Bishop Winnington-Ingram CofE Primary School Nursery

Mud, sand and water give BWI’s nursery its practical character. Children learn through play, with a classroom of their own and a dedicated outdoor area used daily. That makes outdoor exploration part of the ordinary day, rather than an occasional extra.

At Bishop Winnington-Ingram CofE Primary School in Ruislip, provision includes Pre-School Nursery for children aged two and over and School Nursery for those aged three and over. Both sit within a Church of England primary school. Families can choose a morning pattern or a longer nursery day, with additional care options extending the time children can stay.

Stories, painting and counting sit alongside free play. Children also measure, sing, make music and take part in PE, combining activities directed by adults with opportunities to follow their own interests. The mud kitchen and the sand and water areas offer concrete ways to investigate materials and explore through the senses. Expect messy learning.

The Early Years Foundation Stage, or EYFS, connects learning with children’s physical development, communication and relationships. It also includes early literacy, mathematics, creative expression and understanding the world. Here, that means learning through movement, play and interactions with other people.

White Rose guides the school’s early mathematics approach. Within nursery, children can choose from planned mathematical activities, while adults introduce language and questions during play, books and rhymes. This gives counting and mathematical conversation a place in everyday exploration. Early phonics and literacy likewise begin through practical activities.

In October 2024, Ofsted found that early-years staff developed children’s vocabulary effectively and checked their language use. Across early years, including the two-year-old provision, children sustained attention during activities and managed routines sensibly. Those findings give a specific picture of how learning and participation worked at that point.

For children staying through lunchtime, families using the 30-hour pattern can send a packed lunch or order a meal from Colham Catering. Orders must be booked and paid for by 11pm the preceding evening. The school prohibits nuts and nut products, so lunchboxes need to follow that rule too.

Breakfast Club includes breakfast, while After School Club provides a snack and drink; children staying beyond 4.30pm receive a light warm snack. The latter is not intended to replace dinner. After School Club for children under three requires prior discussion with the school because staffing ratios and minimum numbers affect access.

Additional needs have a clear contact route. Parents should first discuss concerns with the class teacher, who can involve the SENCO; the school uses early intervention and reasonable adjustments to support participation. Medical care plans and new medical needs can be raised through the office. Medical Tracker sends parents email notifications about first aid and medication, giving families a record of care during the day.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline. Hillingdon Local Authority handles Reception admissions.

Learning together is a separate matter from getting a place. Nursery children sometimes work alongside Reception children, giving them experience of learning with older peers. This is a useful connection between the stages, but families should keep that classroom experience separate from their Reception application.

Morning nursery runs from 8.30am to 11.30am; the 30-hour pattern runs from 8.30am to 2.30pm. The two-year-old preschool operates Monday to Friday during term time. For eligible two-year-olds with a 30-hour code, funding begins in the term after applying, once the child has turned two.

A charged extension can take morning children through to 3.15pm, but it must accompany a morning booking. Children with a 30-hour code can instead book the 2.30pm to 3.15pm extension. Additional options are booked and paid for in advance through School Money; ask the school for current charges. Collection is due promptly at the end of the booked session.

Nursery uniform pairs a school jumper or cardigan with a white polo shirt, grey or black joggers and black shoes or trainers. Contact office@bwi.org.uk or telephone 01895 633520 for enquiries; school tours can also be arranged through the office.