James Elliman Academy Nursery Review

Vegetables grown, described and tasted by early-years children in May 2024 give a concrete picture of early learning at James Elliman Academy. Its nursery offers part-time morning and afternoon provision within the academy on Elliman Avenue in Slough. Children join after their third birthday at a term-based intake.

The emphasis is on learning that children can put into words. In May 2024, an ungraded Ofsted inspection found that early-years children settled readily and progressed well, with learning supported by the quality of both the inside and outside spaces. These findings concern the school's early years; they are not a separate nursery grade.

In May 2024, early-years children planted vegetables, then described and tasted them. This connected practical activity with language and gave children a direct experience of learning about the world. The indoor learning space and outdoor area both supported learning across the early-years curriculum in May 2024.

Curriculum planning begins in Nursery, with knowledge and vocabulary selected in a deliberate teaching sequence. For parents, that means the activities sit within a planned progression of learning, rather than being isolated tasks.

Jigsaw PSHE extends from Nursery through the primary school. It combines learning about feelings, relationships and social skills, giving children a framework for understanding themselves and other people. The year's sequence starts with Being Me in My World, followed by Celebrating Differences. Dreams and Goals comes next, before Healthy Me; Relationships and Changing Me complete the sequence. Those themes connect belonging and differences with health and change.

The academy's inclusion team includes a Vice Principal responsible for Inclusion and Safeguarding, a SENDCo and a teaching assistant specialising in speech and language. Parents can contact the SENDCo through the main school telephone number, providing a direct starting point for discussing a child's additional needs.

Safeguarding training takes place annually for all staff at Level 1. Families can raise a concern with a designated safeguarding lead or through their child's class teacher, who passes it to the appropriate staff. This gives parents a clear route for concerns about a child's welfare.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place at James Elliman Academy. Families must make a separate application through Slough Local Authority, using its online Common Application Form. Apply by the normal Reception deadline, checking the relevant closing date with Slough Borough Council.

For children offered a Reception place, a July intake meeting brings families together with the Vice Principal for Early Years, teaching staff and admissions staff. This is an opportunity to meet the team for the next stage. It is separate from the decision about allocating a place.

Morning or afternoon sessions are the nursery's part-time model. Nursery applications go directly to the academy, so the initial enquiry route differs from the later Reception application.

To arrange a school visit, telephone 01753 810686. The office can also be reached at jeaoffice@theparkfederation.org. The academy's address is Elliman Avenue, Slough, SL2 5BA.