Willow Primary School Nursery Review

Language, early reading and growing independence give Willow's nursery its character. Provision starts with children aged 3 and forms part of Willow Primary School in Fernside, Slough. Morning, afternoon and full-time sessions give families three distinct ways to fit nursery into their day.

In the Ofsted report dated 21 April 2026, the school's early years provision reached the Expected standard. That judgement covers early years within the school. Its nursery-specific detail includes the effective introduction of phonics, giving children an early start on the skills involved in reading.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum covers all 7 learning areas from the provision for 3-year-olds. Learning follows a planned sequence, with language and communication receiving attention alongside number, early reading and how children hold a pencil. These are practical foundations for expressing ideas, handling writing tools and approaching later learning.

Children's starting points shape the teaching. Many begin with limited communication and language skills, so adults use conversations and other purposeful exchanges to develop both speech and social confidence. Established routines give those interactions a predictable setting. Assessment also shapes what happens next: staff adjust their planning promptly in response to children's learning and usually tackle misunderstandings quickly.

Both the indoor learning space and the outdoor environment have resources supporting the curriculum. Learning therefore extends beyond the room, with both spaces contributing to children's development. Independence has a place alongside early academic skills: children practise judging risks safely and making choices that support their health. The emphasis is on building the skills to do more for themselves.

Predictable routines and responsive care support children's wellbeing. In April 2026, early years children were settled, happy and felt secure, while care arrangements supported their welfare effectively. For parents, that connects the learning day with the reassurance that children are comfortable within it.

Additional support involves families as well as staff. Adults work with parents and relevant professionals when a child needs extra help. Children facing difficulties with learning or wellbeing make progress from their own starting points. This matters for families seeking provision that responds to an individual child's development rather than treating the group as having identical needs.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process by the normal deadline.

For the September 2026 entry cycle, Reception places were allocated by the local authority, with applications made through Slough Borough Council's online Citizen Portal. Treat the nursery choice and the Reception application as separate decisions.

Nursery AM runs from 08:00 to 11:00; Nursery PM runs from 12:00 to 15:00. Nursery Full-Time runs from 09:00 to 15:00. The full-time option begins later than the morning session, a useful distinction when planning the family's daily schedule.

The school's autumn half-term in 2026 runs from 19 to 30 October inclusive, with term resuming on 2 November. This two-week break needs space in family childcare plans. General enquiries can go to the Willow school office on 01753 551854 or officewillow@marishandwillow.co.uk.