The King's School Nursery Review

Prayer, Bible activities and unhurried play give this nursery its distinctive character. At The King's School in Witney, Christian faith shapes children's activities, from singing and movement to praying for others. For families choosing it, that religious emphasis is part of the everyday experience.

Children can join from the beginning of the term in which they turn three. Nursery forms part of the school's early years provision alongside Reception, with an Early Years team supporting both classes. The nursery aims to develop children's confidence and enthusiasm for learning while recognising their individual interests.

Adult-guided groups alternate with time for children to choose their own play, indoors and outside. Nursery group activities occur at different points during the day, and each session includes a story. This gives children shared moments together while leaving room to pursue an interest at their own pace.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together learning to communicate, manage feelings and relationships, and develop physical skills. Early reading, mathematics, creative expression and exploring the world sit alongside those foundations. Here, purposeful play follows children's interests as well as introducing unfamiliar experiences. Bible activities, worship through dance and music, and prayer give that learning a Christian context.

In April 2026, ISI found that early years teaching helped children achieve well, with stories, songs and modelled sentences supporting conversation. A nursery number activity involved matching candles on a birthday cake to children's ages: an everyday idea made into practical counting.

Outdoor learning uses a natural area within the school grounds, so waterproof clothing and wellies have a practical purpose. In April 2026, early years children developed balance and agility on climbing frames and monkey bars; threading, puzzles and cutting shapes exercised smaller hand movements. Physical learning happens at different scales.

Each child has a key person who plans for their development, observes progress and works with parents. Tapestry holds the online Learning Journey, and families can contribute photographs and examples of learning at home. Conversations after sessions, telephone contact and appointments give parents several ways to discuss their child. Concerns about special educational needs can go to the key person or Early SENCO.

Comfort toys can stay in a drawer or book bag for moments when children need reassurance as they settle. In April 2026, staff's knowledge of individual children helped them feel secure through conversations tailored to their interests. Early years staffing ratios were appropriate, and first aid provision included paediatric training.

Snacks include fruit, vegetables and foods such as pitta bread, with milk or water offered in the morning. Lunch Club requires a packed lunch and drink from home. Early Years is nut-free, and lunch bags need ice packs when necessary because the setting cannot refrigerate them.

Safeguarding oversight includes early years. During the April 2026 inspection, recruitment checks had been completed, but some dates in the school's central record were inaccurate. These clerical errors were corrected during the visit; checking that recorded dates match completed checks remained a recommended action.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. A Reception application is required and assessed against the school's admissions criteria, although most families submit it alongside their nursery application and therefore need no additional form later. Applications go directly through the Registrar, with a deadline of 15 January each year for September entry. Families receive the Reception decision after that date.

Familiarity develops separately from admission. Nursery children spend outdoor time with Reception children, while early years children join pre-prep breaks and assemblies to learn new routines. These shared experiences help children get used to the next stage; they do not secure admission.

The nursery opens at 8:50am. Children leaving before the afternoon finish at 11:50am or, with lunch, 12:50pm; afternoon provision ends at 3:20pm. Wednesday is closed, as is Friday afternoon. Families needing childcare across the working week must account for those closures. Attendance changes can take effect at a term or half-term boundary, with requests due at least two weeks before the preceding period ends.

From the term after their third birthday, children aged three to five qualify for up to 15 funded hours; working parents may qualify for additional hours. Funding can be shared with another childcare provider. Hours beyond funding are charged, with term calculations reflecting attendance, term length and funding received. Billing is monthly in arrears. Trips carry additional costs; contact the school for current charges.

Arrange an enquiry or visit through registrar@tkswitney.org.uk. Midweek tours usually take place on Tuesday and Thursday mornings by appointment. Bring a named water bottle, spare clothes and outdoor clothing. Parents remain responsible for supervision before opening, and another adult collecting a child must be authorised.