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Nursery at Cherry Tree 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Little Wandle Foundations and a key person for every child give Cherry Tree’s nursery two clear anchors: early learning and a familiar adult. This is the school’s own provision for children aged three or four, on Church Road in Basildon. It can accommodate up to 48 children, with a limited number of places offering 30 hours a week.
The nursery sits within a primary school with large grounds close to Basildon town centre. At the Ofsted inspection on 1 and 2 July 2025, early years provision was graded Good. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
A regular morning or afternoon across five weekdays gives the week a predictable shape. Children follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), with learning that brings their interests together with knowledge for their next stage. In July 2025, early years teaching was effective: staff used conversations and interactions to establish what children understood and help them take their learning further. Clear routines also helped children meet expectations.
Little Wandle Foundations is the nursery’s named phonics programme. Topics include All About Me, People that help us and The Animal World, giving learning a focus on children themselves and the world around them. The Great Outdoors is another topic, though the topic title should not be mistaken for a description of the nursery’s outdoor facilities.
Each child has an allocated key person who helps them settle into nursery life and builds a relationship with their family. The nursery aims to use that partnership to understand individual needs and adapt care accordingly. For parents, this gives settling-in a clear personal contact rather than relying only on the wider team.
For children staying all day, families supply a packed lunch. The lunch break lasts an hour and carries no charge. Parents also provide nappies and wipes where needed. A contribution towards snacks is voluntary, so families can distinguish that request from charges for additional sessions.
Attending Cherry Tree’s nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application in the normal Reception admissions round, administered by Essex County Council Admissions. Treat the nursery choice and the Reception application as two separate decisions: a nursery place does not secure the next one.
The 15-hour offer runs during term time, Monday to Friday: either mornings from 8.30am to 11.30am or afternoons from 12.30pm to 3.30pm. Families cannot combine morning and afternoon sessions within that pattern. This suits a consistent weekly arrangement rather than changing sessions between days.
A limited number of 30-hour places can be funded, or families can pay for the additional 15 hours. For those entitled to 30-hour funding, the day runs from 8.30am to 3.30pm. Paid additional sessions are invoiced monthly through Studybugs and paid through School Money before attendance; payments are non-refundable. Contact the school for current charges.
Nursery applications start with a form from the main office. School tours can also be booked through the office on 01268 523017. Uniform combines sky blue tops, grey bottoms and navy knitwear; branded clothing is optional.
Nursery places are for children aged three or four who are entitled to 15 or 30 hours of funding.
No. The 15-hour pattern is five mornings or five afternoons, Monday to Friday during term time.
There are a limited number of 30-hour places. For children entitled to 30-hour funding, sessions run from 8.30am to 3.30pm. The additional 15 hours can also be paid for by families.
Bring a packed lunch, plus nappies and wipes if your child needs them. The hour-long lunch break is not charged.
No. You must apply separately in the normal Reception admissions round through Essex County Council Admissions.
