Sibford School Nursery Review

A mud kitchen, a willow tunnel and stories acted out on a taped stage give Sibford’s nursery its character. Play supplies the starting point; adults build learning around what catches a child’s interest. The provision caters for three and four-year-olds within an independent school in Sibford Ferris, near Banbury, with a Quaker ethos.

At the October 2024 ISI inspection, there was one nursery class. This is a school nursery with access to specialist teaching, while its everyday focus remains on young children’s play, communication and growing independence.

Child-led learning takes the largest share of the early-years day. Resources are within children’s reach, and play can move between the classroom and outdoor areas. Adults observe before joining in, adding a question or challenge suited to the child. In practical terms, the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings learning into ordinary experiences: counting cups for snack, taking turns in a game and talking through an idea.

Short maths and English sessions provide some structure. Nursery phonics starts with listening to different sounds and blending or separating sounds aloud; Read, Write Inc resources support phonics teaching. Talk for Writing uses actions and story maps to help children retell tales, then change them. With Helicopter Stories, an adult writes down a child’s own story and children perform it on a taped stage. Storytelling becomes something children do themselves.

Outside, the back playground contains building blocks and the mud kitchen. Lunchtime play uses the front playground, including tree climbing and the willow tunnel. Forest School, swimming, music and PE are taught by specialists, alongside a magical adventure session. Cooking, gardening, woodwork and nature walks add further hands-on experiences. Families choosing particular sessions should check which days these activities run before booking.

In October 2024, early-years teaching was well planned and responsive to children’s interests and needs, with effective support for language development. Choosing boards gave children a say in what they explored, and horticulture was an activity they enjoyed. That gives the child-led approach a concrete mechanism: children’s suggestions help shape the learning.

Taster sessions offer a first experience before joining. These can take place in the preceding summer term; a parent or carer accompanies children who have not yet turned three. During the nursery day, children use self-registration to express their feelings, giving adults a starting point for conversations about sadness, anger or including someone who feels lonely.

Progress monitoring and discussions with parents were effective in the early years in October 2024. Activities were adjusted around individual children, especially their communication needs. A feelings board, sharing toys and shopping role play also helped children practise explaining emotions and considering others.

Lunch takes place in the school dining hall, with an adult seated at each table. Children staying for lunch receive a hot meal. They are encouraged to taste unfamiliar food, with no pressure to eat it. Morning and afternoon snacks usually include fruit or freshly baked rolls, with water or milk. Meals therefore include conversation and table manners as well as eating.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Treat Reception admission separately and apply through the school’s Early Years application route, which covers Nursery and Reception. Confirm the Reception offer before making longer-term plans.

The move takes place in September after a child’s fourth birthday. Familiarity with school routines can help a child prepare, but it should remain separate from expectations about admission.

Morning sessions run from 8.45am to 11.45am; afternoons run from 1.30pm to 4.30pm. Children joining aged three in September initially take mornings or afternoons and can add sessions as the year progresses. Part-time bookings are made ahead for the term and depend on availability.

For eligible three and four-year-olds, Sibford offers up to a maximum of 15 free entitlement hours under the Nursery Education Funding Scheme. These are deducted from the termly fee, leaving any outstanding balance payable. Additional nursery care is charged separately, including lunchtime care with a meal and after-school provision. Contact the school for current charges.

Enquiries can go to Admissions through the contact form or by calling 01295 781203. Open events require booking, and individual appointments can also be arranged.