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Nursery at Charing Church of England Primary School
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Inspection data and key information above update regularly, however, this review below is refreshed bi-annually and may not reflect recent changes. Contact the nursery directly to confirm current arrangements. If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
An undercover outdoor classroom gives Ducklings a distinctive place to play and explore beyond the indoor learning space. This preschool takes children aged 2 to 4 within Charing Church of England Primary School. Outdoor learning has its own space here.
The school's early years provision reached Strong standard in the Ofsted report dated 10 February 2026. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.
Play is the starting point for learning in Ducklings. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), supported by Development Matters, connects children's development in talking, movement and relationships with early literacy, maths, creativity and understanding their surroundings. For parents, this means learning extends beyond letters and numbers to how children communicate, participate and manage themselves.
Adult teaching sits alongside purposeful play and activities children can continue exploring. Staff build from children's existing understanding, helping them investigate, try ideas and think through what happens. The indoor environment is complemented by an outdoor space and the undercover classroom, giving learning both indoor and outdoor settings.
In February 2026, early years staff used conversations effectively to expand children's vocabulary and dealt promptly with misunderstandings. Independence begins in nursery: staff help children do more for themselves, while the youngest communicate what they want and need with confidence. These are useful foundations for joining in and asking for help.
Settling is supported by established routines. In February 2026, children across early years became comfortable quickly and played collaboratively. Staff assessed children's initial understanding closely, giving teaching a starting point suited to the child. Parents were kept informed so they could support learning at home.
For concerns about additional needs, the first conversation is with the child's class teacher. Families can also attend SEN drop-in sessions or arrange an appointment through the office. This gives parents a route to discuss difficulties and support.
Breakfast Club serves choices including toast, cereals, yoghurt and fruit. Ducklings children can attend, subject to limited spaces. A separate lunch session is charged when a child is not attending for the full day.
Attending Ducklings does not guarantee a place in Rabbits, the school's Reception class. Families must make a separate Reception application through Kent County Council's online process and meet the normal application deadline. Treat nursery and Reception as separate decisions.
For the 2027/28 intake, nursery attendance is not one of the oversubscription criteria, so it does not confer Reception priority. A familiar school setting should not be mistaken for an admissions advantage.
Preparation for the next stage is a separate strength. In February 2026, early years transition was planned carefully, with parents involved. Nursery staff's work on independence supports children's readiness for what follows, irrespective of where they obtain a Reception place.
Choose a full day from 9am to 3pm, a morning from 9am to noon, or an afternoon from noon to 3pm. These distinct options let families choose between a shorter session and a full nursery day.
Wraparound extends the possible day: Breakfast Club runs from 7:45am to 9am, and After School Club from 3pm to 5:45pm. Both have limited spaces for Ducklings children. After-school sessions require advance booking and payment, so the extra hours need planning separately.
Ducklings accepts funding for eligible 2-year-olds and for 3- and 4-year-olds, including working-parent and disadvantaged routes. All children are entitled to 15 funded hours from the term after their third birthday; some qualify for extended funding of up to 30 hours weekly. Funding after the second birthday depends on meeting eligibility criteria. Nursery hours, the additional lunch session and wraparound have separate charging arrangements; contact the school for current charges.
For a show-around, an application or a nursery enquiry, email pre-school@charing.kent.sch.uk. The school office can also be reached on 01233 712277 or at office@charing.kent.sch.uk.
Ducklings provides care for children aged 2 to 4.
Full days run from 9am to 3pm, mornings from 9am to noon, and afternoons from noon to 3pm.
Yes. Ducklings has limited places in Breakfast Club, from 7:45am to 9am, and After School Club, from 3pm to 5:45pm. After-school sessions need advance booking and payment.
No. Reception requires a separate application through Kent County Council. Nursery attendance does not confer priority under the 2027/28 oversubscription criteria.
Ducklings accepts eligible 2-year-old funding and 3- and 4-year-old funding. All children are entitled to 15 hours from the term after their third birthday; some qualify for up to 30 hours a week. Eligibility criteria apply to funding after the second birthday.
