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Nursery at Russell Street 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.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 orchard session every fortnight gives Russell Street School’s nursery a distinctive outdoor rhythm. Children aged three and four join a 39-place provision within the school in Stony Stratford, with morning and full-day options.
Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Outstanding at its inspection on 19 and 20 September 2023. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Forest School takes place in the school orchard, giving every nursery child a fortnightly opportunity to learn among trees. Activities can include making feeders for birds, gardening, tree climbing and helping with campfires. These are practical experiences with materials and the natural world, alongside time to play hide-and-seek.
Adult interaction has a named approach: ShREC. Staff are trained to respond with interest to what occupies a child’s attention, making everyday exchanges a way to build connection. This matters in a nursery where learning depends on children being willing to talk, explore and engage with adults. In September 2023, nursery activities developed children’s social abilities alongside foundations across the areas of early learning; reading and mathematics were strengths across early years. The emphasis combines learning with getting along with others.
Read Write Inc introduces phonics when a child is ready. Vocabulary develops through discussion and role-play, while stories and poetry encourage an interest in books. In the final nursery term, children practise letter sounds, combine sounds to read words and use simple blending books. Teaching can be adapted for children who find learning whole words easier. Earlier work with print includes understanding that it carries meaning, recognising parts of a book and following pages in sequence.
September starters have a July stay-and-play session with a parent, an allocated start date and a family visit to meet staff. That gives children an initial experience of nursery with a familiar adult beside them. A family photograph and a favourite soft toy or blanket can also provide a link with home.
The Colour Monster helps children put feelings into words. Once they know the story, its characters are introduced during circle time in key-worker groups, giving them a shared way to discuss emotions. Parents have regular consultations with teaching staff. Seesaw captures learning through videos and photographs, while a weekly Sway brings learning updates, reminders and ideas for supporting children at home.
For additional needs, the school’s SEND provision includes targeted teaching groups and support from its special educational needs coordinators. Staff training includes ARC, addressing attachment and trauma, and PINS, the Partnership of Inclusion for Neurodiversity in Schools. A Nurture Room forms part of the school’s support provision. These are school-level resources, alongside the nursery’s own routines for emotional support.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline. Russell Street directs school-place applications through Milton Keynes Admissions.
Keep that application separate from learning preparation. The nursery’s final-term phonics work helps children practise skills for their next stage; it does not secure admission to the school.
Morning sessions run from 8:50am to 11:50am; the full day finishes at 2:50pm after the same start time. For children using the universal 15 funded hours, the booking pattern is five mornings each week. Some families qualify for 30 funded hours. Additional afternoon attendance is charged hourly; contact the school for current charges.
Breakfast and After School Club are open to nursery children, offering care around the nursery session. Nursery enquiries can go to nursery@russell-street-school.co.uk, although staff do not monitor that inbox during school holidays. Individual school tours are available through the school, on 01908 563148. Bring a labelled rucksack with spare clothes, including socks and underwear, at the start of each half term.
The nursery guide describes provision for three- and four-year-olds, and the nursery has 39 places.
Morning sessions are 8:50am to 11:50am. Full-day sessions run from 8:50am to 2:50pm.
Yes. Every nursery child has a fortnightly Forest School session in the school orchard, with possible activities including gardening and making bird feeders.
Regular parent consultations, photographs and videos on Seesaw, and a weekly Sway provide updates about learning and ways to support it at home.
No. Reception requires a separate application through the normal admissions process. The school directs families to Milton Keynes Admissions for school-place applications.
