At Wainscott Primary we are incredibly fortunate to have nursery provision on site. This is situated within the school building and is part of our Early Years unit, along with our Reception children. Early Years at Wainscott provides opportunities to learn through adult-directed tasks, as well as through child-initiated play. We have adult-directed daily phonics, topic and maths sessions. However, play is vitally important for the early stages of brain development and helps to develop important skills for learning, life and work. In our Nursery, activities and resources are available for children to access independently and they are encouraged to engage in ‘free play’, when they follow their own ideas and interests in their own way, and for their own reasons. They can do this on their own or with others, inside or in one of our outside areas. Children in our Nursery also frequently spend time learning and having fun in our nature area.  

We operate a free-flow system so Nursery children have the choice to learn inside or outside, as well as in the adjoining Reception classes. This makes for a much smoother  transition for those children who will go on to join our school, as they are already familiar with the environment and all Early Years staff.  

All 3 to 4-year-olds are entitled to at least 570 hours of free early education or childcare per year. This is usually taken as 15 hours each week for 38 weeks of the year. Some 2-year-olds are also eligible, although we do not provide this service currently.

Child's birthday                                                   When you can claim

1st January to 31st August                            the term after your child's 3rd birthday

1st September to 31st December                 the term after your child's 3rd birthday

More information on free childcare allowances and benefits is available from www.gov.uk.

The dates are:

Jan 1st - March 31st for an April start.

April 1st - 31st August for a September start.

1st September - December 31st for a January start.

30 hour funded children:                    8:30am      - 3:15pm (a small charge for the 45 minutes lunchtime care is payable)

15 hour funded morning sessions:     8:30am     - 11:30am

15 hour funded afternoon sessions:   12:15pm   - 3:15pm

If you would like your child to attend our Nursery, please call us on 01634 332551 or email eyfsadmissions@wainscottschool.org.uk. We will arrange a meeting with the EYFS Lead, who will take you on a guided tour of our school and answer any questions you may have.  This will give you an opportunity to meet staff, see the provision in action and ask any questions you may have.