New Bridge Nursery School: nursery life in Caversham

A story becomes something to act out, map and retell at New Bridge. Language runs through the nursery day, alongside the small practical steps that help children become independent: managing outdoor clothing, sharing equipment and learning familiar routines.

On Montague Street in Caversham, this maintained nursery school serves children aged two to five. Its Victorian building has places for up to 90 children, and it belongs to the Reading Early Years Schools Federation. Sunshine class takes children from the term after their second birthday; Rainbow follows from the term after their third. Snowflakes Social Communication Resource provides a separate specialist route for children with social communication differences.

Daily small groups introduce knowledge and skills that children can then try during exploration time. Early Years Foundation Stage Development Matters guides the curriculum: here, that means learning through conversation, stories, play and practical experiences. Adults use rhymes, songs and Makaton during exploration, while a daily literacy session combines a focus story with phase 1 phonics.

Focus Stories unfold over three weeks. First comes repeated reading and props; next, children act out the tale and make a story map, with related non-fiction alongside it. Finally, they retell it, imagine alternative endings and explore other versions. Families receive the year's story list through Tapestry, giving them a direct connection to nursery reading.

Outdoor play also gives children practice in sharing and taking turns. In October 2023, children were learning to put on waterproofs themselves, with time to practise rather than having adults complete the task. Independence gets deliberate attention. The Federation Charter adds opportunities such as planting, den building and library trips, broadening what children can explore beyond everyday play.

Before children start, personal profiles help staff learn about them and their families. Ofsted's inspection on 18 October 2023 found that individual needs shaped an inclusive nursery experience and that safeguarding was effective. That preparation gives staff a starting point for relationships and support.

In October 2023, each child had a focus week every half term. Staff identified the area needing attention and told parents beforehand, worked on it with the child and then gave feedback. The key person is also a contact for developmental concerns. A federation Inclusion Manager works with families and teaching staff, with additional support organised through assessment, planning, action and review.

Snowflakes has ten places for three- and four-year-olds, each providing 15 hours weekly, split between five morning and five afternoon places. Entry involves a panel and eligibility criteria, so families seeking this resource use its expression-of-interest process.

For children attending the 30-hour pattern, lunch time is included in the entitlement and parents supply a healthy packed lunch. Eating is also a language opportunity: in October 2023, children discussed their food with friends and adults used the conversation to extend vocabulary.

New Bridge is a nursery school, so the next step is a separate primary school application. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply separately through the normal Reception admissions process and meet the deadline for their child's intake.

Continuity of support matters alongside that application. The federation's SEND process usually seeks an Education, Health and Care Plan in the year a child moves to school, where needs warrant it, to help put support in place. Any safeguarding file held on CPOMS transfers confidentially to the receiving school.

Term-time attendance follows fixed weekly patterns. The 15-hour option comprises five mornings, 9am to midday, or five afternoons, 12:45pm to 3:45pm, Monday to Friday. The 30-hour pattern runs from 9am to 3:45pm Monday to Thursday, finishing at midday on Friday. That shorter Friday needs to fit the family's childcare arrangements.

Universal 15-hour funding starts in the term after a child's third birthday. Eligible families can access 30 hours; some two-year-olds qualify for either entitlement. Working-parent funding codes require reconfirmation every three months. Families unable to obtain 30-hour funding can pay to extend universal hours, with invoices issued at the start of each half term; ask the school for current charges.

Request a registration form or arrange a viewing through admin@newbridgenursery.reading.sch.uk or 0118 937 5580. A completed form places a child on the waiting list. Holiday dates follow Reading community schools, though INSET days can differ.