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Nursery at Pinewood 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
A weekly swim and space for outdoor play give Pinewood’s nursery day a distinctly physical character. The nursery belongs to the school’s Pre-Prep in Bourton, with buildings opposite the main school: children have their own base while sharing wider school facilities. There was one nursery class at the November 2025 inspection.
Pinewood puts kindness first in its Pre-Prep ethos, including kindness towards oneself, other people and the surroundings. That idea has practical expression in early years circle time, where children discuss friendship and practise sharing through play.
The Monday-to-Friday routine gives the day clear landmarks. Children arrive at 8.10am, with early years registration at 8.45am. A snack and play break runs from 10.10am to 10.45am; lunch follows at 11.45am. Afternoon playtime runs from 12.30pm to 1.15pm, before learning resumes, and nursery finishes at 3.15pm. Play has a defined place alongside classroom learning.
The Early Years Foundation Stage approach combines learning through play with adult support for language, number and physical development. In November 2025, ISI found that early years children made good progress through this approach. Adults extend conversations and ask questions during play, while books and rhymes develop language. Measuring feet using blocks and counting play materials make mathematical ideas tangible. Numicon begins in nursery, connecting number work with everyday situations.
Inside, nursery classrooms have interactive whiteboards, and the Pre-Prep has its own library. Story sacks pair books with puppets or toys, giving children another way to engage with a story. Outdoors, bikes and trikes provide opportunities to develop physical control. Weekly nursery swimming takes place in a covered pool that can operate throughout the year. Two qualified swimming teachers lead sessions, with teachers and teaching assistants supporting them; smaller early years groups allow individual support where necessary.
Settling starts with a familiarisation morning after a place has been accepted. Children spend time with their existing year group, meeting staff and future classmates before joining. In November 2025, early years children settled quickly, formed close bonds with adults and felt able to raise concerns. Stories and circle time helped them recognise emotions and learn ways to respond.
For parents, Pre-Prep form teachers are the first contact for concerns. Two qualified Emotional Literacy Support Assistants within the Pre-Prep team can provide individual or small-group help following a teacher referral. Families with learning support needs can also speak with the Head of SEN during the joining process. Early years progress was monitored closely in November 2025, with effective additional support for children who needed it.
Snack and lunch are built into the routine. Pinewood aims to serve a balanced diet through its own chefs, using locally sourced ingredients. Early years staff also carried out daily safety checks of learning spaces and resources in November 2025, and appropriate staffing ratios were maintained.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Confirm Reception progression and any application requirements directly with admissions. Pinewood expects children to continue through the school, but that expectation should not be treated as an admission guarantee.
In November 2025, early years leaders included smoother transitions between year groups in their development planning. That concerns children’s adjustment to their next class, separately from the question of securing a place.
Families can choose full-time nursery attendance, all-day sessions, mornings or afternoons; ad hoc nursery sessions are also offered. Crèche runs from 7.45am to 8.10am. Busy Bees provides after-school care from 3.20pm to 5.20pm, with shorter sessions available. Early years Crèche places require booking through the Pre-Prep office, and Busy Bees must be reserved ahead of time.
Pinewood offers 15 funded hours each week, starting in the term after a child turns three, with eligibility covering three- and four-year-olds in Oxfordshire. Wraparound care carries separate charges. Ask the school for current charges for the attendance pattern you choose.
Admissions enquiries use the admissions contact form, and individual tours can be booked. For day-to-day Pre-Prep contact, use ppadmin@pinewoodschool.co.uk or 01793 787218.
Nursery finishes at 3.15pm. Busy Bees after-school care requires advance booking.
Yes. Morning and afternoon sessions are offered alongside all-day and full-time attendance, with ad hoc nursery sessions also available.
No. Confirm Reception progression and any application requirements directly with admissions.
Pinewood offers 15 hours per week. Funding begins in the term after children turn three, and all three- and four-year-olds in Oxfordshire are eligible.
Yes. Nursery children swim weekly in the covered pool. Two qualified swimming teachers lead the provision, and smaller early years groups allow individual support where needed.
