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Nursery at Merrylands 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Mud-pit digging, a cosy book corner and regular Forest School sessions give Merrylands Nursery a day that moves between early learning and outdoor exploration. This provision for three- and four-year-olds forms part of Merrylands Primary School: children use the wider school setting and join assemblies and special events. School life starts here in small steps.
At the Ofsted inspection on 11 and 12 March 2025, early years provision was graded Good within the school inspection. Nursery-specific findings highlighted a curriculum that builds confidence and independence, with activities supporting physical and social development. Adults’ careful use of language helped children extend their vocabulary and spoken communication.
A session combines short shared activities with longer periods of play indoors and outside. Registration and calendar time come first, followed by phonics; children then explore the learning provision while adults lead activities alongside them. Stories or a discussion about a picture draw the session towards its close. For children staying all day, lunch separates the morning and afternoon routines.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) covers seven learning areas. In parent terms, that means learning to communicate, manage feelings and move confidently alongside early reading, number work, creative expression and exploration of the world. Children practise counting and comparing measurements, encounter poetry as well as fiction and factual books, and explore ideas through role play, music and art. FFT Success For All Phonics is the named phonics programme used from Nursery.
Choice has a place alongside adult direction. Staff observe children’s interests and use these to plan further activities, while the Characteristics of Effective Learning approach gives attention to exploration, persistence and developing ideas. The book corner offers a place for reading; sand and water play and sensory exploration provide other ways to investigate.
Outside, children can experiment with water, dig in the mud pit and study nature in the garden. Outdoor play continues in different weather conditions, with clothing adjusted accordingly. Regular Forest School sessions add opportunities to explore the natural world, and Nursery has access to this provision throughout the year. These are concrete opportunities for movement, conversation and shared problem-solving.
Tapestry carries daily Nursery communication, including photographs and homework, while ParentMail handles school-wide notices and letters. That gives families ways to connect activities at Nursery with conversations at home. Parents can approach the class teacher with concerns and arrange a call or meeting through the office.
For children needing additional support beyond classroom provision, a One Plan brings together the teacher, family and other adults involved. Reviews take place each term, giving families regular points to discuss targets and support. The SEND team includes SENCOs and a Nurture and Sensory Lead. An Education, Health and Care Plan does not automatically bring an individual supporting adult, and the school does not allocate full-time one-to-one support. That distinction matters when considering a child’s care needs.
Attending Merrylands Nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal Reception admissions process.
The route is an online application to Essex County Council. For the September 2026 intake, the deadline was 15 January 2026; that was a past admissions cycle. Nursery learning is planned towards the next stage in Reception, but curriculum preparation and participation in school events should be understood separately from securing a place.
Morning sessions run from 8.30am to 11.30am, afternoons from 12.30pm to 3.30pm, and all-day sessions from 8.30am to 3.30pm. Allocation is Monday to Friday: eligible children receive either 15 hours in morning or afternoon sessions, or 30 hours through full-day sessions, depending on their funding entitlement.
Morning drop-off is flexible between 8.30am and 8.50am; afternoon and all-day collection is flexible between 3.15pm and 3.30pm. Those windows accommodate families also taking siblings to or from school. Nursery enquiries and visits can be arranged through the school office at admin@merrylands-pri.essex.sch.uk or 01268 417893.
The Nursery provides education and care for children aged three or four.
Morning sessions are 8.30am to 11.30am, afternoon sessions are 12.30pm to 3.30pm, and all-day sessions are 8.30am to 3.30pm. Sessions are allocated Monday to Friday according to funding entitlement.
Yes. Nursery children have regular Forest School sessions, with provision available to Nursery throughout the year.
No. Families need to apply separately for Reception through the normal admissions process. The application route is Essex County Council.
Contact the school office on 01268 417893 or email admin@merrylands-pri.essex.sch.uk to organise a visit.
