Wolvercote Primary School Nursery Review

A morning session, an afternoon session and lunch cooked on site give Wolvercote’s nursery a clear daily framework. This is Wolvercote Primary School’s own nursery provision at First Turn in Oxford, with collection directly into the care of a parent, carer or designated adult. Those handovers matter when several people share childcare.

The school’s values include Active Learning, Responsibility, Kindness and Respect. They also shape its behaviour expectations: adults remind children of expectations, then use conversations about feelings and choices to help them understand what happened and how to put things right.

Morning nursery runs from 8.45am to 11.45am; the afternoon session runs from 11.45am to 3.15pm. The morning therefore has its own collection point, while afternoon children leave at the end of their session. This gives families concrete times around which to organise the day.

Music supplies a specific example of early years learning. During 2024–2025, songs and rhythm formed part of daily routines across the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Children built up familiar nursery rhymes, experimented with changing words, pitch and volume, and learned songs connected to their topics. Singing offered both repetition and opportunities to try something different. That cycle also included an early years performance in December for other classes and families.

Dolce Schools Catering cooks school lunches on site, with families ordering ahead through SchoolGrid. Nursery lunches are charged; contact the school for current charges. Children in early years receive a free daily fruit snack. A packed lunch is another option, with balanced food expected and nuts excluded because of severe allergies. Fizzy drinks, sweets and chocolate bars are also excluded.

For children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), the school plans early years support around identifying needs, agreeing provision, putting it into practice and reviewing progress. Parents’ concerns about development are part of that process. Families receiving SEND support meet the class teacher, supported by the SEND coordinator, three times each year to discuss outcomes and progress. This creates regular opportunities to adjust support together.

The school building is at ground level, with ramps and a disabled toilet in the newer building. These are practical features for families considering physical access.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. A separate application is required, and attendance itself confers no priority under the arrangements for children joining from September 2026. Applications go through Oxfordshire County Council, online or on paper. For that admissions cycle, the deadline was 15 January in the academic year of the child’s fourth birthday; families should use the arrangements for their own entry year.

For children with SEND moving between classes, transition support includes time with the new teacher, staff handovers and sharing the child’s Pupil Profile. Individual children may also receive social stories or transition books. Preparation and admission remain separate matters.

Nursery doors open at 8.35am, following the opening of the school gates at 8.25am. Morning-only children are collected at 11.45am; afternoon collection is at 3.15pm. Release is to a parent, carer or another designated adult, so collection arrangements need to be clear.

Enquiries can be made through the school office on 01865 558301 or at office@wolvercoteprimary.org. Families can book a school tour by telephone or email, giving them an opportunity to look around and ask questions before choosing.