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Nursery at Shinfield Infant and 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Wellies for garden play, learning shaped by children’s interests and a place within the infant school: these are the defining features of Shinfield’s nursery. The school takes children from age three, and the nursery occupies the same site on School Green in Shinfield. Some learning happens in the school hall, while adjoining outdoor play spaces let nursery children talk to their siblings. School life becomes familiar through ordinary activities.
Sessions have a qualified teacher supported by practitioners with Level 3 early years qualifications. The nursery’s aim is to help children express their ideas in whichever way feels comfortable, giving their interests a practical role in what happens next.
A child’s curiosity helps set the direction here. Staff use in the moment planning: they respond to whatever has caught a child’s interest, then use shared discussion and thinking to extend the learning. That gives adults an active teaching role within play, rather than making children’s interests incidental to a fixed activity.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the curriculum framework. For parents, this means attention to communication, physical development and personal development alongside early literacy, mathematics, creative expression and understanding the world. Little Wandle Phonics begins in nursery. Individual Learning Journeys record development, and observations help staff decide each child’s next learning steps.
Garden play involves changing into wellies. Indoors, the school hall provides another setting for some sessions, and children can take part in school activities during the year. These experiences introduce spaces and routines beyond the nursery itself.
In February 2025, Ofsted found that early years children developed confidence and independence through clear expectations, close support and carefully chosen learning experiences, with reading, writing and mathematics given particular attention.
Starting nursery is a sequence rather than a single handover. Children have an informal Stay and Play session, a home visit when term begins and then two brief classroom visits. Parents are encouraged to remain for the first classroom visit; the second is intended as an independent visit. Further short independent visits can be discussed where they would help a child settle.
Support includes an early years SEND coordinator and work with Health Visitors and Speech and Language Therapists. That links classroom support with other professionals involved in a child’s development. Families work with the nursery, and parent helpers are welcome after school DBS checks.
For children taking the 30-hour offer, lunchtime forms part of their hours. Families can send a packed lunch or pay for a kitchen-prepared hot meal. Children under five are offered free cow’s milk and a healthy morning snack; allergies should be recorded on the admissions form.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through their home local authority, naming Shinfield Infant and Nursery School as a preference. For September 2027 entry, the application deadline is 15 January 2027.
Familiarity and admission are separate matters. Nursery children participate in school activities, encounter school staff and become accustomed to the site. Parents have transition meetings before their child moves to school. When a child transfers elsewhere, the nursery passes information to the receiving school, so the handover supports that next step too.
The 15-hour funded pattern consists of five mornings, 8.30am to 11.30am, or five afternoons, 12.30pm to 3.30pm. An optional packed-lunch club runs between 11.30am and 12.30pm. Eligible families can apply for a limited number of 30-hour funded places, running from 8.30am to 2.30pm, with an extension to 3.30pm. Register interest in the longer pattern on the nursery application form and contact the school for current charges.
Applications go directly to the school. Visits can be arranged through the office on 0118 988 3389; open mornings take place at 9.20am on the first Thursday of each month during term time. Nursery uniform is optional, including sweatshirts and polo shirts. Shoes should be sensible and have no laces, helping children manage them independently.
The 15-hour offer is five morning or five afternoon sessions. A limited number of 30-hour places are offered to eligible families, with an optional extension until 3.30pm.
There is a Stay and Play session, a home visit and two short classroom visits. Parents can stay for the first classroom visit, and further independent visits can be discussed if helpful.
No. Families apply separately through their home local authority. The deadline for September 2027 entry is 15 January 2027.
Lunchtime is included in the 30-hour offer, with a choice of a packed lunch or a paid hot meal. Children attending the 15-hour pattern can use an optional packed-lunch club.
No. Nursery sweatshirts and polo shirts are optional. Children should wear sensible shoes without laces and change into wellies for garden play.
