The FMS Inspection Score is FindMySchool's proprietary analysis based on official Ofsted and ISI inspection reports. It converts ratings into a standardised 1–10 scale for fair comparison across all schools in England.
Disclaimer: The FMS Inspection Score is an independent analysis by FindMySchool. It is not endorsed by or affiliated with Ofsted or ISI. Always refer to the official Ofsted or ISI report for the full picture of a school’s inspection outcome.
Nursery at St Mary's Church of England Primary 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
An outdoor garden and a Forest School classroom give St Mary's nursery its own identity within the primary school. The purpose-built provision combines indoor learning with a free-flow arrangement, making outdoor exploration part of its character. This is a nursery organised around play and children's interests.
Children join from age three. Up to 52 children attend across two daily sessions, each taking 15 hours a week. A qualified teacher works alongside an early years practitioner and teaching assistants. For families, the practical distinction is clear: the provision offers a morning or afternoon pattern, with no full-time places currently offered.
Play carries the learning. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together language, physical development and relationships with early reading, maths, creativity and understanding the world. These areas connect through practical experiences rather than sitting in separate lessons. Children have opportunities to choose activities, join those introduced by adults and work with adult support.
Chris Quigley's curriculum approach helps shape the planning, alongside Development Matters and Birth to Five Matters. Staff use observations and children's interests to decide what comes next. A Growth Mindset approach encourages children to keep trying, while the balance of adult guidance and children's choices gives them room to explore their own ideas.
Inside and outside spaces both support learning, with the garden and Forest School classroom adding places for exploration. Forest School experiences connect with the early years curriculum and emotional wellbeing. Early reading also has a defined starting point: within the school's Read Write Inc approach, nursery children begin listening to and saying letter sounds, becoming familiar with initial alphabet sounds over the year. Friday brings PE. Trainers with Velcro fastenings are encouraged to help children put on their own shoes.
Preparation starts before the first session. Families can use readiness checklists and an at-home booklet to help children prepare for nursery. Once children attend, Tapestry connects home and staff through photographs, video and written entries about learning. Parents can contribute too, giving the journal a view of experiences beyond nursery; a PDF copy can be kept at the year's end.
Daily fruit or vegetables support healthy eating. Oral health and healthy eating sessions are also offered to parents. Toilet training receives practical support, with an individual intimate care plan where needed. Staff discuss concerns about development or wellbeing with families, and injuries are logged on Medical Tracker and parents receive an incident report by email. All nursery staff have paediatric first aid training.
Additional learning support is built into curriculum planning, including early intervention for children who need it. Families can contact the school's SENDCo through the front office. Nursery safeguarding procedures include staff training and working with other agencies when a child's welfare requires it.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. The admission criteria do not give priority for attending the nursery, and families must submit a separate school application to the local authority.
For September 2026 entry, the route was an online Common Application Form through Slough Local Authority, with a deadline of 15 January 2026. That deadline has passed. The separate application remains an essential distinction when choosing the nursery: being part of school life is not an admission entitlement.
Sessions run Monday to Friday: mornings are 08:30 to 11:30, and afternoons are 12:20 to 15:20. Each pattern provides 15 hours across the week. Nursery applications and enquiries go directly to the school office at officestaff@stmarys.slough.sch.uk or 01753 534 791. The office also arranges nursery visits.
Uniform is required. From Monday to Thursday, children wear black trousers or joggers, a white T-shirt and a green school jumper. Friday PE clothing is black, with trainers; Velcro fastenings are encouraged for independence. Blue Badge holders can arrange nursery drop-off and collection parking with the office after providing proof of their badge.
Eligible children can attract Early Years Pupil Premium funding, paid to the nursery to support provision such as staff training or additional experiences. Families complete the eligibility form before starting.
St Mary's nursery admits children from age three and caters for up to 52 children across its morning and afternoon sessions.
Morning sessions run from 08:30 to 11:30 and afternoon sessions from 12:20 to 15:20, Monday to Friday. Children attend one pattern for 15 hours a week.
No. Families need a separate local authority application, and nursery attendance is not included as a priority in the school's admission criteria.
Tapestry records learning through photos, videos and written entries. Parents can contribute, and the journal can be downloaded as a PDF at the end of the year.
Staff support families with toilet training and intimate care. An individual intimate care plan is put in place where needed.
