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Nursery at Abbey Woods Academy
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Play, exploration and room to make choices shape Ladybirds Nursery, Abbey Woods Academy’s provision for children aged three to four in Berinsfield and nearby villages. It belongs to the primary school’s Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Nursery children share a separate building and outdoor area with Reception, giving their early learning a defined space within the school.
Children can join from the term following their third birthday. Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Good at the inspection on 27 and 28 June 2023. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
A fresh topic each term gives planned activities a focus, alongside free-flow play. Ladybirds says exploration and play are how young children learn best; children are encouraged to take part, choose activities and develop independence. The balance gives them both adult direction and opportunities to pursue choices of their own.
Development Matters guides the EYFS curriculum. In parent language, learning includes talking and listening, movement, relationships and emotions, alongside early literacy, maths, creativity and discovering how the world works. Indoor learning spaces and the shared outdoor area provide room for this exploration. All classrooms have access to outdoor learning areas, and the school is on one level with wheelchair access.
Language receives deliberate attention. In June 2023, early years teachers used questions that encouraged children to explain their thinking, helping develop their language. Children also learnt to respond to silent signals as part of classroom routines. These are concrete foundations for communicating ideas and understanding what happens next.
Read Write Inc. is used across EYFS for early literacy. Nursery parents are invited to a phonics workshop, connecting the approach used in school with support for reading at home.
A nursery nurse takes responsibility for nursery children, within a team that includes an EYFS lead. Families can speak with staff at either end of a session, while Tapestry shares children’s learning online. That combines direct conversation with a record parents can follow between sessions.
For children with additional needs, the school’s support process starts with discussion with the class teacher or SEND coordinator. Parents help agree targets, with SEND reviews held three times a year. Possible adjustments include visual prompts, sensory resources and smaller teaching groups. Many early years staff have training in Intensive Interaction to support early communication skills.
Lunch can be brought from home or purchased as a school meal. Full-day arrangements include lunchtime supervision without an extra supervision charge. Morning children can extend their session until 12:15pm by prior agreement, with an additional charge; a meal carries a separate charge if required.
A separate application. Attending Ladybirds does not guarantee a Reception place at Abbey Woods. Families must apply again through Oxfordshire Council, including those whose child already attends nursery. For September 2026 entry, the application deadline was 15 January 2026; that admissions cycle is now past.
Preparation is a separate matter. Where possible, the future teacher visits the child’s nursery or preschool, and families are invited to classroom visits. On the final visit, parents are encouraged to leave their child with the teacher briefly after helping them settle. For children with SEND, transition support can include extra visits, visual aids and a transition book.
Morning Nursery runs from 8:45am to 11:45am; Afternoon Nursery starts at 12:15pm and finishes at 3:15pm. Full-day provision runs from 8:45am to 3:15pm, with the full-time arrangement available Monday to Friday. These nursery timings matter when planning collection and work commitments.
Funded provision starts in the term after a child’s third birthday. Ladybirds offers 15 funded hours, with up to 15 more for families eligible for Extended Hours Funding. Families seeking the total of 30 hours must check eligibility and supply their code in the term before starting. Additional hours can also be purchased by parents who do not qualify for extended funding. Contact the school for current charges.
Nursery enquiries go to the school office on 01865 340420 or admin@abbeywoods.anthemtrust.uk. Registration uses the Nursery Provisional Registration Form, accompanied by a birth certificate and address evidence; applications return to the school office.
Children can start in the term after their third birthday. The provision serves children aged three to four.
Morning sessions run from 8:45am to 11:45am, afternoons from 12:15pm to 3:15pm, and full days from 8:45am to 3:15pm.
Yes. Families can provide a packed lunch or purchase a school meal. A morning session extension for lunch requires prior agreement and carries an additional charge.
Ladybirds uses Tapestry to share learning with families. Staff are also available at the beginning and end of sessions.
No. A separate application through Oxfordshire Council is required, even for children already attending Ladybirds.
