New Marston Primary School Nursery Review

Term-time nursery places come in two sizes here: 15 hours and, for eligible families, 30 hours. New Marston Primary School’s attached nursery in Oxford caters for children aged two to four. Its capacity is 26 part-time equivalent places, rather than 26 full-time places; a 30-hour booking uses two of those equivalents. That distinction matters when judging the size of the provision.

Early number, music and language give the learning programme some concrete shape. Across early years, Mastering Early Number develops number understanding alongside work on measures, space and shape. Singing games in Foundation Stage combine counting with pitch and rhythm, and children explore musical instruments. These activities connect early mathematical ideas with sounds and participation.

Reading and writing deserve separate attention. In March 2025, Ofsted found that early-years reading teaching gave children a positive start. Writing needed further work: forming letters and constructing sentences had received insufficient attention, leaving weaknesses in early years. A new writing strategy had begun, but its impact could not yet be established. For families, the useful distinction is between the positive reading finding and the unfinished work on writing foundations.

For children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), preparation draws on what parents, the previous setting and the child can share. Starting gradually may be an option. Foundation Stage starters may have a home visit too. Before attendance begins, children have a school visit and parents meet the headteacher, giving families time to explain their child’s needs.

Warm staff relationships from children’s first nursery days helped them feel secure in March 2025. For SEND support, teachers discuss concerns with parents and involve the special educational needs coordinator (SENCo). Parents can arrange a SENCo meeting through the office, giving them a direct route into discussions about support. The school site has wheelchair access and suitable toilets.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application, and attendance brings no priority under the 2027–28 Reception arrangements. Choose the nursery for the nursery experience, and plan the school application separately.

For September 2027 entry, apply to the English local authority where your family lives by 15 January 2027. Oxfordshire families can use the council’s Parent Portal or a paper application. Separately, internal moves for pupils with SEND involve staff liaison and a visit to the new class before transfer. That preparation supports familiarity; it does not change admission entitlement.

The universal offer provides 15 term-time hours weekly from the term after a child’s third birthday. The extended offer provides 30 term-time hours weekly for three- and four-year-olds from working families meeting the eligibility criteria. Eligible funded two-year-olds can join from the term after turning two, with families supplying their TYF reference number. Paying two-year-olds attend mornings and must book at least two sessions each week.

Additional paid hours depend on availability. They must follow a regular pattern and be paid in advance each half term; missed attendance is not refunded, and withdrawal requires six weeks’ written notice. Contact the school for current charges. Nursery enquiries and visits can be arranged on 01865 761560.