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Nursery at Windmill Hill 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
A place in the Class Foundation Classroom gives Windmill Hill Academy’s Pre-School its defining character: nursery provision inside the main school grounds, with close working links to the Year F teacher and Early Years Lead. The academy opened its own Pre-School in January 2026. It welcomes children aged two, three and four and operates during term time only.
The nursery aims to develop confidence and independence through play, using learning opportunities both outside and indoors. For families, the combination to weigh is a school-based setting with a choice between a morning session and a longer day that includes lunch.
Play is the nursery’s chosen route towards greater independence. Its aims combine enjoyment in learning with basic skills for later life, while recognising that children have different needs. The nursery also aims for equal opportunities, encouraging every child to take part in learning. That gives parents a useful focus: how their child takes part, makes choices and grows more comfortable doing things for themselves.
The Class Foundation Classroom is the indoor base, and outdoor learning opportunities form part of the nursery’s approach. Close collaboration with the early years teaching team connects the Pre-School to the school’s foundation provision. This is a working relationship between staff, separate from any question about securing a school place.
Food provides clear points in the session. Children attending breakfast club can eat with friends before the main nursery session begins. A morning snack follows, with examples including crackers or fruit, accompanied by water or milk. Children staying for the longer day also have lunchtime, with a choice of food brought from home or a purchased school meal.
A Pre-School manager leads the provision, working alongside the Year F teacher and Early Years Lead. The nursery aims to take account of each child’s needs and to give children equal opportunities to participate. These are its stated aims, rather than an inspection judgement about the new provision.
Meal arrangements give families a practical choice. A packed lunch allows food to come from home; a school lunch is the alternative. Breakfast options include toast and cereal. Families choosing the longer session should factor the lunch arrangement into their booking, as lunchtime is included in that day.
Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place at Windmill Hill Academy. Nursery entry and Reception admission are separate processes: families must apply again through the normal Reception admissions route by the applicable deadline. Treat the nursery decision and the school-place application as two separate decisions.
The Pre-School’s close work with the Year F teacher and Early Years Lead concerns the provision children experience. It should not be read as an admissions advantage.
The morning session runs from 8:45am to 11:45am. The longer day starts at 8:45am and finishes at 3:45pm, including lunch; a lunchtime session runs from 11:45am to 12:45pm. Breakfast club runs from 8:00am to 8:45am, and nursery wraparound care includes a late session available until 4:00pm. Discuss the required timings when booking.
Two-year-olds can attend through fee-paying or government-funded places. For three- and four-year-olds, the nursery accepts 15 or 30 government-funded hours, subject to eligibility. The term-time model means families needing holiday childcare should plan separately. Contact the school for current charges and nursery enquiries on 01566 772143 or windmill@andaras.org.
Children aged two, three and four can attend.
The morning session is 8:45am to 11:45am. The longer day is 8:45am to 3:45pm and includes lunchtime.
Yes. Breakfast club runs from 8:00am to 8:45am, and a late nursery session is available until 4:00pm. Discuss timings when booking.
Yes. Government-funded places are accepted for eligible two-year-olds, and three- and four-year-olds can attend with 15 or 30 government-funded hours, subject to eligibility. Provision is term time only.
No. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process by the applicable deadline.
