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Nursery at Andoversford 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
A shared classroom shapes the pre-school experience at Andoversford: nursery children learn alongside Reception pupils in Ash Class, the school's Early Years Hub. This is provision integrated into the primary school, with a teacher-led approach rather than a separate nursery setting. Children enter Nursery Year in the September after their third birthday.
That shared class gives the nursery its distinctive character. Familiarity with the school begins during pre-school, although admission to Reception remains a separate matter. In April 2022, Ofsted judged the school's early years provision Good; that judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Language gives the early years learning its shape. In April 2022, children could discuss stories confidently, and staff provided opportunities to explore number that encouraged curiosity. These are concrete examples of early years learning: developing conversation and understanding numbers, rather than simply preparing children to sit through lessons.
Role play and discussion help children try out vocabulary and express their ideas. The school places extra emphasis on spoken language in the early years, giving children practice in explaining themselves before they write. For parents, that makes everyday conversation part of learning, rather than something separate from it.
The school day also includes movement and outdoor play. Ash Class starts lunch at 12:10, ahead of the shared playground period. PlayPod equipment supports imaginative activities such as den-making and dressing up. The nature area provides another physical space for exploration: Wild Wednesday brings children from across the school together there at lunchtime, with activities chosen by the children. Two staff members have Forest School training.
The April 2022 findings also raised school-wide concerns about the detail and order of learning in some wider subjects, and how staff checked understanding. Those concerns concerned the wider school curriculum; they were not identified as nursery-specific weaknesses.
Tapestry connects classroom learning with home. Parents can see photographs and observations, respond with comments and contribute their own examples of achievements. That creates a practical exchange about what a child is doing, rather than communication travelling only from school to parent.
Lunch can be bought through the school's caterers, with payment handled through ParentPay, or children can bring a packed lunch. Caterlink provides the hot-meal option. Special diets require registration with Caterlink before meals can be supplied; allergies and intolerances need a completed form accompanied by suitable medical evidence. Drinking water is accessible throughout the day.
For additional needs, the school uses the Graduated Pathway of Early Help and Support. Referrals to services such as Speech Therapy or Occupational Therapy follow consultation with parents or carers. A Parent Support Adviser also helps families with concerns about behaviour, wellbeing and education, while Early Help can include advice on toilet training and sleep routines.
Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process. The route is Gloucestershire school admissions; the September 2025 entry cycle had a deadline of midnight on 15 January 2025.
Sharing Ash Class already gives pre-school children experience of learning alongside Reception pupils. Treat that familiarity as part of the nursery experience, not as an admissions entitlement. A shared classroom does not remove the need to apply again.
Full-day, morning and afternoon sessions can be booked. The school recommends at least 15 hours each week and favours mornings for families choosing half-days, because activities and friendships can be harder to join midway through the day.
Families can use 15-hour funding or extended 30-hour childcare funding for pre-school places. Additional sessions are chargeable, as are catered lunches. Payments for extra sessions can be made by invoice or through tax-free childcare schemes. Refer to the school for current charges.
Enquiries go to admin@andoversford.gloucs.sch.uk or 01242 820407. Personal school tours can be arranged. For families driving, the village hall car park provides access to the rear of the site; parking directly outside is discouraged because the school stands on a main road.
Nursery Year begins in the September following a child's third birthday.
Yes. Morning, afternoon and full-day sessions are offered. The school recommends mornings for children attending half-days and suggests a minimum of 15 hours a week.
Yes. The pre-school accepts 15-hour funding and extended 30-hour childcare funding. Additional sessions and catered lunches are chargeable.
Tapestry shares photographs and observations. Parents can comment and add observations from home.
No. Families must apply separately for Reception through the normal admissions process. Sharing Ash Class does not guarantee admission.
