Business Details
Your Trusted Partner for Early Childhood Education in Reading
Shinfield Infant & Nursery School is dedicated to providing a nurturing environment where children learn through play, curiosity, and sustained shared thinking. Our approach prioritises individualised learning, with staff qualified to deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum. We foster strong partnerships with families and external specialists to support every child's development. Our team includes experienced educators like Mrs Ayres, who holds a BA and QTS, and Level 3 Early Years Practitioners. We offer flexible funded nursery places, including 15-hour and 30-hour options, alongside a packed lunch club. Our unique transition programme ensures children move smoothly into school life, supported by familiar adults and routines.We are fully inclusive, working closely with Speech and Language Therapists and Health Visitors to meet special educational needs. Our curriculum integrates the Little Wandle Phonics programme, aligning with the school's tracking system to monitor progress. As part of The Circle Trust, we maintain high standards of governance and accountability. Our facilities include shared spaces with Shinfield Infant School, enhancing social and educational continuity. We prioritise safeguarding and require DBS checks for all parent helpers. Our commitment to transparency and community engagement is reflected in regular parent meetings and open mornings.
Services
Nursery Admissions
Early Years Curriculum
SEND Support
Transition Programme
Parent Engagement
Highlights and features
- We offer flexible 15-hour and 30-hour funded nursery places with optional lunch clubs
- Our staff include qualified teachers and Level 3 Early Years Practitioners
- We provide inclusive support for children with special educational needs
- Our transition programme ensures smooth progression to primary school
- We maintain strong partnerships with Speech and Language Therapists and Health Visitors
Services
Nursery Admissions
We offer 15-hour and 30-hour funded nursery places for children aged 3-4, with flexible morning and afternoon sessions. Our inclusive admissions policy welcomes applications from a child's first birthday, with priority given to local families. The nursery shares facilities with Shinfield Infant School, providing unique transition opportunities.
Early Years Curriculum
Our curriculum follows the Early Years Foundation Stage framework, using in-the-moment planning to capture children's interests. We focus on sustained shared thinking and individualised learning journeys, with observations guiding each child's development. The Little Wandle Phonics programme prepares children for formal schooling.
SEND Support
We provide tailored support for children with special educational needs through our SENDCo team. Collaborating with Speech and Language Therapists and Health Visitors, we create individualised plans. Our inclusive environment ensures all children receive appropriate challenges and developmental opportunities.
Transition Programme
Our transition programme includes home visits, stay-and-play sessions, and classroom visits to ease children into nursery life. Children benefit from shared activities with infant school pupils and familiar routines, ensuring smooth progression to Reception class.
Parent Engagement
We encourage parental participation through regular meetings, open mornings, and volunteer opportunities. Parents receive detailed progress reports and can access support through our Family Support Worker. Our transition meetings help families prepare for their child's educational journey.
People
Mrs Nicky Lauchlan
Headteacher
Mrs Lauchlan leads Shinfield Infant & Nursery School with over 20 years' experience in early years education. She oversees curriculum implementation and staff development, maintaining strong community partnerships. Her leadership focuses on inclusive learning environments and educational excellence.
Mrs Ayres
Nursery Teacher
Mrs Ayres, a qualified teacher with BA and QTS, leads nursery sessions and supports special educational needs. She implements the Early Years Curriculum and coordinates transition programmes. Her expertise in play-based learning ensures children's developmental needs are met.
Miss Corby
Early Years Practitioner
Miss Corby, a Level 3 Early Years Practitioner, delivers high-quality care and education in the nursery. She supports individual learning journeys and collaborates with parents to enhance children's development through play-based activities.
Miss Lewendon
Early Years Practitioner
Miss Lewendon, a Level 3 Early Years Practitioner, contributes to the nursery's inclusive environment. She facilitates learning through play and supports children's social and emotional development with tailored interventions.
Questions
What nursery session options are available?
We offer 15-hour funded places (5 mornings or afternoons) and 30-hour funded places (8:30am-2:30pm) with optional extensions to 3:30pm at £6/day.
How do you support children with special needs?
Our SENDCo team works with external specialists like Speech and Language Therapists to create individualised support plans, ensuring inclusive learning environments.
What transition support exists for new children?
We provide home visits, stay-and-play sessions, and classroom visits to ease children into nursery, with flexible parent involvement options.
Can parents get involved in the nursery?
Yes, we welcome parent volunteers (subject to DBS checks) and offer regular meetings, open mornings, and progress reporting opportunities.
How does the nursery prepare children for school?
Children participate in shared school activities, use the main hall for sessions, and interact with siblings in adjoining play areas, ensuring smooth transition.
Videos
Reviews (4)
Edodo
Jan 01, 2022
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Used to go here, made a bunch of memories and one of my year 2 teacher was fine ash im ngl, forgot what her name was though
Aarti Mittal
Jan 26, 2021
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Hi I am Aarish and I am nine years old. This school helped me excel where I am now. This school is a great walking distance from home. This fun and engaging school is very awarding of your hard work. There is a lot of space to move around. The teachers here are amazing and are helpful, they always try to make everything great for you . I highly recommend this school .
Hkedmy
Oct 01, 2020
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A caring, inclusive, accepting and supportive school with a loving and respectful attitude towards children and learning. Mrs. Turner, the headteacher, does an inspiring job leading the most admirable teachers and staff. They all somehow find a way to see and make EACH AND EVERY child feel unique and special. A beautiful atmosphere for children to learn and grow into friendly, motivated, curious, contributing, kind human beings. I'm lucky and greatful to have the opportunity to send my son there. Thank you!
Pink Panther
Jul 03, 2018
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This is a wonderful little school full of inspiring teachers and involved parents. We used it from Nursery and my child learnt there to love school. Now my boy gets top SATS results and outstanding school reports in all areas. Thanks Shinfield Infant. Highly recommended.
