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Nursery at East Stour 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Children choose whether to learn indoors or outside at Little Composers, with their interests helping shape the activities. That gives East Stour Primary School’s nursery a clear emphasis on play and choice. Based in South Willesborough, Ashford, it takes children from three years old, normally starting in the term following their third birthday. Earlier entry after that birthday is possible where circumstances allow.
Play leads the learning. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum puts physical development, conversation and relationships first, alongside helping children understand their emotions. These foundations support later work with numbers, reading, writing, creativity and discovering how the world works. For parents, the emphasis is on the skills children need to communicate and participate, alongside subject learning.
Staff use in-the-moment planning: they respond to what interests a child and use that attention to extend learning. Activities can also follow a class theme, bringing different areas of learning together. Adults use their understanding of each child and ongoing assessments to decide what to introduce next. The early years approach also includes the RWI phonics scheme.
Outside is a regular learning option, open throughout the year except in the toughest weather. Children can choose their learning space, with curriculum opportunities provided both outdoors and indoors. The large outdoor area shared with Reception has musical instruments, climbing equipment and water chutes. There is room for movement, sound and exploration.
Making is part of the early years curriculum too. Children can use interlocking kits and recycled materials, with skills taught to help them turn an imagined model into something they can build.
Parents can follow learning through Tapestry, while termly floor books bring together work arising from children’s own choices. This gives families a way to see what has caught their child’s attention. Children staying for the whole day eat lunch between 11.30am and noon, creating a clear break between the morning and afternoon.
For additional needs, the school assesses barriers to learning, introduces support and checks progress. More individual advice can be sought with parental consent. Staff will meet parents to discuss concerns, and the Family Liaison Officers support families from the start. These are useful routes for raising worries about development or family circumstances.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the local authority’s common application form, following the normal admissions deadline. Kent County Council handles offers. Nursery attendance is not among the oversubscription priorities: these cover looked-after and previously looked-after children, siblings, health or special access reasons, and distance.
Shared outdoor space offers some continuity between nursery and Reception, but the admissions decision remains separate. Once places have been allocated, a June parent information evening introduces the next stage. Reception settling sessions take place in June, followed by a gradual start across two weeks in September. That transition programme concerns getting ready for school, rather than gaining a place.
Morning sessions run from 9am to noon, afternoons from noon to 3pm, and a whole day runs from 9am to 3pm. Families rank session preferences on the nursery application; their first choice cannot be assured. Match the pattern offered to the care your family needs.
The universal entitlement provides 15 hours from the term following a child’s third birthday, with 30 hours offered to eligible children. Families seeking 30 hours must apply for their eligibility code in the term before their child becomes eligible by age. Contact the school for current charges.
The nursery gate opens from 8.50am to 9am, with a midday opening from noon to 12.05pm. Uniform is optional for Little Composers; children choosing it wear a light blue jumper. Visits can be arranged through the school office on 01233 630820. Nursery enquiries can also go to newnursery@east-stour.kent.sch.uk.
Children normally start in the term following their third birthday. Entry in the weeks after that birthday may be possible.
Morning sessions are 9am to noon, afternoons are noon to 3pm, and whole days are 9am to 3pm. Families rank their preferences, but their first choice is not guaranteed.
Yes. Outdoor learning is available throughout the year except in the most challenging weather. The shared outdoor area includes climbing equipment, water chutes and musical instruments.
No. A separate Reception application is required through the local authority. Nursery attendance does not confer an oversubscription priority.
No. Uniform is optional for Little Composers. Children who choose to wear it use a light blue jumper.
