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Nursery at Tower Hill Community Primary School
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Two-year-olds share Duckling Class with children mainly aged three and some approaching four: Tower Hill’s nursery begins with a mixed-age room within its primary school in Witney. Places for two-year-olds are very limited, alongside provision for three- and four-year-olds. The early years provision received a Good judgement at Ofsted’s June 2022 inspection. That judgement covers the school’s early years, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Talking, moving and learning to get along shape the curriculum. Duckling Class follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), concentrating on language and communication, physical skills, and children’s personal, emotional and social development. In everyday terms, the nursery aims to help children express ideas, handle feelings, build relationships and become more independent with their own care.
Adult-planned activities sit alongside opportunities led by children. Selected books support learning about themselves and the world, while the nursery aims to make conversation part of the learning environment. The emphasis gives speaking and listening a purpose beyond answering an adult’s questions.
In June 2022, early years activities developed cooperation and sharing, and practical equipment supported counting and number learning. The outdoor learning area was used effectively to develop coordination and balance. Physical learning therefore had a concrete place in the provision, alongside social skills and early mathematics.
Settling starts with a short stay-and-play visit once a place is confirmed. Parents attend with their child, giving children a chance to meet the team and become familiar with the nursery before starting. The nursery team includes a class teacher and teaching assistants.
For children starting in early years with identified SEND, an Early Years Lead or Nursery Manager carries out a home visit to discuss their needs. This gives families a specific opportunity to explain what helps their child before attendance begins.
Support involves the class team and SEND coordinator, with outside professionals involved according to need. Individual plans use Edukey, and parents receive an access code for their child’s plan. Review meetings take place three times a year. A home-school contact book can also be used where families and staff agree it would help, keeping communication tied to the individual child.
Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Oxfordshire County Council’s normal admissions process and meet the deadline for their child’s entry year. For September 2026 entry, the closing date was 15 January 2026; that application cycle is now past.
Under the 2025/26 arrangements, nursery attendance was not an oversubscription priority. Those arrangements should not be treated as a promise about a later entry year.
Transition support is a separate matter. When children with SEND change classes, staff pass on information and personal targets in advance. Children can also complete a transition booklet about their new class and adults. Familiarity supports the move; admission still requires its own application.
Two-year-olds attend either a morning session, 8:45am to 11:45am, or an afternoon session, 12:15pm to 3:15pm. For three- and four-year-olds, the full day runs from 9am to 3pm. A charged extension aligns collection and drop-off with the wider school day and requires advance agreement and payment.
Extra three-hour sessions depend on availability and nursery staff approval, with payment made monthly in advance. Funded provision of 15 or 30 hours a week is subject to Oxfordshire County Council’s guidelines; additional hours can be purchased if space permits. Ask the school for current charges.
Enquiries go directly to the school office. Parents provide their child’s name, address and date of birth, the hours requested and funding arrangements. Children can start at the beginning of a term, usually September, January or April.
For outdoor learning, early years children need wellies and either waterproof trousers or an all-in-one suit to keep at school. Label clothing and shoes. This makes wet or muddy play a practical part of preparing for nursery.
Provision covers ages two, three and four. Two-year-old places are very limited.
Two-year-olds have morning sessions from 8:45am to 11:45am or afternoons from 12:15pm to 3:15pm. The full day for three- and four-year-olds is 9am to 3pm.
Provision of 15 or 30 funded hours per week is subject to Oxfordshire County Council’s guidelines. Extra hours depend on availability and carry a charge.
After confirmation of a place, children and parents are invited to a short stay-and-play session to meet staff and see the nursery.
No. Reception requires a separate application through Oxfordshire County Council. Nursery attendance was not a priority criterion in the 2025/26 arrangements.
