Woodham Tots at Woodham Ley Primary School

Stories and rhymes marked the start of nursery reading at the March 2023 inspection. Across the school's early years provision, a poetry basket also encouraged children to recite verse. This is the nursery provision at Woodham Ley Primary School on Rushbottom Lane in Benfleet, with morning, afternoon and all-day sessions. Families can choose a shorter session or a day running from 8.15am to 3.15pm.

At the inspection on 21 and 22 March 2023, Ofsted judged the school's early years provision Outstanding. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Reading begins with listening. In March 2023, nursery children listened attentively to selected rhymes and stories, while the early years poetry basket gave children poems to recite. Vocabulary development had a clear place in their learning. For parents, the useful distinction is that these first reading experiences centre on hearing language, enjoying stories and speaking aloud.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together children's learning, development, welfare and safety. Its learning areas include understanding the world, mathematics, literacy and creative expression, alongside movement, communication and social development. In parent language, early education concerns how children talk, move, relate to others and explore ideas, as well as their first encounters with reading and numbers.

During March 2023, children in early years collaborated successfully on games, artwork and model-making. Shared materials gave them practical reasons to cooperate. They sustained their attention and tried alternative solutions when a task became difficult, making persistence part of the learning as well as the finished creation.

Adult guidance mattered too. Children retained learning and explained it to one another, with staff guiding their progress through the curriculum. These findings give a concrete picture of purposeful activity: making something together, working through a problem and talking about what they know.

For concerns about a child's development or pace of learning, parents can speak with the class teacher or arrange contact with the school's special educational needs coordinator (SENCo) through the office. This gives families a clear starting point for discussing support.

Across the school, additional needs are assessed and help can involve school provision or external agencies. The school says it will make reasonable adjustments where practical. Its main site areas are accessible, and families can telephone reception to discuss individual access needs. Discussing those needs directly helps keep the conversation specific to the child.

Attending Woodham Tots does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet the applicable deadline.

Essex County Council's Planning and Admissions Service coordinates the main Reception round for Woodham Ley. Applications for September Reception entry can be made through Essex's online admissions service. Treat choosing a nursery session and applying for a school place as separate decisions.

Morning sessions run from 8.15am to 11.15am; afternoons run from 12.15pm to 3.15pm. The all-day option starts at 8.15am and finishes at 3.15pm. Those different start and finish times matter when fitting nursery around work or another child's collection.

Funded places. Thirty-hour funding is available, but spaces are limited. Speak with nursery staff about this option before relying on a funded place for childcare plans. Contact the school for current charges.

General enquiries go to the school office on 01268 753 652 or admin@woodhamley.essex.sch.uk. School visits can also be arranged through the office, providing an opportunity to meet staff and children before applying.