Nursery at Sires Hill Primary Academy
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Choosing an activity, trying it out and talking about it afterwards gives Owlets its daily rhythm. Sires Hill Primary Academy’s nursery and pre-school provision serves children aged two to four, with 45 full time equivalent places. It is publicly funded and occupies a purpose-built setting with spaces for learning indoors and outside.
Owlets is the two-year-old class; Duckling Class is the pre-school group. These are distinct groups within the school’s early years team. The provision has no Ofsted graded rating yet.
Play gives children a way to develop interests and practise independence. In Owlets, children decide what they want to explore, then use materials and test ideas through play and short activities led by adults. Afterwards, they discuss what they did. That sequence gives choosing and talking a practical place in the day.
Songs, books and number activities sit alongside small-group sessions and outdoor play in the grounds. Tidying has a learning purpose too: children put materials away, help one another and take some responsibility for their surroundings. For children staying into the afternoon, lunch is followed by quiet play, stories and an opportunity to nap or join calm activities. The timetable is flexible.
The Early Years Foundation Stage, or EYFS, connects learning about relationships, movement and communication with early maths, literacy, creativity and understanding the world. Nursery art includes working dough, making collages, experimenting with paint and forming patterns in clay. These give children concrete materials to handle and ideas to express, alongside the conversation and choice built into their play.
Settling starts with staff learning about each child. The nursery aims to help children build friendships, develop their interests and become comfortable in the group. For children with SEND, parents are invited to a meeting before entry; an individual transition can be planned, with additional help from the Early Years SEND team for severe needs.
Learning Plans bring parents into decisions about SEND support and are reviewed three times each academic year. Concerns go first to the class teacher, with the SENDCo involved when further help is needed. The building has a single floor and wheelchair access, making its physical layout relevant to families considering mobility needs.
Lunch needs preparing at home for children attending either the 30-hour pattern or the 15-hour morning pattern. Nut products must be excluded. Families also supply spare clothing and, where needed, nappies or pull-ups, wipes and cream. Staff help children develop toilet independence once parents indicate that this has been successful at home, so that support follows progress made by the family.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Oxfordshire County Council. For entry in September 2027, the application portal opens in November 2026; the normal application date given is 15 January 2027.
Transition arrangements are separate from allocation. After a place is offered, the September 2027 intake has a June welcome meeting, individual teacher meetings in early July and a July stay-and-play lasting two hours. Two half days in September precede a full day on the third day. This gives children and adults several opportunities to prepare for the change.
Sessions run Monday to Friday. Two-year-olds can attend mornings from 9:30am to 12:30pm or a full day ending at 3:30pm. For three- and four-year-olds, the same morning and full-day patterns apply, with an afternoon option from 12:30pm to 3:30pm. Part-time places cover 15 hours a week; full-time places cover 30, depending on age and eligibility.
An extra morning session begins at 8:40am and must be booked and paid for beforehand. Children cannot attend this extension without a booking. Contact the school for current charges. Nursery applications go directly to the school, and enquiries can be made through the office at office@sireshillprimaryacademy.org or 01235 250970. Tours can be booked by contacting the school.
Uniform consists of a white polo and a purple logo sweatshirt or cardigan, with families choosing the legwear. Trainers or sensible shoes are required; sandals and Crocs are excluded. Bring wellies too. Collection is restricted to authorised adults, with advance notification and identification required for an alternative collector.
The nursery and pre-school provision caters for children aged two to four, with 45 full time equivalent places.
Yes. Two-year-olds have a 15-hour morning option. Three- and four-year-olds can attend a 15-hour morning or afternoon pattern, Monday to Friday.
Children attending for 30 hours, and those on the 15-hour morning pattern, must bring a packed lunch without nut products.
No. A separate application is required through Oxfordshire County Council. For September 2027 entry, the normal application date given is 15 January 2027.
Families provide nappies or pull-ups and the associated wipes and cream. Staff support toilet independence once parents indicate that this has been successful at home.
