The John Wallis Church of England Academy Nursery

Early learning here sits within a Church of England academy in Kingsnorth, Ashford, with nursery provision forming part of an all-through school. The academy welcomes families of every faith and families with none. Its Christian identity therefore sits alongside an inclusive welcome.

Ofsted judged the academy’s early years provision Good at the inspection on 31 January and 1 February 2024. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery inspection outcome.

Tracking each child’s learning is part of the early years approach. An early years assessment system records progress and helps staff identify what children should learn next. The practical purpose is to connect assessment with planning, so the next steps respond to what a child already knows.

Across Lower School, assessment takes place throughout the year, using both formal and informal methods. This gives staff information to use when planning subsequent learning.

Communication has several routes within Lower School. Parents’ evenings take place three times a year, alongside progress reports each term. Brief conversations with staff are possible at the start and finish of the day; longer appointments can be arranged through the Primary Office. Families therefore have both scheduled opportunities to discuss progress and a route for a more focused conversation.

Speech, language and communication support involves NHS link therapists and specialist teachers across the academy. Parents with concerns are directed first to their child’s class teacher. The academy then decides with the family whether to involve its link therapists and keeps parents informed about support plans. That sequence gives families a clear starting point for raising a concern.

The Lower School team works with parents from the early years onwards to build relationships. For concerns about a child’s safety or wellbeing, the academy’s safeguarding team can be contacted directly at safeguarding@thejohnwallisacademy.org or on 01233 534399.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process by the normal deadline.

For September 2027 entry, nursery attendance confers no Reception priority. The priority for children already attending the academy applies specifically to transfers into Year 7 and Year 12, rather than entry from nursery. A familiar school setting and an admissions entitlement are separate matters.

Reception allocation follows the applicable oversubscription criteria when applications exceed places. Waiting-list positions also follow those criteria, so joining a waiting list does not create a nursery-based advantage.

The academy’s address is Millbank Road, Kingsnorth, Ashford, Kent, TN23 3HG. Admission enquiries go to the Admissions Office at admissions@thejohnwallisacademy.org or 01233 623465. This provides a direct contact for families considering the nursery and for admissions questions as their child approaches school entry.