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Nursery at Cippenham Village 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Real tools, an allotment and Adventurous Acorns Forest School give Cippenham’s nursery day a practical flavour. Children can grow food, make things and explore nature alongside their early learning. This is a local authority maintained nursery school in Cippenham, Slough, for children aged two to four, operating during term time.
For three- and four-year-olds, there are 78 places in each morning and afternoon session, plus spaces for eligible children attending for 30 hours. Two-year-olds have 15 places in each session. Qualified teachers work alongside nursery practitioners and teaching assistants, giving the provision a teaching team as well as care staff.
Choice shapes much of the day. Children spend most of their time pursuing activities they have chosen, alone or with other children; adults also lead learning and plan from observations of each child. Planning in the Moment develops learning through children’s interests. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) covers language, relationships and movement alongside early literacy, maths, creativity and understanding the world. Birth to Five Matters also informs planning.
Practical spaces make those ideas tangible. In the carpentry studio, children design and make objects while learning about tools and safety. Cooking can involve pizza, soup or porridge. The allotment gives every child a part in sowing, tending and harvesting plants, connecting food with the work needed to grow it.
Adventurous Acorns Forest School occupies the nursery’s own grounds. In May 2026, children were building shelters, investigating wildlife and climbing trees, developing cooperation and physical confidence. The yoga room supports breathing exercises and ways to manage feelings. Early learning is secure: children counted up to 10, compared weights and brought their developing literacy and maths into play. Ofsted’s report dated 12 May 2026 judged curriculum and teaching, achievement and inclusion at Strong standard. Its next step was to maintain the quality of provision and develop greater consistency in established practice.
A key person gives families a familiar point of contact. Settling starts with meeting key workers, a visit together and a home visit, allowing staff to learn about the child before regular attendance. Starts are staggered, and the time parents stay can be adjusted with the key worker. Progress discussions continue through the year, with brief conversations usually possible after sessions.
For children with SEND, The Nest provides focused support in a quieter space, helping communication and independence before fuller participation in the main nursery. The SENDCo works with families and outside specialists; individual education plans are reviewed every eight weeks. Wheelchair access and a welfare area with a changing station support practical care needs. Safeguarding standards were met in May 2026.
Lunch Club means eating together under staff supervision, with families supplying a packed lunch that follows the nursery’s healthy, nut-free rules. For three- and four-year-olds, Breakfast Club includes cereal, toast, yoghurt and milk.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal school admissions process. For Slough residents applying for September 2026 entry, the route was Slough Borough Council’s online application or common application form, with a deadline of 15 January 2026. That cycle has passed.
Transition support is a separate matter. For children with SEND, the SENDCo shares details of needs and support with the receiving primary school, and transition arrangements follow allocation of a school place. This helps the next team prepare for the child.
Morning sessions run from 08:30 to 11:30; afternoons run from 12:30 to 15:30. The 30-hour day runs from 08:30 to 14:30. Lunch Club is included within that funded day; children attending part-time can book it when spaces permit. Additional sessions are requested using the additional-hours form or by emailing the office.
The curriculum is free for children attending for 15 or 30 funded hours. Voluntary contributions support snacks, cooking and extra experiences; children whose families do not contribute can still participate, although contributions affect what can run. Optional additional care carries charges: ask the school for current charges.
Email office@cns.slough.sch.uk to request a tour. Registration requires both the nursery form and Short Consent Form. Children need clothes suitable for messy play, plus wellingtons and a waterproof coat. Collection arrangements must be supplied in advance, and the collecting adult must give the agreed password.
Children aged two to four can attend. Places are offered during term time.
Morning sessions are 08:30–11:30, afternoons are 12:30–15:30, and the 30-hour day is 08:30–14:30.
Families meet key workers, visit the nursery with their child and have a home visit. Starts are staggered, with flexibility over how long a parent stays, guided by the key worker.
Yes. Children attending Lunch Club bring a packed lunch following the healthy, nut-free rules. Lunch Club forms part of the 30-hour day; part-time children can book it subject to space and a charge.
No. Families apply separately through the normal school admissions process. Transition support prepares children for their next setting and does not secure a place.
