Joining Us at 3+ (The Nursery)
For girls and boys aged 3+, the Nursery is the start of a dedicated two year programme, completed in our Reception class, which follows the Early Years curriculum. For further details of the academic curriculum followed please click here.
Most children will join the Nursery in the September after they have turned 3. Subject to availability, places may be available to children mid-year who have turned 3 and who have met our admissions criteria. All Nursery children are guaranteed entry to Reception.
Registration
Discover Morning
Offer & Acceptance of Place
Acceptance of Place
Willington Transition Programme
We hold a number of informal events to familiarise your child with their new environment. Parents are encouraged to bring their child to open mornings and visits before the Discovery Morning and we run formal events for those families who have contracted with us, including:
Playtime in the Nursery - a coffee morning for parents and children held in our Nursery. The perfect opportunity to meet the Nursery team once more.
New Parents’ Evening – a midweek event for our new parents, where the Nursery team take parents through day-to-day logistics and helpful tips for getting the children ready for school.
Settling-In Programme - every child is unique and we will work with you on an individual programme which will run at the start of term to ensure your child soon feels happy and settled in our Nursery.
FAQs
Do you supply a hot lunch?
Nursery children will be provided with a hot lunch, together with a healthy snack for midmorning. Packed lunches are provided for any trips.
What are the drop off and pick-up times?
The Nursery opens at 8.30am and finishes at 3.30pm. Wrap-around care is available in the Nursery from 7.30am to 6.00pm, with free enrichment to 4.00pm on a Tuesday and Thursday. Willington's holiday enrichment by Après-School is available exclusively for all Willington children from Nursery to Year 3, providing a 50-week a-year solution for working parents. (Click here to find out more).
Do you offer morning and afternoon sessions?
We only offer full day places, with a minimum requirement of 3 days a week.
What will the staff:pupil ratio be?
There are three full-time, experienced members of staff at all times in the Nursery. It is important that the statutory guidelines on staff:pupil ratios are met at all times.
What do the children wear?
All the children will wear black shorts/jogging bottoms with a white crested polo shirt and our distinctive red sweatshirt with the Willington logo. This uniform will be comfortable for the children to wear while enjoying all activities and the clothes are easy to layer through the seasons. The uniform is used as the PE kit when your child joins Reception.
Does my child need to be dry before starting?
While this would be expected, we do appreciate that some of the younger children may be wearing pull-up pants.
Is my child guaranteed entry to Reception?
We expect all our Nursery children to transition to the Reception class, unless there are exceptional circumstances.
"So happy to be part of this school community."" New Nursery Parent 23/24
Being part of a small, nurturing community allows children to learn from positive role models, feel a sense of belonging and be their best self as they start their educational journey.