Pilgrims' Way Primary School Nursery Review

Rhymes, books and growing independence give Pilgrims' Way's pre-school its character. Children become eligible in the term following their third birthday, joining nursery provision on the primary school's Canterbury site. This is a school nursery, with its own settling process and access to the school's inclusion team.

The pre-school stayed on site when the school occupied its replacement building in January 2026. At the September 2022 Ofsted inspection, early years provision received an Outstanding judgement within the school inspection, rather than a separate nursery rating.

Books and spoken language are concrete features of early learning here. In September 2022, children in early years enjoyed singing, listening to stories and joining in with rhymes. They also selected books to explore independently or with another child. That combines shared language activities with opportunities to make their own choices.

The Early Years Foundation Stage is the framework for this stage of learning. Here, the inspection evidence connects learning with everyday independence as well as early reading: children sustained their attention during sound learning and became confident with familiar routines. These are useful foundations for participating in a group and managing small tasks themselves.

Mealtimes provided a practical example. Children cleared their trays and sorted their cutlery and cups after eating. Such routines give children a part to play in the day, beyond taking part in adult-led activities. These observations concern early years across the school and date from September 2022.

Settling starts with an individual plan. After the initial visit, and if the pre-school is considered suitable, staff agree a programme around the child's needs, followed by trial sessions and an agreed start. This gives families a staged introduction rather than treating every child's first days identically.

An Inclusion lead/SENCO covers the pre-school as well as the school, working with teachers and the Inclusion Team. Parents are told when staff identify an additional need and participate in planning support. The school's approach revisits assessment, planning, action and review, so support can change as understanding of a child's needs develops.

The Family Liaison Officer also supports children and parents with difficulties at home or school, providing advice and links to further help. Families have a pastoral contact alongside the team supporting learning 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. Treat choosing the nursery and applying for Reception as two distinct decisions; becoming familiar with the school does not itself secure admission.

The school office handles pre-school enquiries on 01227 760084 or at office@pilgrims-way.kent.sch.uk. An introductory appointment is arranged when a child is eligible and a space is available. After families return the admission paperwork, the Pre-School Practice Co-ordinator arranges the initial visit.

Bring the child's passport or birth certificate to the meeting: this is needed to complete funding information before attendance begins. Children younger than three can join the waiting list, with the office contacting families shortly before eligibility.