Homer First School and Nursery: Nursery Review

Play, friendships and growing independence give Rubies, Homer's nursery class, its character. The provision sits within Homer First School and Nursery on Testwood Road in Windsor, rather than operating as a separate nursery. Its March 2020 admissions policy sets capacity at 22 children per session and permits children to join from age two. Those are nursery figures, distinct from the wider school's capacity.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) takes a practical shape here: children learn through play while developing communication, managing familiar routines and making friends. Independence is part of the learning, including taking increasing responsibility for personal care. Kindred Squared informs the approach to starting nursery, with relationships and belonging used to help children become ready to explore. For a young child, learning the routine and feeling comfortable with other people are part of the day itself.

Stories have a place too. Ofsted's October 2021 inspection identified story listening as a daily nursery activity, giving children regular opportunities to enjoy books before formal reading develops. Past Rubies activities include Hartbeeps and a Little City visit. These named examples add variety to the picture of play and communication, rather than establishing a fixed weekly programme.

Settling starts with families sharing what they know about their child. Visits and introductory sessions help children become familiar with nursery, while communication with parents supports that process. The emphasis is on children developing confidence at their own pace. The 2024–2025 Rubies class page identified a teaching assistant trained in emotional support.

Potty training is handled in partnership with parents, recognising that children begin nursery at different stages. Kindred Squared resources support this work at home; toothbrushing guidance encourages families to establish regular oral-care habits too. These are practical parts of growing independence, rather than entry conditions requiring every child to have reached the same stage.

For additional needs, parents can contact the school's SENCO team through the office and participate in discussions about their child's support. Across the school, Zones of Regulation provides a shared vocabulary for emotions, while the support framework includes classroom calming areas and a Sensory Room. The October 2021 inspection judged school-wide safeguarding effective, but required more systematic records, including recruitment checks, and stronger oversight by governors. Safeguarding records. That concern covered the wider school and matters to families using its nursery provision.

Attending Homer's nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal school-admissions process. The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead administers that process through Achieving for Children, whereas nursery applications go directly to Homer.

Preparation for the next stage includes self-care: Rubies provides toilet-training resources and invites families to seek support from the class teacher. This preparation is separate from the allocation of a school place.

Nursery enquiries begin with an Expression of Interest form returned to the school office. The March 2020 policy describes provision for the 15-hour funded entitlement, or 30 hours for eligible families. It also requires parents to contact the office on their child's third birthday to activate funding; failing to complete that step leaves parents liable for session charges.

SCOPAY handles school communications by text and email, alongside parents' evening bookings, giving families a practical channel for messages and appointments. Contact the office at office@homerfirstschool.co.uk or on 01753 867436 for nursery enquiries and current charges.