer different ways to follow a child's learning and continue it at home.

Food has a clear routine. Early years children receive fruit or vegetables at morning break. At Lunch Club, children register in the Rocket Room, wash their hands and eat together; afterwards, they can play outdoors or in the group room. Sharing a meal therefore sits alongside familiar care routines and further play.

The school uses an Assess, Plan, Do, Review cycle for special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Children identified with SEND may have an Individual Provision Map, with plans shared with families three times a year. Support reviews. In January 2025, checks on SEND support across the school were inconsistent, and some wider subjects needed better sequencing and checks on learning. Families considering additional support should discuss how their child's provision will be reviewed.

Attending St Mary's nursery does not guarantee a place in its Reception class. Nursery entry and Reception entry are separate applications: the school manages nursery places, while Reception applications go through Buckinghamshire Council's school admissions team. Families must apply again through that normal route and meet the deadline for their child's entry year. Choosing the nursery should therefore be a decision about the nursery experience itself.

Morning sessions run from 8:30am to 11:30am; afternoons run from 12:15pm to 3:15pm. Full-day sessions are also offered during term time. Following the staggered start, children are expected eventually to attend every morning or every afternoon each week, so the pattern calls for regular attendance.

The nursery offers the 30-hour flexible entitlement, described as six hours daily, with a chargeable Lunch Club option. Lunch Club runs between 11:30 and 12:15, has limited places and requires booking. Contact the school for current charges. Afternoon children joining the club use the nursery entrance; morning children leaving after lunch are collected at the main entrance.

Nursery uniform is optional. Choices include a light blue polo shirt, dark jogging bottoms or leggings, and a blue and white checked summer dress. Enquiries about a nursery place go to nursery@sma.odbst.org. Families can arrange a nursery tour through the school office.