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Nursery at Oxford Road Community 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Children’s interests shape the learning here, while carpet sessions give communication and language a regular focus. Oxford Road Community School’s nursery combines play chosen by children with activities guided by adults, offering morning, afternoon and 30-hour provision for three- and four-year-olds.
The nursery belongs to the school’s Foundation Stage at 146 Oxford Road, Reading. The wider school occupies a Victorian building with two storeys and original features. For families, the defining feature of the nursery itself is its approach to learning: adults respond to what engages each child rather than making every child’s session identical.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines learning with children’s social and emotional development. Here, that means time for children to pursue their own play alongside focused input from adults, using learning environments both inside and outside.
Planning in the moment is the named approach. Staff watch children’s play and respond to an interest or challenge as it develops, using their interactions to extend the learning. Carpet and group sessions concentrate on communication and language, so conversation has a place alongside independent exploration.
Reading begins with listening and talking. Nursery children take part in literacy activities initiated by adults and by children themselves, and Read, Write, Inc. phonics is introduced at carpet time. Ofsted’s November 2024 inspection found that nursery pre-reading work included identifying sounds, with early-years children enjoying rhymes and stories and developing their language. These are foundations for reading, built through activities suited to this stage.
For many children here, nursery is their first separation from their main carers. Building relationships with familiar adults and other children is therefore part of the nursery’s work, helping children feel comfortable enough to join in play. Staff use the Leuven scale to assess wellbeing and involvement in early play, and families starting nursery have a Nursery Transition Booklet.
In November 2024, children in early years formed secure bonds with adults. The staffing structure includes nursery teaching roles, a Foundation Stage team leader and early-years practitioners.
Full-day provision includes a daily lunch club. Caterlink provides the school’s meals, with choices booked through ParentPay. Its digital Food & Intolerance Form is the route for recording allergies and intolerances, giving families a specific way to communicate dietary needs.
For additional needs, the school provides a Nursery Local Offer and directs families to Brighter Futures for Children’s guidance on moving from early years to primary school with SEND. SENCO enquiries go through the school office email, admin@oxfordroad.reading.sch.uk.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and gives no admission priority. Families must make a separate Reception application through Brighter Futures for Children, which handles allocations on behalf of Reading Borough Council. Choose the nursery for the experience it offers now, while keeping the Reception application separate.
Once a child has been allocated a place, transition includes repeated opportunities to meet the teacher and visit the classroom. A transition day, a visit to the child’s existing nursery and a home visit help staff get to know the child and family. These arrangements support the move; they do not confer an admissions advantage.
The nursery timetable lists mornings from 8:30am to 11:30am and afternoons from 12:15pm to 3:15pm. Children taking the 30-hour option attend from 8:30am to 3:15pm, Monday to Friday, including lunch club. Collection times. The waiting-list form instead gives a 3pm finish for afternoon and full-day places. Confirm the applicable collection time when arranging a place.
The universal offer covers 15 hours, with 30-hour places for eligible children. Families outside that eligibility can purchase an additional 15 hours each week for a full-time place, subject to availability; payment is required before each half-term begins. Contact the school for current charges.
The online nursery waiting-list form is for children over two living in the school’s catchment area. For September 2026 to July 2027, applications for children born before 31 August 2022 are accepted only where there is an exceptional level of need. Other families should contact the school to discuss their circumstances. Nursery visits can be arranged by telephone on 0118 937 5511, giving families an opportunity to discuss the session pattern before choosing.
Children normally start at three, and the nursery serves three- and four-year-olds.
Morning, afternoon and 30-hour places are offered. The timetable gives a 3:15pm afternoon and full-day finish, while the waiting-list form gives 3pm, so confirm collection arrangements when booking.
Activities develop communication, language and literacy through adult guidance and children’s own choices. Read, Write, Inc. phonics is introduced during carpet sessions.
No. Nursery attendance gives no priority and does not guarantee a place. Apply separately through Brighter Futures for Children.
Yes. Telephone the school on 0118 937 5511 to arrange a visit.
