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Nursery at St Cecilia's CofE 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Handwashing, looking after belongings and learning to do things independently give St Cecilia’s nursery a practical character. These small routines sit alongside early language and number work, making the provision about becoming more capable as well as preparing to learn.
Based at Howlett Grove in Wokingham, the nursery normally welcomes children in September after their third birthday. It provides the equivalent of 52 part-time places, with a limit of 26 children in either session. In February 2026, Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision to meet the Expected standard. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately graded nursery.
Play and adult-guided activities share the learning day. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework shapes the curriculum, with communication developed alongside the beginnings of maths, reading and writing. Adults generally watch children’s play carefully and use questions to work out their next learning steps. In February 2026, early years staff helped children practise new vocabulary and develop longer sentences. Physical activities also developed body strength and hand coordination, supporting the control needed for writing.
Master the Curriculum supplies the nursery’s maths approach, concentrating on early number understanding. Technology is introduced across early years through discussion, exploration and play. Learning about other people has concrete examples too: nursery children heard an older pupil explain their family’s Diwali celebrations. This gives children a personal connection to a tradition beyond their own experience. Early sessions also build readiness for later phonics learning, while the nursery environment supports children in gradually extending what they know.
Settling begins before a child’s first session. Teachers make home visits, and stay-and-play sessions give families time in the nursery beforehand. Children can visit more than once, including opportunities when other children are absent. This creates several chances to become familiar with the setting before joining.
Lunch brings nursery children into the main hall between 11.30am and 12.30pm, supervised by nursery staff and lunchtime controllers. Everyday care also contributes to independence: children practise managing their possessions and washing their hands. In February 2026, early years parents valued staff guidance that helped them continue learning at home.
For children with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND), the SENDCo and class teacher meet parents regularly to discuss progress and next steps. Support follows an assess, plan, do and review cycle, giving families a role in deciding and revisiting what their child needs.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and gives no nursery-attendance priority under the September 2027 admission arrangements. Families must make a separate application through their home local authority’s common application form by 15 January 2027.
Preparation for that change is a separate matter. Reception teachers visit nurseries and discuss additional needs with staff. Children are invited to stay and play with their parents, with summer-term visits and extra visits for children with SEND. These arrangements help children become familiar with the next classroom; they do not alter how places are allocated.
The 15-hour pattern consists of five mornings or five afternoons, with some flexibility dependent on numbers. Morning sessions run from 8.30am to 11.30am. Children allocated 30 hours attend from 8.30am to 2.30pm, including lunchtime. Eligibility depends on family circumstances, and proof for the 30-hour entitlement is required before starting and again at the beginning of each subsequent term.
Extended hours. Families allocated 30 hours can purchase the extra hour from 2.30pm to 3.30pm. The choice applies for a whole term and cannot change midway through it. Contact the school for current charges.
Nursery enquiries go to admissions@st-cecilias.wokingham.sch.uk. Personal school tours can be booked through admin@st-cecilias.wokingham.sch.uk.
Children normally join at the start of the academic year after turning three.
There are the equivalent of 52 part-time places, with each morning and afternoon session capped at 26.
Children attend from 8.30am to 2.30pm, including lunchtime. Families allocated 30 hours can purchase an additional hour until 3.30pm on a whole-term basis.
Teachers undertake home visits and offer stay-and-play sessions before children join. Children also have multiple opportunities to visit the nursery.
No. Nursery and Reception require separate applications, and nursery attendance gives no priority under the September 2027 arrangements. Apply through your home local authority by 15 January 2027.
