King's Academy Binfield Nursery Review

Stories and rhymes give the nursery at King's Academy Binfield a clear starting point: children join in with adults, building their enjoyment of books before formal reading takes centre stage. Ruby is the nursery class within the academy's primary provision. This is a school setting from the outset, with a nursery teacher and access to the primary team's support structure.

Ofsted graded the school's early years provision Good at the inspection on 1 to 2 November 2022. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.

Shared reading is the clearest feature of nursery learning. In November 2022, children developed an enthusiasm for reading through adult-led stories and rhymes. Joining in matters here: children participate in the language of a story rather than simply listening to it.

Curriculum connections also needed attention at that point. Planning was still being refined in some subjects, including the precise links between early years learning and later subject teaching. For parents, this places the positive account of nursery reading alongside a specific qualification about how learning was connected across stages.

Additional support follows a child's needs, rather than depending on a diagnosis. Across the school, the SEND coordinator and learning support team plan interventions with teaching staff and external professionals. Individual Learning Plans identify strengths, needs and classroom strategies for children receiving targeted support, giving staff a shared basis for adapting learning.

Families are told about interventions put in place for their child. For targeted SEND support, targets and provision are reviewed with parents and children up to three times a year. Start with the class teacher if you have concerns; the teacher can involve the SEND coordinator. This gives families a clear first contact.

Personal care, including help with eating or toileting, is discussed individually. In the primary phase, an attendance and welfare officer assesses medical needs and prepares risk assessments. Parental consent is required for staff to give medication. Disabled toilets are available throughout the school sites, a concrete part of the wider accessibility arrangements.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process. Bracknell Forest Council's Schools Admissions Team handles school admissions, so choosing Ruby should be treated separately from securing the next school place.

For children with additional needs, transition includes contact between the primary SEND coordinator and nursery teams. Staff meet parents and professionals, can attend nursery annual reviews in the summer term, and offer additional transition visits. These arrangements help transfer knowledge about a child's support needs; they are separate from the allocation of places.

The nursery is at St. George's Park, Binfield, Bracknell, RG42 4FS. For enquiries, contact the primary office at admin.biprimary@kingsacademies.uk. The academy can also be reached on 01344 306 983. Using the primary office gives families a contact within the part of the school that includes Ruby.