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Nursery at Hungerford Nursery School Centre for Children
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Bikes, woodland dens and stories give Hungerford’s nursery day its character. Play is the starting point, with outdoor learning a particular emphasis and adults helping children build the language and independence they will need next. Based at The Croft in Hungerford, the nursery school serves children aged two to four. Its classes include Dolphins, Jellyfish, Starfish and Turtles.
Ofsted’s April 2026 inspection judged attendance and behaviour at Strong standard, with curriculum and teaching, achievement, inclusion, leadership, and personal development at Expected standard. These are separate judgements, rather than a single nursery grade. Children were developing confidence in communication and making progress typical of their starting points.
Learning follows the Early Years Foundation Stage, using Development Matters to plan experiences indoors and outside. In parent terms, that means building communication, relationships and physical skills alongside early reading, number, creativity and understanding the world. Children’s interests help shape activities. There is room for adult teaching and for children to choose their own play.
Inside, construction toys, playdough and materials for painting and collage invite children to build, experiment and make marks. Outdoors, climbing equipment, bikes and play houses offer different kinds of movement and imaginative play, with a safety surface beneath the activity area. Woodland visits add den building and exploration beyond the nursery grounds.
Language runs through the routines. Tales toolkit and Helicopter stories help children develop storytelling, while props support understanding. Songs and rhymes sit alongside story sessions; five-frames bring early mathematics into registration. Visual schedules, Makaton and PECS give children additional ways to understand the day and communicate. Learning Stories record achievements, with families and children contributing to a Learning Journey Folder that informs future planning.
Teaching development. In April 2026, adult teaching included clear explanations and close checks on understanding, but conversations during children’s chosen activities sometimes needed a more precise learning focus. Making better use of those moments remains an improvement priority.
Teachers and Early Years Practitioners act as keypersons for children and their families. Foundation Stage Teachers oversee the named classes, supported by practitioners and teaching assistants with Level 3 qualifications, including ELKLAN training. Turtles has daily leadership from an Early Years Practitioner. This gives families an identified adult relationship alongside a wider teaching team.
In April 2026, children settled into their day comfortably, and close adult relationships helped them feel secure. Practical social teaching includes a sand timer for waiting and scripts to help resolve disagreements over toys. Snack and lunch bring children together to practise using cutlery and choosing healthy food. Care routines also teach respect: adults ask permission before nappy changes. Safeguarding requirements were met.
Additional needs are supported through a Support and Achievement Play Plan, with targets agreed by parents and the keyworker. Specialist professionals can become involved if progress needs further support. In April 2026, individual SEND plans were reviewed each term with families and professionals. Evaluation of support for disadvantaged children was less firmly established and remained a priority, so the impact of that help needed clearer tracking.
Attending Hungerford Nursery School does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet the applicable deadline. Treat choosing a nursery and applying for primary school as two separate decisions.
Preparation happens through ordinary routines: putting on coats, tidying materials and learning to cooperate. These build useful independence for the move to school; they do not secure admission.
The term-time session offer includes a 15-hour pattern of mornings from 9am to noon, Monday to Friday, or three days from 9am to 2pm. The 30-hour pattern runs from 9am to 3.30pm Monday to Thursday and from 9am to 1pm Friday. Breakfast Club runs from 8am to 9am on weekdays; After School Club runs from 3.30pm to 5.30pm Monday to Thursday. Bank holidays and inset days are excluded.
Extra hours can be purchased when capacity permits. Eligible two-year-olds can access funded sessions, and the nursery describes funded provision for three-year-olds, with additional funding dependent on eligibility. Lunch is charged under the conditional extra-hours offer described on the application page. Ask the school for current charges and discuss the session combination before booking. Enquiries go to 01488 682628 or office@hungerfordnursery.w-berks.sch.uk; visits can be arranged by telephone.
The nursery caters for children aged two to four.
They use bikes, climbing equipment and play houses. Woodland visits include exploration and den building.
The term-time 15-hour offer is five mornings, 9am to noon, or three days, 9am to 2pm. The 30-hour offer is 9am to 3.30pm Monday to Thursday and 9am to 1pm Friday, subject to funding eligibility.
A Support and Achievement Play Plan sets targets with parents and the keyworker. Other professionals can be involved when further support is needed.
No. Families must apply separately for Reception through the normal admissions process and meet the applicable deadline.
