Blagrave Nursery School: Nursery Review

Small groups and a familiar key person shape Blagrave’s nursery provision. Each child has a main adult contact for their family, giving parents a clear starting point for conversations about care and learning. Based on Recreation Road in Tilehurst, Reading, this nursery school takes children from age two until they move to primary school, with separate rooms for two-year-olds and children aged three and four.

Personal and emotional development stands out in the daily experience. At its November 2023 inspection, Ofsted found that children learned to recognise their feelings, seek help and tackle challenges independently. Those skills matter alongside early learning: they help children communicate what they need and keep trying when an activity becomes difficult.

In November 2023, sessions began with children sharing their news with familiar adults, while daily affirmations helped prepare them for learning. Songs, nursery rhymes and engaging stories gave language a prominent place in the day. Adults introduced vocabulary during activities and encouraged children to ask questions and work through possible answers.

At the November 2023 inspection, each curriculum area had three pathways matched to children’s development, with planning shaped around their interests. For parents, this described an approach that built on what a child could already do. Group teaching sits alongside exploration: during rainy weather, children collected water in containers and compared the capacity of differently sized pots. Adult questions extended the investigation, turning water play into an opportunity to think and explain.

Learning also reaches beyond those activities. Children explored Diwali and Christmas, and family learning days connected themes with visits around the local area. A Miniature Railway Family Learning Day included train activities, rides and a picnic with families. These examples give children experiences to discuss and connect with their learning.

Curriculum challenge. In November 2023, staff confidence was less consistent in specific learning areas, including mathematics and literacy, than in personal, social and emotional development. Some children consequently received less effective support and achieved less than they could. Securing staff subject knowledge across the curriculum was the improvement priority.

Qualified teachers work alongside teaching assistants and early years practitioners. Children belong to a small group led by their key person, so the family has an identified contact rather than relying on whichever adult is available.

In November 2023, parents valued induction arrangements that helped children adjust promptly to nursery routines. Additional needs were recognised early, and staff received guidance to support those children’s learning. Safeguarding arrangements were effective at that inspection.

For families supporting speech and communication, the nursery links to Brighter Futures For Children resources and Tiny Talkers, a four-week programme at children’s centres across Reading. These are routes to support beyond the nursery. Food also appears as a learning experience: a Tesco Healthy Eating Visit involved tasting fruit and vegetables and discussing healthy eating.

Attendance at Blagrave does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline. Choosing nursery provision and securing a primary-school place are separate decisions.

All sessions follow school terms. For three- and four-year-olds, the 30-hour pattern runs Monday to Friday, 9am to 3pm. The 15-hour alternatives combine Monday and Tuesday full days with Wednesday morning, or Wednesday afternoon with Thursday and Friday full days.

Two-year-olds can attend weekday mornings, 8.45am to 11.45am, or afternoons, 12.30pm to 3.30pm, for the 15-hour pattern. Their 30-hour pattern runs 8.45am to 3.30pm Monday to Thursday, then 8.45am to 11.45am on Friday. These different finishes matter when planning collection.

Funding eligibility must be demonstrated for two-year-olds’ 15-hour places and for 30-hour places in either room. Paid places and additional sessions are also offered, with extra sessions subject to availability; ask the nursery for current charges. Session preferences go on the application form, but a first choice cannot always be accommodated. To register or arrange a visit, call 0118 937 5427 or email admin@blagravenursery.reading.sch.uk.