Floreat Montague Park Nursery Review

Two nursery rooms and a day built around exploration give Floreat Montague Park’s youngest learners their own place within the primary school. The provision is for three- and four-year-olds, on William Heelas Way in Wokingham. Children can currently start during the term in which they turn three.

Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Good at the inspection on 29 and 30 November 2022. That is an early years judgement within the school inspection, rather than a separate nursery rating.

Exploration time occupies much of the day. Children move between the indoor learning space and outdoors, choosing activities and deciding what to do next. Adults join their play to extend ideas and introduce challenges. This gives children room to make choices, with teaching woven into what interests them.

Small-group carpet sessions bring a different rhythm. Nursery children also receive direct teaching, covering subjects such as maths, art, English and science. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines this adult direction with learning initiated by children; Development Matters guides planning and assessment.

The curriculum begins with communication, physical development and learning to understand feelings and relationships. Literacy, maths, understanding the world and expressive arts complete its seven learning areas. In practical terms, conversation and stories sit alongside movement, making and exploring ideas. The school aims to build independence in both learning and personal care through adult modelling.

In November 2022, the early years curriculum was ambitious and carefully organised, with activities that engaged nursery children. Positive attitudes to learning and behaviour also began in the early years. Those findings give substance to the emphasis on purposeful play.

The classroom teacher acts as each child’s key worker and is the first contact for parents. Responsibility for understanding children’s play and individual care needs extends across the nursery team. Staffing includes an EYFS lead who teaches in nursery, teaching assistants and early years practitioners with Level 3 qualifications.

Tapestry gives families regular observations and photographs of what their child says and does. Parents can also speak directly with staff through an open-door approach, making communication more than an occasional update.

Lunch offers a straightforward choice: a meal prepared by the school kitchen team, charged separately, or a healthy packed lunch from home. Families can choose which arrangement suits their child.

Additional learning needs. In November 2022, school-wide weaknesses included imprecise SEND targets, inconsistent teaching adaptations and insufficient checks on understanding. These were findings across the school, rather than findings specific to nursery. For families considering additional support, the practical issue is how individual targets and teaching adjustments will work for their child.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee admission to Reception, and children do not transfer automatically. Parents must make a separate application through the normal admissions process of the local authority or borough where they live, meeting that process’s deadline. Choosing the nursery therefore remains a decision about the nursery experience itself.

The nursery teacher also leads EYFS and works with Reception. That provides a connection between the staff teams, distinct from the separate admissions decision.

Term-time opening runs from 8:30am to 3:30pm, Monday to Friday, with the nursery year extending from September to July. The 15-hour patterns are five mornings, 8:30am to 11:30am, or five afternoons, 12:30pm to 3:30pm. The 30-hour pattern runs from 8:30am to 3:30pm Monday to Thursday, then finishes at 10:30am on Friday. Paid Friday extensions can lengthen that final day.

Universal funding provides 15 hours each week from the term after a child turns three; eligible working parents may receive another 15 hours. Funded places carry no hidden charges, while hours beyond the child’s entitlement and school meals are charged separately. Contact the school for current charges. JAG provides breakfast care from 7:30am to 8:30am and after-school care from 3:30pm to 6pm, alongside a holiday club.

Uniform includes a teal polo and navy jumper or cardigan, with navy or dark grey clothing options. Logos are optional, and shoes should be manageable independently. Unbranded supermarket clothing and PTA second-hand sales give families alternatives to Stevensons.

As of October 2026, the September intake is full, with a small number of places available for January and April 2027. Enquiries go to nursery@montaguepark.floreat.org.uk. Open mornings last approximately an hour; families can book a tour or arrange a visit by email.