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Nursery at Arbour Vale 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Making a choice, signalling a preference and learning to take turns give Arbour Vale’s youngest children practical starting points for learning. The nursery sits within a special school in Farnham Royal, with an early years phase serving children aged 2–8. That broader phase has 41 children across five classes; these are phase figures, rather than a nursery-only intake.
Class groups average seven pupils, with staffing support varying according to children’s learning needs. Within the early years phase, three classes focus on autism, while another supports children with profound learning difficulties and complex medical needs. A further class includes children with differing complex needs, some of whom have autism and are beginning to engage socially with peers. The distinction matters: the class arrangement follows children’s needs.
Ofsted graded early years provision Good following the inspection on 10 and 11 January 2023. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision.
Play combines children’s own exploration with activities supported by adults. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), the framework for early learning, is adapted to individual needs and developmental stages. Here, learning includes practising relationships and communication alongside physical development. Adults model social interactions and help children learn about taking turns.
Communication has several routes. Makaton, Tactile Signing for Sensory Learners (TaSSeLs), photographs and objects of reference are among the methods used, selected around children’s understanding and physical abilities. Choosing receives explicit attention: children practise indicating agreement or refusal and expressing what they prefer. For a child who cannot rely on speech, those choices offer a way to participate.
Sensory stories, songs, rhymes and making marks feature in early literacy learning. Creative play also has a place through Expressive Arts and Design, with specialist art teaching linked to the week’s focus. These activities give children different ways to engage, communicate and explore, rather than requiring the same response from everyone.
Technology also features in EYFS activities, linked to the Understanding the World area of learning.
Physical learning connects with therapy. Teachers collaborate with occupational therapists and physiotherapists, while some children’s individual timetables include sensory workouts, massage or hydrotherapy. These are tailored activities, not a single programme followed by every child.
Settling starts with support for the move from home, preschool or another setting. Early years staff work with families so that learning can continue between school and home. This makes parents part of the child’s learning arrangements from the outset.
Specialists contribute for children with hearing, visual or multi-sensory impairments, and the curriculum is adjusted accordingly. In January 2023, early years children received support to participate through different communication methods, including children who were non-verbal. They also practised sharing and working independently.
For families seeking behavioural advice, the school’s Positive Behaviour Support team offers discussion and guidance, with consistency between home and school among its aims. Safeguarding concerns can be raised through the school office or safeguard@arbourvaleschool.org.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Treat the next placement as a separate decision and work with the SEND case officer on the route appropriate to your child’s Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
All pupils at Arbour Vale have an EHCP, and placement requests must pass through a Slough local authority SEND case officer. Suitability depends on the child’s needs and on space in both the relevant stage and an appropriate class. Familiarity with the school should not be treated as an entitlement to the next place.
Tours can be booked through the school office when Arbour Vale is considered a potentially appropriate placement. Contact office@arbourvaleschool.org or telephone 01753 515 560.
The school day runs from 8.50am to 3.15pm; these are school-wide hours. Home-to-school travel is organised by Slough Council. Use education.transport@slough.gov.uk for eligibility and assessment enquiries, and schooltravel.operations@slough.gov.uk for operational questions about existing travel assistance.
The broader early years phase serves children aged 2–8. Its 41 children across five classes are phase figures, not nursery-only numbers.
Communication methods include Makaton, TaSSeLs, photographs and objects of reference. Children are supported to express preferences and make choices using methods suited to their needs.
Early years staff support the transition from home, preschool or another setting and work with parents to connect learning at home and school.
No. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Arbour Vale placement requests go through a Slough local authority SEND case officer, with suitability and appropriate class space considered.
Yes, when the school is considered a potentially appropriate placement. Contact the school office to book a tour.
