St Katherine's Church of England Primary School Nursery

A self-contained nursery classroom and access to an outdoor learning area give St Katherine's youngest children a distinct space within the school. There are places for 30 children, with entry in the term after their third birthday. The nursery describes its classroom as spacious, light and calm: a setting with play-based learning opportunities.

This is nursery provision within a Church of England primary school. Christian values sit alongside children's interests, experiences and individual needs in shaping learning. At the inspection on 3 and 4 July 2024, early years provision was graded Good. That judgement covers the school's early years provision, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

The day starts at 8:45am. Children attending mornings leave at 11:45am; those staying all day finish at 3:05pm. Both patterns use the same morning start, giving families a choice between a shorter session and a day extending into the afternoon.

Learning follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). In parent terms, the nursery starts with relationships, feelings, communication and movement. Play activities support physical development and language, while personal and social skills help children gain confidence. Early mathematics and literacy sit alongside creative expression and learning about the world. Children's own interests help shape this work, so the curriculum connects with experiences they bring from home.

The classroom has access to a recently developed outdoor area, adding another space for play and exploration. Indoors and outdoors form part of the nursery's play-based approach. In July 2024, children across early years communicated well, with most staff effectively extending their vocabulary. Books also mattered: early years children encountered varied reading material that developed their understanding of the world and enjoyment of reading.

A nursery teacher works with learning support assistants. The nursery works with families to help children settle and make a positive start, linking care with the relationships around each child. Children's individual needs are part of the basis for learning, alongside their interests and previous experiences. In July 2024, early years children understood the routines, and teachers stepped in when rules were not followed.

Lunch is a home responsibility for children staying into the afternoon. Each needs a packed lunch and drink, both named. Nuts and foods with nuts among their main ingredients must be excluded; sweets, chocolate bars and chocolate snacks should also stay out. Small foods, including grapes and tomatoes, need cutting into little pieces to reduce choking risk. These details matter when preparing a lunch that a young child can eat safely.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline. For September Reception entry, applications go through Essex County Council rather than directly to St Katherine's. Choosing the nursery and applying for school are separate decisions.

A proposed admissions change for 2027–2028 would include children attending the nursery among admissions considerations. The consultation ran from 7 November 2025 to 2 January 2026. A proposed change should not be treated as an entitlement to priority or a place.

Morning and all-day attendance follow the main school's terms and holidays. Nursery children wear school uniform. For families organising work and childcare, the combination of term-time attendance and a 3:05pm all-day finish is the practical starting point.

Nursery enquiries can be made on 01268 685611. The school also accepts contact by email at admin@st-katherines.essex.sch.uk and through a message form. The nursery is part of the school on Hilton Road, Canvey Island, Essex, SS8 9QA.