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Nursery at Heyford Park 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Play, conversation and learning to be kind give Heyford Park School Nursery its starting point. Children begin by practising listening and speaking, alongside working together. This is the school's on-site nursery, with entry from the term after a child's third birthday and a daily cap of 24 children. The cap relates to the space and staffing ratios, so the nursery's size places a practical limit on places.
Ofsted graded the school's early years provision Good at the inspection on 10 and 11 October 2023. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.
Children's own play sits alongside activities led by adults. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum brings learning into exploration, conversation and practical activity, with adults helping children develop their ideas through questions. Indoor and outdoor learning spaces support this balance. Children can choose activities independently while staff remain available to help them take the next step.
Listening and speaking are an early focus. Stories, singing and conversations give children opportunities to hear vocabulary and express their thoughts. Role play and discussion provide starting points for making marks and writing, connecting these activities with something children want to communicate. The school aims to adapt learning to children's interests and developmental needs, rather than expecting everyone to progress at the same pace.
Jigsaw provides a named approach to friendships and handling disagreements. These are useful everyday skills for children learning to share activities and play together. In October 2023, staff supported curiosity and creativity from the point children joined Nursery, giving this emphasis on exploration an early-years inspection foundation.
The team includes an early years phase lead and class teacher, a nursery manager with designated safeguarding responsibility, a Level 3 early years practitioner and nursery teaching assistants. Teaching, practical support and safeguarding responsibilities therefore sit within the nursery team.
Foundation Stage staff make home visits before children first start at the school. An information meeting for parents and visit days for children also form part of the joining arrangements. These give families opportunities to establish contact before the child begins attending.
Tapestry, the online learning journal used in early years, connects home and school observations. Parents can comment and contribute examples from home, giving staff another perspective on a child's learning. For additional needs, the school's SEND arrangements involve discussing concerns with parents, setting individual targets and seeking outside professional advice with parental permission. Families receive the targets, so they can take part in reviewing progress.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place or confer priority in the 2026-27 admission arrangements. Families must make a separate Reception application through Oxfordshire County Council and meet the deadline for their child's entry year. Treat that application as a separate task from booking nursery attendance.
Transition support serves a different purpose. The school's arrangements include time with the next teacher and in the next classroom before moving up. Children who find changes difficult can have an individual transition plan, potentially including extra visits, photographs of staff and visual routines. Familiarity can support the move; it does not determine admission.
Universal funding provides 15 hours from the term after a child's third birthday; some children qualify for the extended 30 hours. Parents are responsible for renewing their eligibility code and applying in the term before nursery attendance begins. That timing matters when organising a funded start.
There are three nursery entry points, at the beginnings of terms. Places are offered after waiting-list reviews, including when space becomes free. To enquire or arrange a nursery visit, email nursery@heyford.epatrust.org or telephone 01869 232 203. Nursery applications use the school application form, returned to the nursery email address.
Entry is from the term after the child's third birthday, with entry points at the start of each term and places subject to availability.
The nursery is capped at 24 children per day because of space and staffing-ratio considerations.
Universal funding provides 15 hours from the term after the third birthday. Some children qualify for 30 hours; parents must apply in advance and renew their eligibility code.
No. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a place or confer priority under the 2026-27 arrangements. A separate application through Oxfordshire County Council is required.
Yes. Contact nursery@heyford.epatrust.org or call 01869 232 203 to arrange a visit.
