Lynch Hill School Primary Academy Nursery

Favourite stories became imaginative play in Lynch Hill’s early years at the November 2022 inspection: children listened to books and then used familiar tales in their own creations. The nursery belongs to Lynch Hill School Primary Academy on Garrard Road in Slough. It is part of the school’s provision, with learning through play as its starting point.

Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Outstanding at the inspection on 8 and 9 November 2022. This was an early years judgement within the school inspection. At that time, the nursery served children aged two to four, including nine two-year-olds on roll; those figures describe the provision then.

Play carries the learning. Nursery activities support children’s development and care alongside their learning, while early years English uses focused play activities. In November 2022, children listened closely during storytelling and brought familiar tales into imaginative play. That connects listening with children’s own ideas, rather than keeping books separate from play.

In November 2022, the early years curriculum built on children’s existing knowledge and abilities. In November 2022, achievement across early years was exceptional, including among the two-year-olds. For parents, the useful emphasis is on extending what a child can already do.

Understanding the World includes exploring technology through play. Children investigate devices and the internet, try unfamiliar technology and make choices about completing activities. Early geography develops vocabulary and a sense of place, while history begins with questions such as how an object’s age can be recognised. These are concrete ways to turn curiosity into learning. By the November 2022 inspection, early years children had also collected food for a local foodbank, giving care for others a practical expression.

Settling starts with a home visit. Nursery staff meet the child and family before starting, creating an opportunity to begin a relationship and discuss worries. Parents can raise concerns while staff are getting to know their child.

An EYFS Inclusion Lead forms part of the school’s Inclusion team. Children receiving SEND support have Individual Provision Maps with targets shared with parents and reviewed with their input. The school also provides termly parent meetings for pupils with SEND. This gives families a defined role in reviewing support.

School support includes Wellcomm and Attention autism for communication needs, alongside small sensory spaces intended for relaxation and regulation. Support is matched to individual needs; these are school resources rather than a fixed package for every nursery child.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. For 2027/28, it confers no priority: allocation follows criteria covering care status, qualifying children of staff, siblings, medical or social need, and distance. Families must apply separately through their child’s home local authority using the Common Application Form. Applications open in November and close in January, a year before starting school.

Transition support is a separate matter. For children with SEND moving between classes, staff share support information with the new teacher. Where helpful, a personal book explains the change; where possible, children visit their next classroom more than once. Those arrangements support familiarity, not admission priority.

For the 2026/27 cycle, nursery preferences are AM, PM or Extended. The 2027/28 application offers AM, PM or Full Day (30 Hours). These choices allow families to express a preferred attendance pattern.

Nursery lunchtime is 11:15 to 12:15. For nursery enquiries, call 01753 524170; general enquiries can also go to office@lhspa.org.uk. Garrard Road has a one-way system at certain times, with access via Calbroke Road, a practical detail when planning the journey.