In September 2014 we opened as Buckland Nursery. This setting was formerly known as Buckland Pre-school (est 2003) which had gained OFSTED outstanding status in March 2011. The provision of our Nursery remains as high quality but is strengthened by becoming a continuous and complete part of Buckland School which gained OFSTED outstanding status in October 2016 and again in 2022. 

Buckland Nursery is part of Acorn class which is made up of Foundation Stage children in two age ranges: Reception (F1) and Nursery (F2). Both ages are integrated in to one classroom setting. It is a unique setting which allows Nursery children a taste of early school life, with an experienced teacher and dedicated team of support staff. Nursery children work on a ration of 1:8.

Children who have spent a year as F2 children in Acorns, make the transition into F1 and full-time school life, seamlessly, as a result of this unique set up. They benefit enormously from being confident, happy learners at the very start of their school careers.

Whilst we are unable to guarantee school places for Nursery children as admissions are controlled by the local authority on behalf of the Faringdon Learning Trust, we actively support all applications from parents whose children have attended the Nursery and Buckland Nursery children gain priority to attend the school over those applying through distance only.  

Admissions

Admissions for Buckland Nursery are handled internally, following the rules set out in our admissions policy (please see below).   You will see from our school admissions policy https://www.bucklandprimaryschool.org.uk/admissions/ that attending our nursery gives children an advantage when applying for a reception place within our school as children will be considered after those applying out of catchment without a sibling at the school but before those who will be considered by distance.  As we only take 11 nursery places but have 15 reception places available this should enable all of our nursery children to be offered a place for reception at our school.   

Please see below for the expression of interest form to apply for a nursery place. 

Should you wish to visit the nursery setting please contact the office on 01367 870 236.

Location

Buckland School is both fortunate in its location and wealth of facilities. Buckland is a small village with no major roads and surrounded by beautiful countryside. The village has a local church and a large village hall. Buckland School is able to enjoy these facilities for many activities such as school productions, special events and swimming lessons in the summer term. Buckland School itself has a large outdoor play area, including a playground, grassed areas, allotments and quiet area. In addition, the Nursery and Reception children have their own fenced and secure play area laid with an all-weather surface where they are able to experience a varied outdoor curriculum. In this play area the children can play in sand, the outdoor summer house, climbing frame and many wheeled vehicles. The classroom is well equipped to provide a challenging range of activities. A recent addition is a covered decking area which enables us to provide outdoor play in all weathers.

Curriculum

Nursery teaching follows the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum, and children take part in as many practical experiences as possible with relation to each term’s topics.

The topics are linked to the rolling 2 year cycle of topics in the Primary School but are adapted to suit the needs and interests of our younger children. Topics include: Marvellous Me, It’s a Wonderful World, Once Upon a Time, Under the Sea, Down at the Bottom of the Garden and Wish you were Here.

To enrich our topics we love to go on visits and invite visitors to talk to us. Our visitors have included a dentist, a doctor, a nurse, a vet and a farmer. The children make full use of our outdoor environment including our wooded area and allotment gardens.

Funding and Lunchclub

Funding

Nursery children can take a 15 hour place (9am - 12 noon x 5 days) (up to 11 places) or a 30 hour place (9am - 3pm x 5 days) (up to 8 places) during term time. We encourage parents to use all of their allocated sessions but understand if children are not ready for their full allocation of hours. We will work with each family to do what is best for their child and circumstances. Once taken, a place has to be for the full 15 or 30 hours as these cannot then be offered to another child. We do ask for consistency in attendance so staff know who to expect on a regular basis and children can get into routines. Parents are able to use a 15 hour morning place with us and then choose alternative afternoon provision, splitting the 30 hour funding (15 hours and 15 hours). We cannot offer afternoon only places or whole day 15 hour places. 

Those who are not eligible for funding and pay privately will be charged £5.50 per hour.

Lunches

There are 8 nursery lunch club places available to be taken by our 30 hour children.  Hot school dinners can be provided or own packed lunches can be brought in.