Blagdon Nursery School: nursery life in Whitley

A purpose-built room for two-year-olds, classroom lunches with friends and sessions that begin together give Blagdon a clear nursery character. This maintained nursery school in Whitley, Reading, admits children aged 2–5 and belongs to the Reading Early Years Schools Federation. It provides nursery education in its own right.

The nursery can accommodate 200 children at a time. Within that provision, Willows has room for up to 20 children per session and was designed for the youngest age group. Apple Tree is the largest classroom; Cherry Tree accommodates up to 30 children. These are distinct spaces within a nursery whose day combines group learning with time for children to pursue their interests.

Each session opens with a brief group activity before children choose their next exploration. In Apple Tree, that might mean building, investigating sand or water, imaginative play, drawing and early writing, or number activities. Resources are accessible to children, giving them opportunities to make choices and become more independent. Planned stories and phonics bring children back to shared learning during the day.

Blagdon follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Here, that means learning through activities that develop communication, physical skills, independence and early understanding of reading and numbers. The Federation Charter adds concrete experiences: children have opportunities to grow plants, build dens and try woodwork. It gives everyday play a broader set of experiences to draw on.

Outdoor activity has substantial space in the timetable. Apple Tree children spend time outside developing movement skills and exploring nature; its outdoor learning areas are being developed to include a Mud Kitchen, places for reading and larger construction activities. In May 2024, children used climbing equipment, played ball games and worked in the construction area under close supervision. Adults also reinforced vocabulary throughout the nursery, linking conversation to what children were doing.

Every child has a Key Worker who works with their family. Regular texts, emails and newsletters keep parents informed, while questions about eating can go directly to the key person. This gives families both routine updates and a familiar point of contact.

At the May 2024 Ofsted visit, children settled readily, staff had trusting relationships with them, support for children with SEND was highly effective and safeguarding arrangements were effective. The federation’s Inclusion Manager coordinates support with families and teaching staff. Its graduated approach uses assessment, planning, action and review, with adaptations such as visual prompts or small groups before additional interventions are considered. Parents help agree and review Individual Support Plans when these are needed.

Fruit, toast and daily milk are part of the Apple Tree routine. Children staying all day eat their packed lunches in the classroom with friends and lunchtime staff. Families provide a fresh, healthy lunch in a named box and a named water bottle. Blagdon is nut-free, cannot reheat food and asks families to cut small foods that could pose a choking risk. An ice pack is requested in warm weather.

Reception needs a separate application to a primary school through its normal admissions process, by the relevant deadline. Attendance at Blagdon does not guarantee a Reception place. Families should treat choosing nursery and applying for primary school as separate decisions.

If significant concerns persist despite support interventions, an Education, Health and Care needs assessment may be requested. Where an EHCP application is needed, the federation usually makes it in the year the child moves to school to prepare support. That preparation concerns the child’s needs; it does not secure admission.

The booking pattern is term-time only. Universal funding starts in the term after a child’s third birthday: 15 hours are taken as five mornings, 9am–noon, or five afternoons, 12.45–3.45pm, subject to availability. Eligible children can take 30 hours across Monday–Thursday, 9am–3.45pm, plus Friday, 9am–noon. Targeted and working-parent funding routes also cover eligible two-year-olds.

Breakfast Club runs from 8–9am in Apple Tree, with two staff members. Breakfast is served until 8.30am, followed by activities and a staff-led move to classrooms. Advance booking is recommended; one-off places depend on space. It is chargeable, and paid top-ups to the longer nursery pattern are also offered subject to availability. Ask the school for current charges. Families using working-parent funding must renew eligibility every three months.

Punctuality. Sessions start with group time, and late collection can upset children. Plan around the start and finish times. School holidays follow Reading community-school dates, while INSET days can differ. Staff-guided viewings can be booked through the office on 0118 937 5425 or admin@blagdonnursery.reading.sch.uk.