Why choose our Nursery? 
The ethos of our Nursery is that children learn best when they are interested, inquisitive, motivated and engaged in play. We use ‘in the moment planning’, a model developed by Anna Ephgrave. Whatever captures a child’s attention and imagination is where the learning will grow and evolve. The adult’s role is to facilitate the next steps to challenge further learning through sustained shared thinking.
We believe in helping children find their voice and we always value their contributions and observations, encouraging them to express themselves in the way they feel most comfortable. We are fully inclusive and work alongside early help services such as Speech and Language Therapists and Health Visitors.
We work closely with our families to ensure our children have the best possible start to their life in education, and that parents and carers have confidence in our setting. Parent helpers are welcome. All helpers are required to undergo DBS checks by the school.
Sessions are led by our fully qualified teacher Mrs Ayres (BA, QTS) and supported by our Level 3 Early Years Practitioners Ms South and Miss Lewendon.
Hours we offer
We offer 15 hour funded places per week as 5 morning sessions (8.30 to 11.30am) or 5 afternoon sessions (12.30 to 3.30pm). There is an optional packed lunch club available at £6.00 per day for these children (11.30-12.30).
We also offer a number of 30 hour funded places to eligible families (8.30am to 2.30pm). There is an option to extend this until 3.30pm for £6.00 per day. We are registered with the Childcare Voucher Scheme. Please click here to check your eligibility prior to submission.
Lunch Time is included as part of our 30 hour offer. Parents can supply a packed lunch or can pay for a hot meal from our kitchen
Our 30 hours places are limited so please register your interest when you complete your Nursery Application Form. We accept applications any time from your child’s 1st birthday.
Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND)
If your child has special educational needs, we will work with our SENCo Mrs Massey to provide appropriate support to help your child fulfil their potential. Our Local Offer is on the ‘Information for Parents/SEND’ drop down menu above.
Part of Shinfield Infant School
Our Nursery is part of the Shinfield Infant and Nursery School site. We can provide a unique transition into a school environment. Our Nursery children have the opportunity to join in with school activities throughout the year. This prepares them well for school life. Some learning sessions take place in the school Hall. Children are able to talk to their siblings in the adjoining outdoor play areas. Our Headteacher and members of school staff often visit them in Nursery.
Starting Nursery
There is a transition programme in place for children starting Nursery: an informal Stay and Play session, a home visit at the start of term followed by 2 short classroom visits. You are encouraged to stay with your child on the first visit and leave them with us for their independent second visit, although we are flexible and happy to discuss more independent short visits if your child would benefit from this arrangement.
Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum
We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum and complete Learning Journeys for each child. Observations are a vital tool for assessing a child’s development enabling the adult to provide opportunities for the child to reach their next steps. There are close links between what is taught in Nursery and School. We start the children’s learning of the Little Wandle Phonics program as continued throughout Shinfield Infant and Nursery school. The Nursery shares the same tracking system as the rest of the school so that children’s progress can be more closely monitored and support given where needed if they join the school.
Moving to Foundation 2 (Reception)
We are proud of the smooth transition between our Nursery and School, and believe it is an important strength of Shinfield Infant and Nursery School. The transition is helped by the children’s strong emotional and personal bonds with their friends and their trust of familiar adults. This is further enhanced by their familiarity with the layout of the school and their knowledge of routines, rules and expectations prior to starting school. ‘Transition to school’ meetings for parents are held at the end of term before their child transfers to the first year of school. If the child is going to a different school, there is a full transfer of information between our Nursery and the new school.
If you have any questions or queries or would like to look around the Nursery, you would be most welcome. Please contact the school office on 01189 883389 or email admin@shinfield.wokingham.sch.uk to arrange a visit to see the Nursery in operation. Open mornings are usually held on the first Thursday of each month in school term times. Click here to book a place.
Please click here for more details on Nursery Admissions
If you have any further questions about the curriculum please email Headteacher Mrs Nicky Lauchlan – admin@shinfield.wokingham.sch.uk
Reading and Phonics Presentation for Parents 2023
Nursery logo
