Admissions
Nursery admissions
CLICK HERE TO VIEW OUR NURSERY PROSPECTUS
Please contact the school office to register an interest in your child attending the Nursery Class at Finstock School, we look forward to hearing from you!
Below are FAQs which we hope you will find helpful. If you have any other questions, please do get in touch and we will be happy to help.
When is Nursery open?
We are open during Oxfordshire School Term Time dates. Please see the school website for exact term dates. Our opening times are 8.40am – 3pm each day.
Can I book in extra session for my child?
Extra one off sessions can be booked ahead of time via the office. These will only be available if we remain within staffing ratios.
What are the costs of sessions over the 15 funded hours?
You may wish to send your child for more than the 15 hours. Sessions (am/pm) are £12 each. This can be either 8.40am-12pm or 12pm-3pm. If you wish to pay for an additional hour, such as lunch, this is charged at £4.
Do you offer the 30 hours entitlement?
We do offer 30 hours, if you are entitled to this funding you will need to obtain your code online. More details can be found at:
https://www.gov.uk/help-with-childcare-costs/free-childcare-and-education-for-2-to-4-year-olds
How much notice is required to change hours?
We kindly ask that you let us know as soon as possible, with a minimum of 4 weeks, if you wish to change your child’s hours. Changes mid-year will be subject to availability to ensure we maintain the correct staffing ratios. We kindly ask that any changes take place at the start of each long half term (September, January and April.)
What does my child need to bring?
Children need to bring a water bottle and a change of clothes in a bag every day. You may wish to leave a bag of clothes and wellies at school. All items of clothing in school MUST be named, including coats and hats. Outdoor clothing will be weather dependent however typically:
Autumn/Spring: A lightweight jacket/raincoat
Winter: A coat, hat, gloves, wellies
Summer: Sun hat and sun cream
Can my child have hot cooked lunch?
Yes, you can pay for a hot cooked lunch; this can be booked and paid for via ParentPay.
Does my child need to wear a uniform?
Whilst uniform is not compulsory in Nursery, we would encourage children to wear white/red polo shirts and red sweatshirts. These can be teamed with comfortable trousers/leggings/jeans suitable for exploring and playing. Uniform is not only hard wearing – because children do get very messy – but it also helps them to feel part of the school community.
How do you communicate with parents?
A member of staff will always be on hand to answer any questions you may have but please bear with us as sometimes there are many parents wishing to chat with us. If you wish to speak with us at another time, we can arrange a mutually convenient time after school. You will receive emails to keep you up to date with school information so please check regularly. We also use Tapestry to share information with families. We have two formal parents evenings each year, usually held in November and March. At the end of the school year, you will also receive a school report.
What happens if my child is ill?
If your child has sickness and/or diarrhoea, we have a strict 48-hour policy. This ensures that children are not spreading germs about and your little one is well enough to return to school. If your child falls ill at school, we will call you and ask you to collect him/her. Full details of school exclusions can be found here:
Can you administer medication?
We are able to administer medication prescribed by a doctor. If your child is well enough to return to school, we kindly ask that you fill out a medication form (via the office), we will then administer as per your instructions.
Do I need to let you know if my child is not attending Nursery?
Please let us know if your child is going to be absent. If it is for a holiday, please fill out a holiday form (via the office). If they are ill, please let the office know. Although holidays are allowed for nursery children during term time, we need to know if your child will not be in school as part of our safeguarding procedures.
Will you let my child take a nap?
Nursery children can get tired, especially if they are getting used to a long day. We have cushions and a quiet area for naps or just a rest if needed.
What phonics schemes do you use?
We use the Read Write Inc. phonics scheme across the school. If you would like to know more about Read Write Inc. please take a look here: https://ruthmiskin.com/en/
If you wish to help your child at home, this video will help you with teaching the sounds:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYx1CyDMZSc
How do you share learning with parents?
We use the online learning journal ‘Tapestry’ to collect observations and evidence on your child’s learning, as well as in writing and maths books. At the beginning of the year, parents are asked to consent for their child’s learning and photos to be uploaded securely onto Tapestry, where you can access you child’s personal account, where photos/ videos/ observations are stored. We also welcome any information on learning that has happened outside of school, to create a complete picture of your child.
Does Nursery have different policies and procedures to school?
Our policies are the same as the whole school. We follow the same Behaviour Blueprint, and share it at an age appropriate level when sharing with the children.
Do Nursery children go on trips?
As part of our Cornerstones project learning, we start each term with a memorable experience to hook the children into the learning. These will complement the theme of the project and information around this will be shared at the beginning of each new term. Throughout the year we may go on local visits – such as a walk to the village shop, to the park or to the church with the rest of the school.
