Welcome to St Andrew’s Nursery
At St Andrew’s, our Nursery offers a warm, nurturing and engaging start to children’s early education. We welcome children from 2½ to 4 years old, providing a caring environment where every child is supported to explore, play and grow. Our experienced Early Years team ensures that children feel safe, valued and confident as they build the foundations for future learning. Through purposeful play, rich learning experiences and high‑quality interactions, we aim to inspire curiosity, independence and a love of learning from the very beginning.
Meet the Nursery Team
Our Nursery team is dedicated to giving children a warm, nurturing and secure start to their time at St Andrew’s. We work closely with families and build strong relationships with every child, ensuring they feel safe, valued and confident as they explore and learn.
Each child is supported by a Key Person, who builds a close, caring relationship with them and helps ensure their individual needs, interests and next steps are understood. Key Persons support emotional wellbeing, communicate regularly with families and contribute to ongoing assessment and planning.
Nursery Staff Team
- Michaela Brookes — Nursery Teacher (QTS)
- Crystal Caalse — Early Years Practitioner
- Isabella Thirtle — Early Years Practitioner
- Jodie Regan — Preschool Administrator
- Kacey Peake — Early Years Apprentice
- Ella Folley — Early Years Practitioner
- Nicola Rose — Early Years Practitioner
- Rowen Graham — Early Years Practitioner
EYFS Lead - Miss Jessica Zakaszewski
Curriculum
Our Early Years Curriculum
At St Andrew’s, our Nursery curriculum provides a rich balance of purposeful play, high‑quality interactions and carefully planned learning experiences. Children explore, investigate and develop new skills in an engaging environment that nurtures curiosity, independence and confidence. Our provision reflects the school’s Christian ethos, ensuring every child feels safe, valued and loved as they begin their learning journey.
Areas of Learning
Our curriculum follows the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework, which includes seven areas of learning:
Prime Areas:
- Communication and Language
- Physical Development
- Personal, Social and Emotional Development
Specific Areas:
- Literacy
- Mathematics
- Understanding the World
- Expressive Arts and Design
How We Teach
Our teaching combines:
-Child‑initiated learning through high‑quality continuous provision
-Adult‑led sessions that build skills and knowledge
-Targeted groups with a strong focus on communication, relationships and early physical development in Nursery
-Enhancements added to reflect children’s interests and learning needs
Language-rich interactions, emotional wellbeing and secure relationships are central to our practice, supported by the Key Person approach.
Learning Environment
Our indoor and outdoor spaces are designed to promote independence, exploration and confidence. Nursery places a strong emphasis on communication, personal development and early physical skills.
Assessment
Assessment is ongoing and purposeful. Staff carry out on-entry baseline assessments and use observations to understand children’s progress and plan next steps. Development Matters supports our understanding of developmental progression.
A Typical Day
Arrival and Settling
Children are welcomed into the Nursery by familiar adults and settle into play at their own pace.
Child‑Initiated Play and Continuous Provision
Children access a rich range of indoor and outdoor learning opportunities. They explore areas such as construction, role play, creative activities, early maths, small world play and physical play, supported by high‑quality adult interactions.
Adult‑Led Learning
Throughout the session, staff lead small‑group activities focused on communication, early language, personal development, or specific next steps. These sessions are playful, purposeful and tailored to children’s developmental needs.
Snack Time
Children share a healthy snack together, developing independence, social skills and routines around eating and self‑care.
Outdoor Learning
Outdoor play is an important part of our day. Children have daily access to our outdoor space where they can move, explore and investigate in a larger learning environment.
Group Time
Towards the end of the session, children come together for a story, songs, rhymes or group discussion to support language, listening and early literacy skills.
Home Time
Children are collected by their parent or carer and staff share any relevant updates or messages.
News & Updates
We enjoy sharing children’s learning and experiences across the Early Years. In Nursery, we use the Seesaw app to keep families updated with photos, activities and key moments from the children’s day. This ensures parents receive regular, personalised updates about what their child has been exploring and achieving.
Whole‑school information, reminders and celebrations are shared through the school newsletter, which is sent to all families.
Important Documents
Nursery Documents
- Nursery Admissions Policy
- Nursery Waiting List Form
- Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Policy
- Nursery Late and Non‑Collection Policy
- Nursery Intimate Care & Nappy Changing Policy
Whole‑School Policies
Safeguarding, attendance, behaviour, SEND and other statutory policies can be found on the school’s main Policies page. – Link to page
Contact Information
If you would like to find out more about our Nursery or enquire about a place, please contact the school office:
St Andrew’s CE Primary School
Telephone: 01844 351353
Email: office.3182@st‑andrews.oxon.sch.uk
Our office team will be happy to help with enquiries about admissions, sessions, funding, or any other Nursery‑related questions.
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)