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The Lighthouse Nursery School

Ofsted: Good
(Nov 2023)
·
5.0(5 parent reviews)
·The Lighthouse, Fairview, Wallingford, OX10 7AN · Oxfordshire
Number of places
70 places
Age range
1–5 yrs
Last inspected
Nov 2023
Local authority
Oxfordshire

About this day nursery

The Lighthouse Nursery School, established in 1990 by Sally Fitchett, offers quality childcare and education within a Christian Montessori framework. Originally operating from two village halls, the nursery moved to a specially designed facility in Newington, South Oxfordshire, in 1998.

This dedicated location boasts three well-equipped classrooms, each with its own outdoor space, alongside an additional classroom for various activities. The nursery also features an expansive outdoor area known as 'The Field,' which includes areas for planting, digging, a natural mound, and a log pile, promoting outdoor exploration and learning.

Catering to children aged 1 to 5 years, The Lighthouse provides a nurturing and supportive environment that focuses on fostering children's potential during their crucial early developmental stages. The school aims to encourage social development, spiritual awareness, and instills values such as respect, a positive attitude, responsibility, and self-discipline.

They also extend support and flexibility to parents, striving to accommodate individual needs. The nursery operates throughout the year, ensuring continuous care and education for its attendees.

Our ethos

The Lighthouse Nursery School operates within a Christian Montessori framework and aims to foster children's potential by encouraging social development, spiritual awareness, and instilling values such as respect, a positive attitude, responsibility, and self-discipline. They provide a nurturing and supportive environment, with a focus on outdoor exploration and learning.

What it's like

Staff welcome families and children warmly, engaging in conversation to foster a sense of belonging and confidence. Children are eager to play and explore, with staff supporting them in activities and helping them develop resilience. The learning experiences build on children's existing knowledge, with staff following their lead and fostering communication and language skills through enthusiastic reading and singing.

Christian Montessori schoolOutdoor learning "The Field"Holiday club available

Pricing & funding

Fees are billed termly, with rates based on child age and session type (Short Day, Long Day, or Morning). Fully funded places are accessible daily during core hours with no mandatory charges. Holiday cover can be booked separately, and fees are reviewed annually.

Funding accepted

Tax-Free Childcare15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)

Good to know

  • Fees are invoiced and payable termly, on or before the first day of each term.
  • One term's written notice is required for withdrawal, otherwise a term's fees are forfeited.
  • Fully funded places are available Monday to Friday from 10:00am to 4:00pm with no mandatory charges.
  • Holiday cover can be booked separately through Seagulls.
  • Fees are reviewed annually, with notice of increases given in April for September.
  • Tax-Free Childcare payments are accepted.

Key facts

Session types

Short day, Long day, Morning sessions, Full day (short), Extended Day

Opening hours

Open throughout the year

Age range

1 to 5 years

Term time / All Year

All Year

Food

Not specified

Staff

Not specified

Established

2016

Waitlist

Not specified

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for The Lighthouse Nursery School

Last inspected 14 November 2023 · Lisa Robinson

Safeguarding effective
Overall effectiveness
Good
Quality of education
Good
Behaviour and attitudes
Good
Personal development
Good
Leadership and management
Good

What it's like to attend

Staff welcome families and children warmly, engaging in conversation to foster a sense of belonging and confidence. Children are eager to play and explore, with staff supporting them in activities and helping them develop resilience. The learning experiences build on children's existing knowledge, with staff following their lead and fostering communication and language skills through enthusiastic reading and singing.

Inspector highlights

  • The manager has clear learning goals for children and supports staff in understanding how children learn.
  • The curriculum is ambitious and adapted to meet the needs of all children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
  • Staff effectively use assessments and observations to extend children's interests and abilities.
  • A well-established key-person system promotes secure attachments and children's well-being.
  • Staff ensure hygiene practices are met and teach children independence skills.

Areas to develop

  • 1improve opportunities for the youngest children to develop their personal independence skills.
Inspection #10318998 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

What parents say

Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection

Parents comment on the positive relationships between the staff, families, and children.

Children are safe and confident at the nursery.

Parents know what their children are learning because staff share information with them.

Children are making good progress as a result of attending the nursery.

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

The manager has the same ambitions for all children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities. The curriculum is ambitious, and staff adapt their teaching to meet the needs of the children.

Outdoor space

The inspector observed the quality of education being provided indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning.

Parent Reviews of The Lighthouse Nursery School

5.0
(5)
Magda B
2 months ago

A very friendly and welcoming place with lovely staff

Read on Google
Daphne Joy
a year ago

5 of my grandchildren have had the good fortune of attending the Lighthouse. This is a very special place and a greenhouse for small children to grow and thrive; full of love, fun and happiness. The outside space is phenomenal and the staff are exceptional.

Read on Google
Victoria MacDonald
a year ago

The kindest of staff, loving ethos and Christian values and my daughter absolutely LOVES the place! Thank you all!

Read on Google

Reviews from Google for The Lighthouse Nursery School. See all on Google Maps

Inspection history

Date: April 2018

  • November 2023Good
  • April 2018Good

Frequently asked about The Lighthouse Nursery School

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This listing has been compiled from official Ofsted records, the nursery's own website, details provided directly by the nursery where available, and other trusted public sources. We regularly review and update listings to keep the information as accurate as possible. Learn more