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Nursery at Katesgrove Primary 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Daily stories, rhymes and poems give Katesgrove’s nursery a clear language focus. Acorn and Sapling are the school’s nursery classes, part of Katesgrove Primary School on Dorothy Street in Reading. Their day combines time led by adults with opportunities for children to pursue their own learning through play.
Language runs through the early years curriculum. In nursery, stories, poetry and rhymes are daily activities, with texts chosen both to introduce vocabulary and return to familiar language. Repetition gives children opportunities to practise words rather than encounter them just once. Talk Through Stories is also part of the wider early years approach to developing vocabulary and spoken communication.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) links learning to children’s development: talking and listening, relationships and emotions, and physical skills sit alongside literacy, maths, creative work and understanding the world. Play has a substantial role. Adult teaching is balanced with periods of uninterrupted play, and children explore independently outdoors and indoors. This gives them space to follow an interest as well as take part in planned activities.
White Rose maths guides daily mathematical learning through both teaching and activities chosen by children. Number work connects with patterns and shapes, so learning extends beyond recognising numerals. Themes, stories and experiences are planned with flexibility to respond to children’s interests.
At the October 2023 inspection, Ofsted found that staff expertise helped children in early years make steady progress. That finding concerns early years within the school.
Each child has a key adult, giving families a particular member of staff with whom to build a relationship. Tapestry, the digital learning journal, shares observations of children’s development and achievements with parents and carers. It provides a connection between learning at nursery and conversations at home.
Support starts with observation. From the beginning of EYFS, teachers and the SEND team look for learning needs and difficulties with social communication. Families can contact the school’s Inclusion/SEND Leader through send@katesgrove.reading.sch.uk. That gives parents a direct route for discussing additional needs.
For preparation at home, the nursery admissions page links to Getting Ready for Nursery - A Guide for Parents and a Potty training Guide. These offer families practical reading before their child starts.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline. Reading Borough Council determines school admissions and manages applications and appeals.
Treat the nursery application and the Reception application as separate tasks. The nursery’s own admission form is the route for applying to Acorn and Sapling; the council’s school admissions process governs the next stage.
Morning nursery runs from 8.30am to 11.30am; the afternoon session runs from 12.30pm to 3.30pm. Registration occupies the opening ten minutes of each session. These distinct start and finish times matter when arranging collection and other childcare.
Apply using the nursery admission form. For enquiries, contact the school on 0118 9375490 or email admin@katesgrove.reading.sch.uk. The school’s term dates page also links to its 2026–2027 calendar, giving families a place to check dates when planning ahead.
The nursery classes are Acorn and Sapling.
The morning session is 8.30am–11.30am and the afternoon session is 12.30pm–3.30pm.
Tapestry records children’s achievements and development and shares these with families and carers.
No. Families need a separate Reception application through the normal school admissions process, managed by Reading Borough Council.
Complete the nursery admission form linked from the nursery admissions page. School enquiries can be made on 0118 9375490 or through admin@katesgrove.reading.sch.uk.
