Westwood Academy Nursery

Ghostbusters play, Disney Week and a nursery garden give Westwood’s youngest children three very different ways to explore. This is the school’s own nursery, welcoming children from age 2, with sessions also catering for 3–4-year-olds. It occupies a large room within the main building, beside the Reception classroom. School life is physically close from the start.

That combination of imaginative play and gardening gives the provision its character. Children can take part in themed activities indoors and help care for the garden outdoors, rather than having their experience confined to the nursery room.

Play has concrete starting points here: homemade proton packs for Ghostbusters activities, Disney Week with the nursery lead dressed as a princess, and tending the nursery garden. These give children something to pretend, make or care for. Cooking and sensory activities add further opportunities to explore materials and take part in practical tasks.

Inside, the nursery room provides space and resources for play and exploration. The garden adds a distinct outdoor feature, with children involved in looking after it. Together, these spaces support both imaginative activity and hands-on discovery.

Language is an explicit part of early years learning. In October 2024, Ofsted found that adults introduced vocabulary for children to practise through exploration and play. For parents, that makes the learning purpose clear: activities provide opportunities to try words in context. The same inspection found that early years children collaborated and maintained concentration, evidence of learning alongside other children as well as engaging with a task.

A nursery lead gets to know children and their families, giving family relationships a place within the provision’s approach. Prospective families can arrange a visit to meet the nursery team and see the setting before applying. That creates an opportunity to introduce a child to the people and space involved.

Snacks, cooking and sensory play are supported by an optional termly donation. Lunch is a separate option for children aged 3–4 who attend a morning session or a full day, running from 11:45 to 12:15. Families choosing a morning place can therefore include lunch when that arrangement suits their child.

Being next door to Reception gives the nursery a physical connection with the next classroom. Westwood describes this arrangement as helping children settle and move between stages. It is a transition feature, not an admissions advantage.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place or confer priority. Families must make a separate Reception application through Essex County Council at www.essex.gov.uk/admissions. Allocation considers looked-after children, siblings and the priority admissions area, with distance deciding priority within an oversubscribed category. Keep that application separate from nursery bookings.

Morning sessions run from 8:45 to 11:45 for children aged 2 and 3–4. The afternoon option, for 3–4-year-olds, runs from 12:15 to 15:15. Friday has a combined lunch and shorter afternoon option, from 11:45 to 13:30, also for ages 3–4. These age restrictions matter when planning attendance.

Morning drop-off and collection use the nursery gate. Afternoon drop-off is through the front office, with collection at the nursery gate; the Friday combined session uses the nursery gate at both ends.

Contact nursery@westwoodacademy.org or call 01702 559467 to enquire or arrange a visit. Applications can be submitted by email, post or in person, and full sessions have a waiting list. From September 2026, session invoices must be paid in the preceding half term. Contact the school for current charges.