Datchet St Mary's CofE Primary School Nursery

A morning nursery with an optional lunch extension gives Datchet St Mary's a clear daily shape. There are 26 places in the school's nursery class, and children can start in the term following their third birthday. This is nursery provision within a Church of England primary school on The Green in Datchet.

The practical distinction is the short day: mornings finish at 11.50am, or children can stay until 12.20pm for lunch. For families planning care around work, that lunchtime collection matters more than the hours of the wider primary school.

Each weekday session starts at 8.50am and runs during term time. Lunch is an optional extension rather than part of the core morning, giving families a choice between collecting before the meal and letting their child stay a little longer.

Language and learning to get along with others are concrete features of the early years experience. In February 2024, nursery staff supported children to expand their vocabulary and express their thinking. That gives conversation a learning purpose: children are developing the words to explain an idea, rather than simply being expected to listen.

During the same month, children in early years were learning cooperative behaviour and sharing. Learning about friendship also formed part of their education. These are useful foundations for participating in a class, where communicating with other children matters alongside talking to adults.

Special educational needs and/or disabilities were recognised promptly as children entered early years in February 2024. Early recognition matters because a child's support needs can be considered from the beginning of their school experience. Parents can contact the school's special educational needs coordinator by telephone or email through the office.

For children staying to eat, the nursery lunch period runs from 11.50am to 12.20pm. Caterlink supplies the school's meals, using local suppliers for vegetables, fruit and meat. School meals are ordered at morning registration, with payment made online; families should refer to the school for current charges.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place at Datchet St Mary's. Families must make a separate Reception application through their home local authority, meaning the council where they live and pay council tax. Treat choosing the nursery and applying for school as separate decisions.

For Windsor and Maidenhead residents, the online application route is through RBWM. An email address is needed to register for the admissions portal. The nursery application itself goes directly to the school, so completing that process does not replace the later Reception application.

Nursery applications require the application form and All About Me form, together with a birth certificate and proof of address. Offers are made half a term before children begin. These details give families a concrete preparation list rather than a reason to assume admission is automatic.

Tours can be booked through the school office on 01753 542982. Enquiries can also go to office@datchetstmarysacademy.co.uk. The school entrance is beside the Library, where Horton Road meets The Green.

Collection requires an authorised adult, defined as a responsible person aged 16 or over. Nursery children cannot be collected by siblings attending the primary school. Families relying on an older sibling for collection should account for that rule when arranging the lunchtime handover.