Highwood Primary School Nursery

Curiosity, creativity and independence give Highwood’s nursery its wider school context. Highwood aims to develop these learning behaviours alongside teamwork, reflection and perseverance, putting the way children approach learning alongside what they learn. For parents, that is a useful starting point for understanding the school’s educational priorities.

The nursery belongs to Highwood Primary School on Fairwater Drive in Woodley, Reading. Nursery and early years sit within the school’s class structure, rather than forming a separate standalone setting. We hold no published inspection grade for it.

Highwood’s curriculum is organised around Key Questions, with topics connected across subjects. Its planned sequence starts at F1 and continues through the school. The school calls its approach the 3D curriculum: ideas return across terms, connect between subjects and develop between year groups. The intention is that children revisit knowledge and build on it, rather than encounter each topic in isolation.

Language is an explicit curriculum priority. Highwood aims to deepen vocabulary connected with each subject, including exploring where words come from and what they mean. It also allows children’s curiosity and current events to influence learning. That gives parents two useful threads to follow in conversations about their child’s learning: the words being introduced and the questions prompting exploration.

Creativity has a practical expression in the school’s approach: play, art and drama are ways to develop it. Highwood describes these as opportunities to find ideas and work through challenges. The emphasis is on using imagination as part of learning, with independence and teamwork among the behaviours the school wants children to develop.

Additional needs are supported through the school’s special educational needs coordinator, working with class teachers and learning support assistants. The role includes identifying needs and coordinating provision intended to reduce barriers to learning. Families have a direct contact route through SENCO@highwood.wokingham.sch.uk, making it possible to raise concerns with the team responsible for that support.

Arbor connects home and school through app messages, texts and email. Urgent notices arrive by text; important letters, reminders and the weekly bulletin use email. Parents can also request updates to medical information and contact details through Arbor. Keeping those details accurate supports everyday communication about a child’s care.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process. For entry in September 2027, the route is the Wokingham School Portal. Treat that application as a separate task when planning the next stage of your child’s education.

For enquiries, contact the school office at admin@highwood.wokingham.sch.uk or telephone 0118 9265493. Highwood’s address is Fairwater Drive, Woodley, Reading, RG5 3JE.

Arbor handles payments for nursery childcare as well as school communications. Families receive an account setup link when their child starts school, and can use either the app or the web version. This brings messages, family details and childcare payments into one system.