Our Lady of the Rosary Primary School Nursery Review

Stories, conversation and learning through play give this nursery its character. Within the grounds of Our Lady of the Rosary Primary School in Staines, the provision caters for two-, three- and four-year-olds, with 54 places arranged around 15-hour patterns and a maximum of 27 children per session. It is part of a Catholic school, so faith forms part of the educational setting families are choosing.

In March 2026, Ofsted judged the school's early years provision to reach a Strong standard. That judgement covers early years within the school rather than a separate nursery inspection. Independence and language development were clear strengths: adults extended children's vocabulary through their interactions, while routines encouraged children to do things for themselves.

Play chosen by children sits alongside activities guided by adults. Staff observe how children are getting on and use those observations to plan their next learning steps. This gives exploration a purpose while leaving room for children's interests.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) organises learning into seven areas. Here, the emphasis starts with talking and listening, learning to manage feelings and relationships, and physical development. Oracy means practising spoken communication: stories, shared experiences and play give children reasons to listen, explain ideas and learn new words.

Early literacy includes noticing sounds, telling stories and making marks. Mathematics introduces number, measuring and patterns through practical exploration. These experiences build foundations for later learning.

Across the early years provision, an outdoor snack shop turns number learning into play, with children working out payments through counting and simple calculations. Retelling stories through play also holds children's attention. Nursery children begin developing an enjoyment of books, giving reading a place from the start.

Christian Meditation is taught from early years onwards. The school aims to give children time for quiet and stillness, adding a reflective element alongside conversation and active exploration.

A nursery class teacher works with early years practitioners. In March 2026, early years staff recognised children needing extra help promptly and worked with families and outside professionals. Learning was adjusted as needs emerged, so support could respond to the child rather than depend on a fixed activity plan.

Lunch arrangements depend on the attendance pattern. Children on the 15-hour options can bring lunch from home or have a purchased school meal when their session includes lunch; the Wednesday morning session excludes lunch. For the full-time option, families provide a packed lunch. That distinction matters when organising the week.

Attending this nursery does not guarantee a Reception place and does not confer nursery-attendance priority under the 2027-28 arrangements. Families must make a fresh application through their home local authority in the normal admissions round, meeting the applicable closing date.

For the normal application, use the local authority's online form. Families applying under the relevant faith or staff categories should also return the school's Supplementary Information Form and supporting paperwork. Familiarity with the school is separate from the allocation of a place.

Two 15-hour patterns divide the week. Option 1 runs on Monday and Tuesday from 8.45am to 2.45pm, then Wednesday from 8.45am to 11.45am. Option 2 starts on Wednesday from 11.45am to 2.45pm, followed by Thursday and Friday from 8.45am to 2.45pm. Preferences are considered, but an alternative pattern may be offered if the preferred one is full.

Subject to availability, Option 3 provides 30 hours, Monday to Friday, from 8.45am to 2.45pm. The additional 15 hours can be funded through eligibility or paid privately. Eligibility for the additional funded hours must be reconfirmed every three months; after a grace period, loss of eligibility can lead to charges or withdrawal of those hours. Ask the school for current charges.

Nursery open mornings take place in November, February and June, with drop-in sessions booked in advance. Contact the office at info@olrs.co.uk for nursery enquiries. Compulsory branded uniform consists of a polo shirt, tracksuit top and book bag. Early Risers and Cool Club serve Reception to Year 6, so those clubs do not extend the nursery day.