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Nursery at Finstock Church of England 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.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 Happiness Hunt across the classroom and outdoor area captures something of Cherry Class: children searching for picture cards, then talking about what makes them happy. This is Finstock Church of England Primary School’s nursery provision, with language, feelings and learning to play together woven into its activities.
The school’s early years provision was judged Outstanding at the Ofsted inspection on 23 and 24 January 2024. Its nursery-specific strength was speaking and listening, giving children foundations for their next stage of learning.
Language gives the learning its direction. In January 2024, early years teaching developed communication through planned activities and extended children’s vocabulary. For a parent, the useful distinction is that learning includes how children express themselves, alongside the new ideas they encounter.
Cornerstones project learning starts each term with an experience linked to the theme. Possible local outings include the church, village shop and park, connecting projects with familiar places. Read Write Inc. is the phonics scheme used across the school; nursery children’s speaking and listening provide the preparation for later reading.
Specific activities make the early years foundation stage tangible. During Children’s Mental Health Week in February 2026, Cherry Class used the Maraca Stop Game to pause and discuss recent enjoyment. The Happiness Hunt took learning between the outdoor area and classroom, while Feel-Good Freeze Dance combined movement with music. These were opportunities to talk about feelings through play. During Anti-Bullying Week 2025, children practised offering toys, waiting for a turn and choosing kind words. Learning to share had a practical setting.
Settling rests on familiar routines and relationships. In January 2024, staff helped children become comfortable with routines quickly and knew families closely. Rest has a physical place too: cushions and a quiet area allow a tired child to nap or take a break. A hot cooked lunch can be purchased through ParentPay, so families can include a meal in the nursery day.
Tapestry holds observations, photographs and videos of learning, with parental consent for uploads. Families can contribute learning from home, giving staff a fuller picture of the child. Emails carry school updates; two parents’ evenings are usually held in November and March, followed by a report at the school year’s end. Staff can also arrange an after-school conversation. For additional needs, the school uses several professional services, including Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Educational Psychology. These sit within the school’s support arrangements.
Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal admissions process, coordinated by Oxfordshire County Council, using its school admissions route. Treat that application as a separate step when planning your child’s next year.
Preparation for the move is educational: nursery teaching develops speaking and listening for the next stage. That learning benefit is distinct from obtaining a place.
Term-time opening runs from 8.40am to 3pm. Families can choose a morning ending at noon, an afternoon from noon to 3pm, or a full session. Extra sessions can be arranged beforehand through the office when staffing ratios permit. Changes to regular hours require at least four weeks’ notice and depend on availability during the year. The school requests that changes take effect at the start of each long half term in September, January or April. This calls for forward planning around changing work patterns.
Provision includes 15 funded hours and the 30-hour entitlement for eligible families who obtain a funding code. Additional attendance and hot lunches are chargeable; contact the school for current charges. Nursery uniform became compulsory in January 2026. Bring a water bottle and spare clothes each day, with clothing labelled; wellies and spare clothing can stay at school. Register interest through the office at office.3040@finstock.oxon.sch.uk or 01993 868314. Nursery visits are arranged by appointment and do not affect admission decisions.
Morning sessions run from 8.40am to noon, afternoons from noon to 3pm, and full sessions from 8.40am to 3pm. Nursery operates during Oxfordshire school terms.
No. A separate Reception application is required through Oxfordshire County Council’s coordinated admissions process.
A hot cooked lunch can be purchased through ParentPay. Cushions and a quiet area are available for naps or rest.
Tapestry shares learning observations, photographs and videos with consent. Communication also includes emails, two parents’ evenings each year and an end-of-year report.
Extra sessions can be booked ahead through the office, subject to staffing ratios. Changes to regular hours require a minimum of four weeks’ notice and are subject to availability during the year.
