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Nursery at Northlands Primary School and Nursery
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Acorn classrooms and a secure garden give Northlands’ nursery its own base within the primary school. The purpose-built nursery stands opposite the infant classrooms, with three teaching rooms and space for up to 30 children per session. Little Acorns caters for ages 2–3; Acorn 1 and Acorn 2 take children aged 3–4. Children can start in the term following their second birthday.
The early years provision received a Good judgement at the July 2024 Ofsted inspection. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Morning, afternoon and full-day attendance give families three ways to organise the nursery day. For children staying all day, lunch takes place in their own classroom, with midday assistants helping. The large garden provides a secure outdoor space alongside the classrooms. In July 2024, nursery children played successfully alongside Reception children in the sizeable outdoor areas, giving them opportunities to spend time with older children.
Learning follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), the framework covering children’s development through the end of Reception. Northlands aims to match resources and learning opportunities to children’s developmental stage, encouraging them to become more independent while giving them challenges. Staff monitor individual progress and work with families to understand children’s interests and abilities, so those starting points can inform learning.
Language, movement and early number knowledge are concrete priorities. In July 2024, children were developing these foundations through the early years curriculum. Adults shared books frequently, and children enjoyed rhymes and stories alongside practice with letter sounds. These activities connect spoken language with the beginnings of reading.
Tapestry gives parents a continuing picture of nursery learning. Parents receive an invitation to join and can download the app onto a phone or tablet. Staff add observations each week, sometimes accompanied by photographs or video, and an email alerts parents to new entries. Families can contribute their own observations too. This makes communication a two-way exchange, bringing learning at home into the picture rather than leaving it separate from nursery experiences.
Full-day children need a packed lunch. Midday assistants support them while they eat in the classroom, keeping the meal within their nursery base. Breakfast Club also admits nursery children aged three and over: fruit, cereals, bagels, toast, drinks and low-fat yoghurt are served in the dining hall.
For discussions about special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), the school has a lower-school special educational needs coordinator and an SEN administration role. Families can contact the team through the office or at inclusion@northlandsprimary.essex.sch.uk. This provides a direct route for raising support needs.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline. The route is through Essex County Council, rather than a direct application to the school.
At the July 2024 inspection, nursery children played alongside Reception children outdoors. That contact does not secure admission. At the end of nursery, families receive a printed copy of their child’s Tapestry journal; it can also accompany the child to their next setting. That record provides a way to carry information about learning and development into the next stage.
Morning sessions run from 8.30am to 11.30am; afternoons begin at 12.30pm and finish at 3.30pm. The full-day option runs from 8.30am to 3.30pm. Those distinct patterns make the choice between a shorter session and a day including lunch clear.
Breakfast Club runs from 8.00am to 8.40am for nursery children aged three and over. Entry is through the main school reception, and bookings go through the office, with payment using School Money. Contact the school for current charges.
Nursery enquiries can go to the office on 01268 553434 or to admin@northlandsprimary.essex.sch.uk. The nursery is on Winifred Road in Pitsea, Basildon.
Little Acorns caters for children aged 2–3, while Acorn 1 and Acorn 2 serve ages 3–4. Children can join in the term following their second birthday.
Morning sessions are 8.30am–11.30am, afternoon sessions are 12.30pm–3.30pm, and full-day sessions are 8.30am–3.30pm.
Children bring a packed lunch and eat in their classroom with help from midday assistants.
Tapestry holds weekly staff observations, sometimes with photographs or video. Parents receive email notifications and can add observations from home.
No. Reception requires a separate application through Essex County Council’s normal admissions process, by the relevant deadline.
