Hamilton Academy Nursery

A self-contained nursery with its own kitchen, outdoor play equipment and accessible care facilities gives Hamilton Academy’s youngest children a distinct space within the school. Based at Priory Road in High Wycombe, it serves children aged 3–4, with up to 30 children in each morning and afternoon session. Families can choose a shorter session or the extended offer, making the pattern of attendance an important practical distinction.

Play drives the learning here. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines activities children choose themselves with learning directed by teachers, using spaces indoors and outside. That gives children opportunities to follow an interest while adults introduce something new.

The curriculum covers seven areas. Communication, physical development and learning to manage feelings and relationships sit alongside mathematics, literacy, creative expression and understanding the world. For parents, this means early education involves much more than recognising letters and numbers: conversation, movement and getting along with others are part of the learning too.

Adults observe children as they play and use those observations to decide their next steps. The emphasis is on development through activity, with teaching planned around what a child is ready to learn. In April 2024, Ofsted found that early years children made a positive start, with adults using songs, rhymes and stories to build language from the outset. This matters for children beginning school with English as an additional language.

Topics give that approach a recognisable shape. During 2025–26, nursery themes included Fairy Tales, Wild/Farm Animals and Our World and Homes. The physical setting supports different kinds of activity: generous learning areas indoors and outdoors include wooden play equipment. Children have space for movement as well as classroom learning.

Ramped access, an accessible toilet and washing facilities with a shower are practical features of the nursery unit. These make accessibility and personal care part of the building’s design. Nursery teaching staff work alongside support staff.

For additional needs, Hamilton has a full-time Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator (SENDCo), who is a qualified teacher. The role includes identifying needs, supporting children and working with families. Parents with developmental concerns can contact the school office to speak with the SENDCo.

ParentMail carries messages tailored to each family. Registration details are emailed when a child starts, and families who cannot use the service can request paper copies through the office. That provides a practical alternative for keeping in touch.

Attending Hamilton’s nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Nursery and Reception admissions are separate processes: families must apply again through the normal Reception admissions route by its normal deadline. Treat choosing the nursery and applying for school as two distinct decisions.

The universal offer is 15 hours per week, with sessions running from 8.45am to 11.45am or from 11.55am to 3.00pm. The extended offer runs from 8.45am to 3.00pm and is described as 30 hours per week.

Collection requires a parent or designated person to meet nursery children. For enquiries, email office@hamiltonacademy.org.uk or telephone the Priory Road office on 01494 522231. Prospective families can also book a school tour through the office, providing an opportunity to see the nursery’s place within the Priory Road setting.