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Nursery at Ghyllgrove 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
A garden used daily, a canopy for wet weather and sessions built around play give Ghyllgrove’s nursery its character. This is the school’s own provision on The Gore in Basildon, within its Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Three-year-olds attended the Nursery class at the September 2024 inspection. Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Good on 24 and 25 September 2024; that judgement covers early years rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Each session begins with children registering themselves, followed by circle time. Weather and seasonal changes provide talking points alongside maths, phonics, stories and songs. Then comes a longer stretch of learning directed partly by adults and partly by children, using both classroom and garden. Tidying and a final carpet gathering bring the session towards its close. The pattern gives children time to explore, with group activities providing regular points to come together.
The EYFS approach combines learning through play with adult guidance. Indoors, a large nursery classroom contains different activity areas, with resources chosen around children’s needs. Outside, the shared EYFS garden is used daily, and activities change to follow children’s interests. Its canopy extends outdoor access into wet weather. Wellies matter here: messy play and time outside in rain or snow are part of the provision.
Listening comes before formal phonics. Letters and Sounds begins with Phase 1 activities in September: children investigate surrounding sounds, play listening games and make music with instruments. Read Write Inc. starts in the summer term. Number work centres on recognising and counting 0–10. The Autumn topic connects stories with changes in the natural world, giving children something concrete to discuss.
In September 2024, children across early years picked up phonics rapidly. Adults also demonstrated expected behaviour, and early years children showed friendliness and respect. These findings support the emphasis on listening and shared routines.
The nursery teacher has over 20 years of experience in early years. Families can discuss worries directly with the nursery team, telephone the school or use parents@ghyllgrove.essex.sch.uk. Most school communications arrive by email, giving parents a regular route for messages beyond conversations with staff.
Snack is organised as a rolling part of each session, allowing children to eat during the longer play period. Children bring a bottle containing plain water, plus spare clothing and replacement shoes if they arrive wearing wellies. These practical preparations help with messy activities and changes of clothes.
Additional needs have a defined contact within the SEN team: a SENCO covers EYFS and Years 1 and 2. The Resource Base for Deaf Children serves ages 3–11, using spoken English, British Sign Language and Sign-Supported English. Its specialist team includes a Teacher of Deaf and learning assistants, with speech and language therapy support. This provision combines specialist work with opportunities to learn alongside hearing peers.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place or confer admissions priority. Families must make a separate application through Essex County Council. Reception allocation considers care status, siblings and the priority admission area before remaining applications, with distance deciding priority within oversubscribed groups.
For September 2026 entry, the application deadline was 15 January 2026. That deadline has passed. The shared EYFS garden provides continuity of surroundings, but it does not change the separate admissions process.
Morning nursery runs from 8:45am to 11:15am; the afternoon session runs from 12:45pm to 3:15pm. Nursery applications go directly to the school. General enquiries can be made on 01268 450067 or at admin@ghyllgrove.essex.sch.uk.
Morning children use the wooden fence beside the path to the school office for both entry and collection. Afternoon children enter there too, but are collected from the KS1 playground. The different collection points are worth building into arrangements with anyone else picking up your child.
Uniform combines a white shirt or polo with grey or black bottoms and red knitwear or fleece. Nursery children are asked to wear shoes with Velcro fastenings, and clothing should be labelled. Bring wellies and clothing suitable for the weather; parents apply sun cream before school.
Parking. Public spaces outside the grounds are limited and controlled by permits. Families attending an appointment should contact the school beforehand on the day about staff car park availability. Blue badge parking is provided, with accessible entry from that car park.
Morning sessions run from 8:45am to 11:15am, and afternoon sessions from 12:45pm to 3:15pm.
Children combine play in the classroom and garden with circle time, stories, songs and maths. Letters and Sounds starts with Phase 1 listening activities, Read Write Inc. begins in the summer term, and number learning focuses on 0–10.
No. Nursery attendance neither guarantees a place nor gives admissions priority. A separate Reception application goes through Essex County Council.
Bring spare clothes, wellies, a book bag containing a school diary and a bottle of plain water. Pack replacement shoes if your child wears wellies to nursery, and label clothing.
Morning children leave through the wooden fence on the school office path. Afternoon children are collected from the KS1 playground.
