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Nursery at Crowmarsh Gifford Church of England 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Owls, Robins and a garden open to children’s choices give Crowmarsh Gifford’s pre-school its character. The nursery sits within the grounds of Crowmarsh Gifford Church of England School on Old Reading Road, Wallingford. Its current age grouping is three to four years.
A large classroom and outdoor space shared with the school’s Foundation Class make this a nursery with a physical connection to school life. Learning through play is central to its approach. In June 2024, Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Good; that judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Children begin by registering themselves and choosing an activity. At 9.10am, the group comes together on the carpet to say hello and discuss what lies ahead. Older children, the Owls, often continue with a brief maths or phonics activity led by an adult. Younger Robins choose their play with practitioner support. The two groups give children different ways into the session.
Choice extends beyond the classroom. Children can move between indoor activities and the garden, with staffing arranged to support that movement. Adults join children’s play, observe what interests them and help extend their learning. Planned activities also take place individually or in small groups, shaped around each child’s next developmental steps.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) takes practical form in conversation, play and learning to manage feelings and relationships. Circle times usually separate Owls and Robins, focusing on these skills after the 11.30am tidy-up. All Aboard Phonics is the school and pre-school’s named phonics programme. The afternoon follows a comparable rhythm, ending with tidying at around 2.30pm, a snack and a story.
In June 2024, early years staff adapted activities effectively when a fresh interest caught children’s attention. Established routines also helped children understand the pattern of school life. Structure and responsiveness both have a place here.
Each key person assesses children’s development and plans their next learning steps. The nursery aims to build emotional security through these relationships, while exchanging information with parents to shape children’s learning. A parent helper rota also allows families to join activities and see sessions in action.
Food provides another opportunity for independence. Snacks include cheese, toast, fruit and cereals, with water or milk to drink; children serve themselves with adult supervision. Between noon and 1pm, adults eat alongside children and support them through lunch. Lunch Club allows a packed lunch or a hot school meal ordered ahead.
Every key person holds a paediatric first aid certificate, and safeguarding training extends to all staff. For SEND discussions, the school’s special educational needs coordinator can be contacted through the office, giving parents a direct route into support.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route and meet the deadline for their entry year. The school directs families to Oxfordshire County Council for admissions.
Shared outdoor space with the Foundation Class and close working between the nursery and school provide continuity as children move on. Those practical connections should be considered separately from the allocation of Reception places.
The nursery operates during school terms, five days a week. The January 2021 session pattern included mornings from 9am to noon, afternoons from 1pm to 3pm and a full day from 9am to 3pm. Lunch could extend either shorter session, and an early start ran from 8.45am. That booking model required at least three hours per day on two days each week.
Eligible children over three can use up to five free sessions weekly through Flexible 15, from the term after their third birthday, subject to session availability and grant conditions. Ask the school for current charges and funded booking arrangements before committing.
Visits with a child can be arranged through the school office on 01491 836785. This gives families a practical starting point for getting to know the nursery.
The current pre-school age grouping is three to four years.
Yes. Children can choose between the classroom and garden, with staffing arranged to support this movement.
Snacks include fruit, cereals, cheese and toast, alongside milk or water. Lunch Club allows children to bring a packed lunch or have a hot school meal ordered ahead.
No. Reception requires a separate application through the normal admissions process. The school directs families to Oxfordshire County Council for admissions.
Contact the school office on 01491 836785 to arrange a visit with your child.
