St Francis Church of England Primary School Nursery

Imaginative play and quiet thinking both have space at St Francis: indoor and outdoor learning areas include small corners where children can pursue either. This is nursery provision within the Church of England primary school in Cowley, Oxford, for children aged 3 and 4. Play, exploration and growing independence shape its approach.

Children learn through activity, with room to make decisions and take responsibility for what they choose. Themes and accompanying books organise the nursery curriculum, giving play a shared focus while staff adapt learning to individual interests and needs.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings care and learning together. Its initial emphasis is on talking and listening, movement, and children's emotional and social development. Literacy, mathematics, creative expression and understanding the world build on those foundations. For parents, this means learning extends beyond early reading and number work: communicating, playing alongside others and becoming more independent matter too.

Both outdoor and indoor spaces support exploration. Corners for pretend play and quieter thought give children different ways to engage, rather than requiring the same activity from everyone. Philosophy for Children adds questions that invite children to draw on their experiences or imagination, making conversation part of learning.

Personal development also has a named programme: Jigsaw runs through the early years. Themes include Healthy Me and Celebrating Difference, while children begin learning to identify feelings and talk about them. These give everyday relationships and emotions a place alongside other learning.

Tapestry shares children's early-years experiences with families. Parents can also message the class teacher through MyChildAtSchool (MCAS), providing a direct route for conversations about their child.

Across the school, SEND support includes individual support profiles that are updated regularly, with parents involved in planning. Classroom adjustments include visual timetables, retreat areas and time to process information; physical resources include ear defenders. The whole school has wheelchair access. These are practical features for families considering how their child's needs could be accommodated.

Staff throughout the school receive Zones of Regulation training. The approach aims to help children identify feelings and develop ways to manage them, giving families and staff a shared language for discussing emotions.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Oxfordshire County Council, with the normal deadline in mid-January of the year their child starts school. Treat that application as a separate task even when your child already attends St Francis nursery.

Morning sessions run from 8.35am to 11.35am; afternoon sessions run from 12.15pm to 3.15pm. The universal 15-hour option consists of five mornings, with daily attendance expected except for illness or exceptional circumstances. This suits families seeking a regular morning pattern.

A limited number of 30-hour funded places are offered only to eligible children who will move into Reception in the following academic year, and a valid eligibility code is required before a place can be offered. Fee-paid three-hour sessions normally require a five-day weekly booking. Three- or four-day arrangements may be considered at the headteachers' discretion, depending on circumstances. Availability depends on spare capacity after requested funded hours have been offered to all 3- and 4-year-olds. Ask the school for current charges.

Children can join from the term following their third birthday, with starts in September, January or April. Nursery applications go directly to the school office, accompanied by a birth certificate copy and proof of address. For enquiries, call 01865 468190 or email office.3253@st-francis.oxon.sch.uk.