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Nursery at Cherry Fields Primary 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Mathematical language, early phonics and artwork reaching Banbury Library give Cherry Fields’ nursery a recognisable character: learning starts before formal school entry. This is the school’s own nursery on Wardington Road in Banbury, with a two-form entry structure. The current nursery offer caters for three- and four-year-olds, starting in the term following their third birthday.
Early years provision was graded Outstanding within the school’s Ofsted inspection on 6 and 7 December 2022. That judgement covers the early years provision within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Listening and language have a clear place in the nursery day. In December 2022, nursery children practised mathematical comparison using vocabulary including longer and shorter, alongside learning to sit and listen. For parents, this gives a concrete picture of early learning: developing the words to describe differences, as well as the habits needed to learn together.
Formal teaching of phonics, the sounds used in reading, began before the nursery year finished. Learning about equality and diversity also started in Nursery. These examples show the Early Years Foundation Stage, or EYFS, through children’s actual learning: early reading, mathematical vocabulary and understanding other people.
Creative work has reached beyond the classroom too. In December 2025, artwork by nursery and Reception children was displayed at Banbury Library, giving children’s creations an audience in their town.
Settling begins with information about the individual child. September induction for children joining EYFS includes home visits, discussion of children’s interests and needs, and an All about me record for staff. This gives adults a starting point for understanding each child before their first sessions. Parents also have an EYFS learning journey sharing day alongside termly reports and parent meetings.
Lunch offers a practical choice: a meal prepared by the school kitchen team or a healthy lunch brought from home. School meals carry a separate charge; contact the school for current charges.
For children with SEND, the SENCO works alongside the Early Years Lead and class teachers. Parents help establish the support needed. Where a nursery child needs support beyond the usual staffing ratio, such as individual adult support for communication needs, the nursery must obtain additional local authority funding to provide it. Families needing this level of help should discuss support before admission.
A nursery place does not guarantee a Reception place. There is no automatic transfer: parents must make a separate application through the normal admissions process of the local authority where they live.
For 2025/26, nursery attendance was not a Reception oversubscription criterion. The Reception application window ending on 15 January 2026 has already closed; that date belongs to a past cycle.
Transition preparation is separate from allocation of places. Children moving between classes have a summer-term session with their next teacher in their new classroom, and teachers exchange information. For children with complex needs, parents and involved agencies agree a transition plan together.
Term-time opening runs from 8.40am to 3.10pm, Monday to Friday. The 15-hour patterns divide the week: Monday and Tuesday plus Wednesday 8.40–10.40am, or Wednesday 1.10–3.10pm plus Thursday and Friday. The 30-hour pattern finishes at 12.40pm on Wednesday, with the other four days ending at 3.10pm. These Wednesday differences matter for collection arrangements.
Three- and four-year-olds receive 15 funded hours from the term after turning three; eligible working parents may receive another 15. Wednesday extensions are chargeable, and optional Wednesday half days depend on availability. A 32.5-hour Monday-to-Friday pattern combines universal funding with additional paid hours. Contact the school for current charges.
Uniform consists of a school-coloured sweatshirt and T-shirt, worn with black shorts, leggings or jogging bottoms. Nursery applications use the school’s online form. Enquiries can be made on 01295 574004.
The current offer is for three- and four-year-olds, with entry from the term after a child turns three.
No. Parents must apply separately through the normal process of the local authority where they live.
Opening is term-time only, Monday to Friday, from 8.40am to 3.10pm.
Yes. Meals are prepared by the school kitchen team and charged separately. Children may instead bring a healthy packed lunch.
EYFS induction includes home visits, conversations about children’s needs and interests, and an All about me record shared with staff.
