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Nursery at Caversham Nursery School
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Inspection data and key information above update regularly, however, this review below is refreshed bi-annually and may not reflect recent changes. Contact the nursery directly to confirm current arrangements. If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Garden access shapes the day at Caversham: children can move between indoor play and outdoor exploration on a purpose-built site. The maintained nursery school serves children aged two to five at Amersham Road, within the Reading Early Years Schools Federation. Explorers caters approximately for ages two to three; Inventors takes children from three to five. Qualified teachers, Early Years Practitioners and Nurture Assistants make up the teaching and care team.
The school provision needs distinguishing from the younger children's day care. Staffing shortages led to the closure of under-two and holiday provision on 9 May 2025. Discoverers had reopened by April 2026, with a term-time timetable running Monday to Thursday. That reopening should not be read as a return to holiday care.
Children's interests help determine what happens next. In the Moment Planning means adults watch their play, recognise an opportunity to extend learning and respond through conversation, questions or demonstration. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the curriculum framework: learning includes communication, physical development and relationships alongside early reading and mathematics.
The rooms have direct garden access, making outdoor activity part of the session rather than a separate excursion. January 2026 additions included large outdoor chalkboards, mud kitchen equipment and soft imitation bricks for building. These give children different ways to make marks, experiment and construct. Indoors, Inventors has a main room and dining area. Children's June 2026 accounts mention magnets, train tracks, a dollshouse and the sandpit, showing the variety of play they choose.
At the September 2022 inspection, Ofsted highlighted language development through rhymes, sound play, stories and Makaton, alongside imaginative play and growing independence. These activities connect speaking and listening with early literacy, while number songs introduce mathematical ideas. More recent experiences include Inventors singing for an older people's lunch at the Weller centre, recalled in the January 2026 newsletter. Learning reaches beyond the nursery rooms.
A named key person gives each family a familiar contact. The pupil premium strategy includes staggered starts and extra keyworker help for children who find separation difficult, with additional room staffing where possible. This allows settling to respond to the child rather than requiring everyone to adjust at the same pace.
Tapestry holds photographs, observations and videos of learning, and parents can contribute material from home. It is a learning record rather than a daily diary. Communication deserves attention: the July 2025 parent survey included concerns about individual feedback and irregular focus reports, alongside positive comments. Its follow-up actions called for focus weeks and parent meetings for every family.
Meals are also opportunities to practise independence. Older children eat together in the dining area and serve some of their lunch themselves. A rotating menu includes a vegetarian option at each meal; hot lunches, cold teas and packed lunches are offered. Specific dietary needs require discussion with staff, with a doctor's letter for allergies. Families are asked to contribute shared fruit and vegetables and supply consumables such as tissues, nappies and creams.
SEND support involves parents in assessing needs, planning adjustments and reviewing progress. Visual prompts and small groups are among the approaches, with Individual Support Plans when further intervention is needed. A federation Inclusion Manager coordinates support. Ofsted found safeguarding effective in September 2022, including staff checks, training and prompt responses to welfare concerns.
Attending Caversham does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate primary school application through the normal admissions process by its deadline. For children born between 1 September 2022 and 31 August 2023, the nursery's notice identifies September 2027 entry and an online application round opening in November 2026.
Transition support is separate from admission. The pupil premium strategy includes meetings and visits with primary schools, plus help for parents with applications, appeals and induction. This offers practical preparation for a move to another setting.
Provision is term-time only, with an overall session span of 8am to 6pm. The 15-hour pattern is five mornings, 9am to noon, or five afternoons, 12:45pm to 3:45pm. Universal funding applies to three- and four-year-olds from the term after their third birthday, for up to 38 weeks annually; targeted funding is available to eligible two-year-olds living in Reading.
For eligible Explorers and Inventors children, the 30-hour pattern runs 9am to 3:45pm Monday to Thursday and 9am to noon on Friday. Additional clubs and Friday extensions depend on availability. Self-funded contracts require at least three sessions weekly. Ask the school for current charges and the lunch arrangements for your contract.
Enquiries and viewing bookings go through admin@cavershamnursery.reading.sch.uk or 0118 937 5429; the open-day date is to be confirmed. At handover, children must be passed to a staff member before using the ramp alone.
The maintained school provision serves ages two to five, in Explorers and Inventors. Discoverers provides younger children's care on a separate term-time timetable.
The current provision is term-time only. The day care closure took effect in May 2025, and Discoverers reopened with term-time hours.
Tapestry provides observations, photographs and videos, with space for parents to add their own contributions. It records learning rather than providing a daily diary.
Yes. Children can have hot lunches or bring packed lunches. Vegetarian alternatives are offered, and specific dietary requirements should be discussed with staff.
No. Families need to apply separately for primary school through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline.
