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Nursery at Cookham Nursery 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Light, space and a natural outdoor play environment give Cookham Nursery School its character. This is a nursery school in its own right, on Station Hill in Cookham, with qualified teachers and trained Early Years Practitioners. Its architect-designed building provides light and space alongside outdoor learning, making both settings part of children's experience.
Children become eligible to start in the term following their third birthday, subject to spaces. Cookham belongs to the federation with Maidenhead Nursery School and The Lawns Nursery School, sharing an executive headteacher and governing body while retaining its own identity.
Language ran through the day at the May 2023 inspection. Ofsted identified vocabulary and communication as a strength: adults introduced useful words, encouraged children to try them and adapted activities around individual interests and targets. Stories and rhymes supported this work. Talking about illustrations and how characters feel gave children practice in expressing their own thoughts, too.
In May 2023, the Early Years Foundation Stage connected communication, movement, mathematics and personal development with practical learning. Children explored for themselves and took part in activities led by adults. Woodwork brought a concrete challenge: learning to handle saws and hammers safely, judging risks and trying unfamiliar movements. This gave children practice in building confidence through doing.
At the May 2023 inspection, Explorers Club extended learning into the local area. Visits included the library, cafés, shops and theatre, giving children experiences they could draw on in pretend play and storytelling. Indoors, role-play areas provided a place to use those ideas. Cookham's natural outdoor play environment gives children space for exploration.
Settling begins with getting to know the child. Home visits at the beginning of each term let parents discuss development, preferences and dislikes with their child's key people. Children are also offered a shortened nursery session with parents at the start of their joining term. Children have different starting dates, allowing this introduction to happen in stages.
For children with special educational needs and disabilities, support involves the Key Person, SENCo and wider team, with outside professionals where appropriate. Individual play plans break learning into smaller steps and are reviewed with parents. Families can discuss needs with the SENCo before starting, helping staff prepare support around the child.
Named approaches include Intensive Interaction for early social communication and Lego Therapy, where two children work together as builder and architect. Makaton adds signs and symbols to communication. These give children different ways to participate and share ideas. The May 2023 safeguarding findings were positive: staff received regular training, responded promptly to concerns and worked with other agencies when needed.
Attending Cookham Nursery School does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process by the applicable deadline. Treat that application as a distinct decision from choosing nursery sessions.
In May 2023, preparation for the next stage was visible in the learning itself. Story discussions developed children's ability to explain feelings and ideas, while shared play gave practice in listening, taking turns and becoming more independent.
Morning sessions run from 8:45am to 11:45am; afternoons run from 11:45am to 2:45pm. The application form also offers two split-week patterns: Monday and Tuesday all day plus Wednesday morning, or Wednesday afternoon plus Thursday and Friday all day. These give families a choice between shorter sessions and a more concentrated weekly pattern.
The form includes funding selections for three-year-olds using 15 or 30 hours, alongside self-funded attendance. Families can arrange a visit before applying by calling 01628 520002 or emailing cookhamnursery@eyfed.org.uk. A General Enquiry Form provides another contact route.
Children are eligible in the term after their third birthday, depending on available places.
Mornings are 8:45am to 11:45am and afternoons are 11:45am to 2:45pm. The application form also lists two split-week patterns and a 30-hour funding option.
Home visits give parents time to discuss their child with their key people. Children also have a shortened session with parents at the start of their joining term, and starting dates are staggered.
The Key Person, SENCo and staff team support children, involving external professionals where appropriate. Individual play plans use small steps and are reviewed with parents.
No. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place; families must apply separately through the normal Reception admissions process.
