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Nursery at Windmill Primary School and Nursery
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Ducklings, Pufflings and long stretches of Discovery Time give Windmill’s nursery its own identity within the primary school. Children can join from age two, and the usual arrangement is one room for two- to three-year-olds and another for three- to four-year-olds. That grouping has some flexibility: older two-year-olds may use the older children’s room when applications from their age group outnumber those for older children.
The nursery sits at Windmill Primary School on Fernlea Drive in Wokingham. Its term-time timetable follows the school day, making the hours relevant for families also collecting an older sibling.
Discovery Time provides two substantial periods of exploration, interspersed with short group activities. The morning begins with time to settle and explore before songs at circle time and Foundations for Phonics. Later, a number song uses visual aids and props, giving children something concrete to connect with the singing.
Lunch runs from 11.30am to noon, followed by outdoor exploration until 12.45pm. Another gentle start leads into an afternoon GLF Curriculum activity and a second Discovery Time period. Rhymes and a story close the learning day. The pattern combines time for exploration with brief shared activities, rather than filling the session with group instruction.
Wednesday has a different emphasis. Music and Movement replaces the morning phonics activity, with attention to both smaller movements and whole-body movement; the afternoon group activity focuses on personal, social and emotional development. Indoors, children have coat pegs and trays for their bottles and lunchboxes. These small practical features give belongings a predictable place and encourage children to take part in everyday routines.
Pufflings has a nursery teacher on Mondays and Fridays, with a room lead on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays and nursery support assistants. Ducklings also has a room lead and support assistant provision. These are distinct room teams, rather than simply a single staff list for the whole school.
Settling time is built into the daily rhythm, with a gentle period of exploration in both the morning and afternoon. Snack access and nappy changes take place during Discovery Time. Before lunch, the routine includes using the toilet and washing hands, so care tasks have a place alongside play and learning.
Families can choose a school meal or send a healthy packed lunch. Aspens became the school’s catering provider from September 2026, and families with food allergies or medical dietary requirements must complete its dietary request form, even if they have completed a medical diet form before. Children under five receive free milk through the Nursery Milk Scheme.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place, and there is no automatic transfer. Families must make a separate application through the normal admissions process for the local authority where they live. For Windmill’s normal intake, Wokingham Borough Council coordinates applications; the September 2027 application deadline is 15 January 2027.
Nursery attendance itself gives no Reception priority under the 2027/28 arrangements. The oversubscription categories cover looked-after and previously looked-after children, siblings, qualifying children of staff and other children, with distance used to rank applications within categories. Choose the nursery for the experience it offers now, while treating the later school application as a separate decision.
Opening hours are 8.45am to 3.15pm, Monday to Friday during term time. The two 15-hour patterns divide the week: Monday and Tuesday plus Wednesday morning until 10.45am, or Wednesday afternoon from 1.15pm plus Thursday and Friday. The 30-hour pattern covers Monday to Thursday and finishes at 12.45pm on Friday. A full week totals 32.5 hours; additional Wednesday sessions can extend a shorter pattern to three full days, subject to availability.
Fully funded places have no hidden charges. Paid places and additional sessions are also offered, while school meals carry a separate charge. Contact the school for current charges. Nursery visits can be arranged through nursery@windmillschool.org or 01189 029 123.
Uniform includes a branded cardigan or sweatshirt and school book bag from My Uniform, a white polo shirt and the permitted grey or black bottoms. Shoes must suit climbing and play, with flat, durable soles; Crocs and flip-flops are excluded. Name clothing and bags. At the end of a full day, children are handed over to parents at the gate at 3.15pm.
Children are eligible from age two. The usual room arrangement separates two- to three-year-olds from three- to four-year-olds, with some flexibility for older two-year-olds.
Options include either of two 15-hour patterns, a 30-hour pattern and a 32.5-hour full week. The nursery operates during term time, with additional Wednesday sessions subject to availability.
Yes. Families can provide a healthy packed lunch or choose a charged school meal. Aspens is the catering provider from September 2026.
No. A separate application is required, and nursery attendance itself gives no priority under the 2027/28 Reception arrangements. The September 2027 application deadline is 15 January 2027.
Contact nursery@windmillschool.org or call 01189 029 123 to arrange a time. Nursery open mornings also give parents an opportunity to meet the team.
