Holy Family Catholic Primary School Nursery Review

Two outdoor play spaces, a sensory room and swimming in the warmer months give this nursery its character. Holy Family Catholic Primary School’s nursery serves children aged 3 to 4 on the school site in South Benfleet. Its large classroom is shared with Reception, placing nursery children within the school’s early years phase.

The early years provision received a Good judgement at the Ofsted inspection on 21 and 22 February 2023. That judgement covers the early years phase, including nursery; it is not a separate nursery rating. The school’s Catholic character extends across its education, so families should expect faith to be part of school life.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings nursery and Reception together in one phase. Here, early learning includes practising social skills and developing the foundations for later learning. In February 2023, children were learning to cooperate in both play and work, with additional support for social development following pandemic isolation.

Little Wandle gives daily phonics a named approach: children practise speech sounds and letter writing. Parent workshops run during the school year, alongside resources for home use. This gives families practical ways to support the same learning beyond the classroom.

The physical layout provides different places for different activities. Alongside the shared classroom are a smaller reading room, a sensory room and children’s own toilets. Two outdoor play areas add space beyond the main room. Reading therefore has a separate space, while outdoor activity is part of the nursery’s surroundings.

Swimming adds another possibility. During warmer months, nursery children can join weekly lessons in the school’s outdoor pool if they attend on the relevant day and choose to participate. Trips and workshops also arise during the year, with participation usually carrying an additional charge.

Settling can be gradual. A reduced timetable can be agreed for a child who needs time to become comfortable, and a stay-and-play invitation before starting is offered where possible. These arrangements give families a way to ease the move into nursery rather than begin immediately with the full attendance pattern.

Lunch is eaten in the classroom. Children attending over lunchtime can bring food from home or have a school dinner; healthy snacks can be brought from home too, with free fruit available as an alternative. Families supply nappies, wipes and spare clothing as needed. Emergency supplies are limited but carry no charge.

The early years phase has a class teacher supported by three learning support assistants. In February 2023, identification of SEND began in the early years, progress was checked closely and parents were involved promptly when concerns arose. This makes family involvement part of responding to additional needs.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Parents must make a separate application through Essex County Council’s website when their child’s Reception application cycle comes around. Choosing nursery and securing Reception are separate decisions.

The shared classroom means the next stage uses an already familiar space. That practical continuity should be kept separate from admissions: familiarity with the setting does not secure a place.

Sessions operate on weekdays during term time. Morning attendance runs from 8:50am to 11:50am; the afternoon runs from 11:50am to 2:50pm. Part-time and full-time attendance are possible, and lunch occupies the opening hour of the afternoon session. Morning children can also stay for an additional lunchtime hour.

Universal funding provides 15 hours from the term following a child’s third birthday, with no administrative charge for accessing those hours. Attendance outside funded hours, school dinners and optional swimming carry charges; contact the school for current charges. Payments for privately funded sessions use My Child at School (MCAS).

To enquire or arrange a nursery tour, contact the office at admin@holyfamily.essex.sch.uk or 01268 792231. An initial short application adds a child to the waiting list; availability is confirmed during the term before the anticipated start.