Dedworth Green First School Nursery Review

A mud kitchen, a musical house and a bike park give Dedworth Green’s nursery day a practical, playful character. This is the nursery within Dedworth Green First School on Smiths Lane in Windsor, serving children aged three and four. Learning moves between indoor spaces and the outdoors, with room for digging, growing and imaginative play.

Ofsted rated the school’s early years provision Good at the inspection on 15 and 16 July 2025. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Play carries the learning. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together children’s language, physical skills and social development, alongside early literacy, mathematics, creativity and understanding their surroundings. Themes include fairy tales, friendships and the origins of food. A two-year theme cycle changes the books and resources while keeping content appropriate to children’s ages.

Nursery language work starts with listening, speaking and telling sounds apart. Little Wandle is the phonics programme used across early years; the nursery emphasis is on recognising and describing sounds. For mathematics, NCETM Maths Mastery supports work with numbers and patterns. Construction toys and role play bring counting, sorting and measuring into activities children choose, giving early mathematical ideas a practical purpose.

Outside, tricycles and balance bikes provide movement alongside climbing equipment and growing areas. Children can use the outdoor spaces throughout the day across different weather conditions. Indoors, role play combines make-believe with opportunities to count and make marks. Each child has a Learning Journal containing artwork, early writing and photographs, with staff adding children’s comments to capture their thinking.

In July 2025, early years children communicated their needs successfully and used mathematics in different situations. The school-wide improvement actions concerned insufficiently rigorous checks of prior learning in some subjects and irregular attendance among some pupils, especially those who were disadvantaged. These were school-wide concerns, rather than findings specifically assigned to nursery.

The nursery class teacher also leads the EYFS phase and holds a deputy safeguarding role. A full-time SENDCo works with teaching staff to identify additional needs and arrange support, with advice from outside professionals where needed. In July 2025, identification of SEND was prompt in early years. This matters when a child needs help before difficulties become established.

Settling starts with sharing information. Families are encouraged to explain their child’s interests, dislikes and particular needs; transition planning takes place in the term before a child starts. Plans draw on communication, emotional, social and physical development. Classroom visits may form part of that preparation, and some children may need more familiarisation time. The school aims to keep families informed through topic updates and emails.

Fruit is offered daily. Milk must be ordered through Cool Milk, including for children entitled to receive it free. Children staying for lunch can bring food from home or have a hot meal, with school meal choices ordered through Arbor. Nursery meals are charged; ask the school for current charges. Families should report new food allergies or intolerances promptly.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead admissions service. For September 2026 entry, the normal application deadline was 15 January 2026; that admissions cycle is now past.

Preparation for change is a separate matter from allocation of places. Transition plans are reviewed as children move through school, and a visit to a new classroom may help them become familiar with their next setting. Such preparation supports adjustment; it does not secure admission.

Morning nursery runs from 8.45am to 11.45am, and afternoons from 12.15pm to 3.15pm. Full-time attendance is 8.45am to 3.15pm, including lunch. These patterns give families a choice between shorter sessions and a day spanning both.

Children aged three and four receive 15 funded hours, covering five sessions each week, from the term after their third birthday. Working parents may qualify for 30 hours. Additional sessions are charged for families exceeding 15 hours who do not qualify for the 30-hour scheme; contact the school for current charges.

For session enquiries, registration or a visit, contact the office on 01753 861668 or office@dedworthgreenfirst.com. Registration requires a Nursery Application Form and the child’s original birth certificate. The school site is mainly on one level, with disabled parking and a portable ramp for steps, useful practical details for families with mobility needs.