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Nursery at Great Bradfords Infant and Nursery 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Five funded sessions, mixed to suit a family’s week subject to availability, give Great Bradfords’ nursery its practical character. This is the school’s own part-time provision in Braintree, with additional sessions allowing children to stay for a full day. Families can build around shorter sessions rather than choosing a full day from the outset.
Children can start from the term after their third birthday and remain until they begin Reception. There are 38 places per session. That is a session capacity, so the availability of a particular combination matters when arranging attendance.
Stories, rhymes and songs give the nursery day a clear language focus. At the May 2022 inspection, nursery children listened attentively and participated in these activities, while the wider early years provision combined purposeful play with learning. For a parent, the emphasis is on children listening, talking and joining in.
The early years curriculum brings together mathematical understanding, language, physical development and emotional development. In May 2022, adults used questions effectively to deepen understanding and encourage children to think further. Children built positive relationships and approached unfamiliar activities confidently. These findings describe learning through interaction, alongside the development of confidence and social skills.
Climbing equipment adds a physical element. Play dough, sensory activities and baking are also supported through a voluntary contribution, with enhanced snacks including breadsticks and watermelon. These are concrete opportunities to explore materials and ingredients as part of the nursery experience.
Familiar routines matter for young children. In May 2022, children in early years played happily alongside one another and picked up routines quickly. Emotional development was part of the curriculum, alongside physical development, giving everyday relationships a place in learning.
For questions about special educational needs, families can contact the SENCO at Senco@gbins.co.uk. General enquiries go to the school office. This gives parents distinct contacts for discussing additional needs and making everyday arrangements.
Clothing supports independence: nursery children do not need uniform, and washable clothes that they can handle themselves are encouraged. Elasticated trousers make toileting easier; shoes should avoid long laces because these can catch on climbing equipment or cause trips. Clothing and shoes should carry the child’s name.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Parents must make a separate online application through Essex County Council, using the Common Application Form at www.essex.gov.uk/admissions. Choosing nursery sessions and applying for school are separate decisions.
For September 2027 entry, the planned closing date is 15 January 2027. The proposed entry criteria give no priority for nursery attendance: they consider children in care or previously in care, siblings, the priority admission area and other applications. These arrangements await ratification, so families should treat that distinction carefully when planning the move to school.
Morning nursery runs from 8.40am to 11.40am; afternoons run from 12.20pm to 3.20pm. The Full Day session is 9.20am to 3.20pm. Early Drop-Off covers 8.40am to 9.20am, and the Extended Session covers 11.40am to 12.20pm.
The universal funded entitlement is 15 hours weekly, starting in the term after a child turns three. Some parents may qualify for a further 15 hours; parents or carers are responsible for applying for this extended funding termly. Extended entitlement can be used here only when the child’s universal 15 hours are already claimed at this nursery. The universal entitlement cannot be shared with another provider; extended entitlement can be shared with up to two additional providers, with at most two used on one day. A signed funding form is needed each term.
Paid additional sessions are an option for families who do not qualify for extended entitlement. Additional and extended sessions require advance payment; regular arrangements can be secured at the start of term, while occasional bookings depend on availability. A voluntary contribution is requested each half term for enhanced snacks and activity ingredients. Ask the school for current charges.
Nursery applications go directly to the school, and forms can be collected from the office. Contact admin@gbins.co.uk or 01376 326891.
Children can attend from the term following their third birthday until they start Reception. There are 38 places for each session.
Yes. The five funded sessions can be taken in any combination, subject to availability. Additional sessions can extend attendance, including a Full Day option from 9.20am to 3.20pm.
The universal 15-hour entitlement cannot be split with another provider. Extended entitlement can be shared with up to two further providers, with no more than two used in a day. To use extended entitlement here, your child must already claim their universal 15 hours at this nursery.
No. A separate online application to Essex County Council is required. For September 2027 entry, the planned deadline is 15 January 2027; the proposed criteria do not give nursery attendance priority and await ratification.
No. Choose washable clothing your child can manage independently, label clothes and shoes, and avoid shoes with long laces.
