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Nursery at St James Church of England Primary School, Hanney
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Forest School and children helping choose their learning topics give this nursery its character. St James combines outdoor exploration with an Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum in which children’s interests influence planning. The nursery belongs to the school’s Early Years Nursery and Foundation Stage Unit in East Hanney, with provision that includes two-year-olds.
The school places community, kindness and courage among its Christian values. For the nursery, its stated aims include helping children become more independent, confident and resilient. These aims connect with an approach that encourages children to experiment, persevere and make choices about their learning.
Adventure, Empathy and Curiosity are the named curriculum drivers. Children learn through themes and contribute ideas to the topics and their planning, giving them a role in shaping what they explore. Activities are planned around their next learning steps, with both outdoor and indoor environments arranged to support that work.
The EYFS brings together learning and personal development. Language and communication, relationships and emotional development, and physical skills form its three prime areas. Alongside these sit mathematics, literacy, creative expression and learning about the world. For parents, that means learning encompasses conversation, movement, friendships and imaginative activity as well as early number and reading skills.
Playing, sustained involvement and thinking through ideas are part of the approach. Children are encouraged to explore familiar ideas, try something new, concentrate and keep working towards something they want to achieve. They also make connections and choose how to tackle activities.
Forest School forms part of the early years curriculum. A complete set of waterproof clothing supports participation throughout the year, making outdoor learning less dependent on dry weather. Indoors, the school and nursery have a library that provides a space for enjoying books.
At the February 2024 inspection, early years staff used accurate mathematical vocabulary and children began phonics through a structured approach. Those details connect everyday talk and early sound work with the foundations of later learning.
The early years team includes Nursery Nurses and Early Years practitioners. Relationships are a principle of the nursery’s curriculum: the school emphasises children’s connections with parents and a key person as a basis for developing independence.
For additional needs, the school aims to combine support with participation in school life. Staff can receive extra training and resources, with links to the Speech and Language Therapy Service and Educational Psychology Service. This gives families routes to specialist involvement alongside classroom support.
Dojo and ParentMail help keep families informed about events and school life. Safeguarding concerns can be raised with any staff member or through the office; designated safeguarding officers take responsibility for following them up.
Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process. The school directs Reception applicants to Oxfordshire County Council admissions.
Children starting school as rising fives are invited to at least two visits beforehand, arranged between families and the school. These visits offer familiarisation, rather than an admissions advantage.
For the September 2026 nursery intake, places covering 15 or 30 hours were offered to three-year-olds. This describes that intake rather than a promise of a place now.
Nursery enquiries go through the school office at office@sja.cambrianlt.org or 01235 868232. Families can book an appointment to visit, with time to look around and talk with the school team. The setting is on The Causeway, East Hanney, Wantage, OX12 0JN.
No. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a place, and families need to apply separately for Reception through the normal admissions process.
It follows the EYFS, using themes shaped partly by children’s interests. Its named curriculum drivers are Adventure, Empathy and Curiosity.
Yes. Forest School is part of the early years curriculum, and waterproof clothing supports participation throughout the year.
The school provides additional support, staff resources and training, with access to specialist agencies including speech and language therapy and educational psychology.
Contact the school office at office@sja.cambrianlt.org or 01235 868232 to make an appointment.
