Nursery  ~ New to Nursery Presentation

Starting nursery is a very important milestone in every child’s life. As a parent/carer, you have an important role to play in helping your child take the first steps on their learning journey. We are keen to work with you to make sure that starting nursery is a positive experience for your child, and to help your child achieve their full potential in a warm and caring environment.

To keep you informed an online learning journal is compiled, which is a celebration of your child's achievement throughout their time in Nursery.  It records those special moments keeping you involved in a partnership as your child develops. You are also able to post your own observations of exciting things you do at home/during holidays.

Wood End Nursery is an integral part of Wood End School, which is rated as ‘outstanding' by Ofsted. Children are expected to attend five morning sessions or five afternoon sessions per week to ensure continuity in their learning, and access to the whole curriculum. A session lasts for three hours, and 15 hours per week (5 sessions) are funded by the government. 

We offer 30 hours Nursery provision.  Eligible parents will be entitled to 30 hours free provision, and you will have the opportunity to self-fund extra sessions dependent on availability (the charge for a self funded full day is £27.50). Parents entitled to 30 hours free childcare may choose to accept a Nursery place for 15hrs and access a further 15hrs with an alternative provider (e.g. childminder or PVI setting).

Time for Nursery:  Morning session 8.45am to 11.45am, and Afternoon session 12.30pm to 3.30pm.

We are registered with a number of childcare Voucher providers, and will accept them as a form of payment. The Nursery School operates term time only and follows the Wood End School calendar observing the same holidays. Allocation of a nursery place does not guarantee subsequent admission into Wood End School Reception Class. Parents must re-apply for a school place through County and not directly to the school.

The Nursery makes provision for children with special needs and children who have English as an additional language. The setting employs one full time teacher and part time teaching assistants educated to NVQ level 3, always providing the appropriate ratios (1:13).

The Nursery children at Wood End are encouraged to wear our school polo shirt and other practical clothing, as we expect them to participate in painting, gluing and outdoor play.

We promote healthy eating in school and participate in the governments ‘School Fruit and Vegetable Scheme’. This entitles each child to a free piece of fruit or vegetable each school day. Under the Welfare Food Scheme, run by the Department of Health, ‘Under fives’ are also eligible for free school milk (quick link to Cool Milk at top of page).

To apply for a place please visit the Nursery Application page on this website.

Home and Pre-school Visits   

Before the children start Nursery we arrange a visit to your child's setting so that the staff can meet your child in their familiar environment.  If your child is not in a setting, a home visit will be arranged.  Alternatively, your child will be invited to attend a taster session in the Nursery/Reception.

We aim to ensure that every child settles quickly.  Children are able to blossom and to feel comfortable and confident as they progress through these crucial years of their early education.

We extend a very warm invitation to you to come and visit us.  Come and meet the children and staff who make our school such a rich and busy learning environment - a very special place!

We very much hope to meet you on one of our scheduled tours.