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Nursery at Willowcroft Community 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
An enclosed garden for Caterpillars and year-round Forest School for Tadpoles give Willowcroft’s nursery a clear outdoor thread. These are two parts of the nursery provision at Willowcroft Community School on Mereland Road in Didcot: Caterpillars serves two-year-olds, while nursery entry also accommodates children turning three.
Caterpillars has a class size of 16 and occupies a purpose-built classroom within the school grounds. Its garden belongs to the unit itself. That gives the youngest children their own outdoor space alongside access to the school’s larger grounds.
Play shapes the learning. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) approach combines exploration, social development and academic learning, with children choosing activities and adults observing and joining their play to extend understanding. For parents, this means learning through what children investigate and do, rather than a day built solely around adult-directed tasks.
Tadpoles has a large outdoor area for exploring nature. Indoors, children initiate play using resources and equipment, with communication and relationships forming part of the learning. Caterpillars also emphasises language development and early independence. Its children use the playing field and Forest School areas while older pupils are in their classes.
For Tadpoles, Forest School takes place on alternate Tuesdays throughout the year, bringing different seasons into their experience. A Bear Hunt activity has included mud and frog spawn in the pond: a concrete example of stories connecting with outdoor exploration. Families need named outdoor clothing, including suitable boots; waterproof trousers can be borrowed.
Books have a daily place in EYFS, with adults reading aloud. Nursery children start Read Write Inc phonics during the summer term, adding a named reading programme to the play-based approach.
Tadpoles is staffed by qualified nursery practitioners. Relevant staff receive paediatric first-aid training, and safeguarding training extends across the school’s staff. Nursery parent consultations take place during the day in each child’s first and final terms, giving families opportunities to discuss development at both ends of their nursery attendance.
Support for special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) starts in early years. In March 2024, Ofsted found that children’s needs were identified and supported well, with access to the same ambitious curriculum as their peers. Parents can raise concerns first with the class teacher, with the EYFS coordinator and SENCO providing further routes for support.
The school uses Assess-Plan-Do-Review for SEN Support, with parent involvement and termly reviews. Wheelchair access and suitable toilets are available within the school. These are practical features for families considering how individual needs will be accommodated.
School lunch rules require packed food to be nut-free and exclude sweets and chocolate bars. Families should take those restrictions into account when preparing food.
Attending Willowcroft’s nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline. Treat that application as a separate task from arranging nursery attendance.
For children with SEND, internal transitions involve liaison between teaching staff and the SENCO, visits to the new class and transfer of support information. That preparation concerns continuity of care and learning; it does not secure admission.
Morning sessions run from 8:30am to 11:30am. Caterpillars has an afternoon session from 12:15pm to 3:15pm and also offers all-day attendance. The shared Caterpillars and Tadpoles timetable gives afternoons as noon to 3pm and all-day attendance as 8:30am to 3pm. These timings differ, so establish the agreed schedule when booking.
Caterpillars combines government-funded and privately paid places. Contact the school for current charges. Nursery registration forms are returned to the school office, with places allocated according to availability. Enquiries can go to office.3912@willowcroft.oxon.sch.uk or 01235 813304.
Children can take up a place in the term following their second birthday, subject to availability.
Caterpillars has its own enclosed garden and uses the school’s playing field and Forest School areas. Tadpoles has a large outdoor area and attends Forest School fortnightly on Tuesdays throughout the year.
No. A separate Reception application is required through the normal admissions process.
They begin the programme in the summer term. Adults also read books aloud daily in EYFS.
Email office.3912@willowcroft.oxon.sch.uk or call 01235 813304. Completed nursery registration forms should be returned to the school office.
