Ducklington Primary School Nursery Review

Cygnets gives children an early foothold in school life: Ducklington Primary School’s nursery occupies the school site and has close links with the main school. Familiarity has a practical purpose. In March 2023, those links helped the youngest children pick up school routines and understand the rules as they began.

The nursery opened in September 2018 and offers 78 part-time places for children aged 2 ½ and over. This is the school’s own nursery class, on Aston Road in Ducklington, near Witney. For families choosing an introduction to a school setting, that connection is its defining feature.

Participating in a group draws on more than early academic learning. At the inspection on 28 and 29 March 2023, sharing and turn-taking demonstrated the social skills early-years children were developing. Children also showed adults their learning. Activities, including sessions guided by adults, supported communication and control of small hand movements, useful foundations for learning alongside other children.

Number learning received particular attention in March 2023, with opportunities to practise spread across activities. The early-years emphasis was broader than counting, however. Learning about children’s families, languages and cultural celebrations helped build a feeling of belonging. For a young child, this connects learning with familiar people and experiences while introducing differences between families. The combination gives parents a concrete picture of the early-years work: developing communication, physical control and relationships alongside an understanding of number.

The nursery team includes a teacher and nursery class assistants. That places teaching and classroom support within the same team.

Across the school, children with special educational needs or disabilities are welcomed, and staff work to identify support needs early. Class teachers and teaching assistants draw on advice from specialist services when planning support. Families can contact the special educational needs coordinator through the school office to discuss their child’s needs. This provides a direct starting point for a conversation about support before choosing the nursery.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal Oxfordshire County Council admissions route and meet the deadline for their child’s entry year. Treat choosing Cygnets and applying for Reception as two separate decisions.

Preparation for starting school includes opportunities for children and parents to meet the Foundation Stage team, alongside induction events. These introductions help families become familiar with the adults involved in the next stage. These introductions are separate from the Reception application process and do not guarantee a place.

Universal Early Education Funding places begin in the term following a child’s third birthday, with starts at the beginning of September, January or April. The distinction between the nursery’s entry age and the start of this funding matters when planning attendance.

Prospective families can arrange a visit through the school office. For nursery enquiries, telephone 01993 703651 or email office.3122@ducklington.oxon.sch.uk. The nursery is at Ducklington Primary School, Aston Road, Ducklington, Witney, OX29 7US.