Woodstock Church of England Primary School Nursery

Play, conversation and hands-on discovery give Woodstock’s nursery its character. This is the nursery within Woodstock Church of England Primary School on Shipton Road, with learning organised around the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Education and care belong together here: the framework covers children’s development alongside their health and safety.

At the Ofsted inspection on 25 and 26 February 2025, the school’s early years provision was graded Outstanding. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separate nursery inspection.

Adult-guided learning sits alongside play. In February 2025, early years children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), benefited from this combination in a purposeful learning environment. Sharing materials and waiting for a turn were part of their learning too. These are practical foundations for taking part in a group.

The EYFS brings together communication, emotional development and physical activity with early literacy, mathematics and exploration of the world. Practical experiences and talk give children ways to investigate ideas before more formal learning. Cross-curricular themes follow a rolling programme lasting two years, connecting different aspects of learning rather than treating each as an isolated activity.

Creative work has tangible materials: early years children experiment with clay, collage, pastels, chalk, pencils and paint. That gives them several ways to explore texture, colour and shape. Dramatic play also belongs within the school’s approach to drama, allowing imagined situations and characters to become a way of making sense of experiences.

EvidenceMe connects nursery learning with home. Staff share observations using photographs, video and written notes, while parents can respond with comments and their own contributions. Families can therefore follow their child’s development through specific examples of learning.

For additional needs, the school identifies barriers to learning and adapts support through individual interventions. Its approach includes working with families and outside agencies. The Inclusion Manager is also the SENCo, and parents can contact the team through SEN@woodstock.oxon.sch.uk. This gives families a direct route for discussing concerns and support.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Oxfordshire County Council’s normal admissions process and meet the submission deadline before their child starts school.

Preparation for starting school includes visits during the preceding term, helping children become familiar with school routines and surroundings. Meetings give parents an opportunity to discuss concerns. Children with additional needs may have extra visits, with arrangements developed through close contact with their families. These are transition measures, separate from the allocation of a place.

The school office handles enquiries on 01993 812209 or office@woodstock.oxon.sch.uk. The nursery is part of the school at Shipton Road, Woodstock, OX20 1LL.

Arbor handles nursery payments alongside practical tasks such as updating medical details and giving consent. For collection arrangements, contact the office directly: the general contact form is for enquiries. Keeping those messages with the office gives parents a clear route for changes affecting their child’s care.