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Nursery at Whiteknights 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Sound awareness starts in Nursery at Whiteknights, giving Little Gems an early focus on the building blocks of reading. This is the school's own nursery at Fairlawn Green in Reading, with entry from the term following a child's third birthday. Little Gems belongs to the Lower School teaching and support team, placing nursery provision within the school's early years structure.
Ofsted graded early years provision Good at the inspection on 28 February and 1 March 2023. That judgement covers the school's early years provision, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Learning follows the Early Years Foundation Stage framework, supported by Development Matters. A topic shapes each half-term, chosen around children's interests and their stage of development. For parents, this means early learning reaches beyond letters and numbers: children also practise communicating, managing feelings, moving confidently and exploring the world.
The nursery's curriculum includes practical work with numbers, shape and pattern, alongside imaginative play, movement, art and music. Physical development includes both small movements and larger movements, as well as self-care. These strands give everyday activities a learning purpose, while leaving room for children's interests to influence the topic.
Participation in school life can take a concrete form. In November 2025, nursery children made purple poppies to commemorate animals lost in war. This brought creative work together with an introduction to remembrance.
Independent learning. In February and March 2023, adults did not consistently notice children disengaging during independent activities or extend their learning through conversation and play. Some children consequently gained less from these activities than they could. How adults support a child who loses interest is a useful focus for a visit.
Starting nursery involves contact with the teaching team before children attend independently. The September 2026 intake had a parent information session, a Stay and Play with families, and individual teacher appointments lasting 10 minutes. Children were invited to those appointments too, giving families an opportunity to discuss their child together before the start.
SEND support sits within the school's Inclusion Team, with an early years specialist role. Depending on individual needs, provision can include picture prompts, visual timetables, movement breaks and teaching in smaller steps. Parents help assess needs and, where appropriate, review a SEND Support Plan each term. Speech and Language Therapists and the Berkshire Sensory Consortium are among the specialist services the school works with.
Food arrangements include a morning fruit or vegetable snack for Foundation Stage children and free milk for nursery children through the Cool Milk Scheme. Harrison's Caterers prepare school lunches, with menus changing over a three-week cycle. Hot meals require ordering through Arbor at least 48 hours ahead; children without an ordered meal need a packed lunch. Dietary requirements can be discussed directly with catering staff through the school telephone number.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through their home borough council, using the normal admissions process. Applications open locally in early November and close on 15 January each year; results are communicated the following April.
For Little Gems children who subsequently take up a Reception place, existing registration details are reused. Families receive a Data Collection Sheet to check, amend and return rather than supplying the same registration documents again. This reduces repeat paperwork; it does not replace the Reception application.
Morning nursery collection is at 11.30am, with afternoon collection at 3.30pm. Lunch Club runs between 11.30am and 12.30pm and is charged separately from funded nursery hours. Nursery children must leave with an adult. Drop-off is at the wooden nursery gate beside the main office entrance.
Funding covers 15 weekly hours during term time for all children aged 3 and 4, while eligible families can access 30 hours. Additional sessions can be self-funded. Breakfast and after-school care are also offered; extended care bookings and cancellations require 48 hours' notice through Arbor. Ask the school for current charges.
Uniform includes a white polo shirt, a grey school-logo jumper, cardigan or sweatshirt, grey bottoms and black shoes. Nursery enquiries go to admin@whiteknights.wokingham.sch.uk. Families can book a school tour lasting approximately one hour, including the EYFS learning areas, and bring their child along.
Children can join from the term after their third birthday. Places are subject to availability.
No. You must apply separately through your local borough council by 15 January in the normal admissions round.
Morning collection is at 11.30am and afternoon collection is at 3.30pm. An adult must collect nursery children.
No. Lunch Club runs from 11.30am to 12.30pm and is excluded from both the 15-hour and 30-hour funding entitlements. Contact the school for current charges.
Yes. Bookable school tours last approximately one hour, include the EYFS learning areas and allow children to accompany their parents.
