All Saints Church of England Primary School Nursery

Daily stories, outdoor play through the seasons and prayers at each session’s beginning and end give All Saints Nursery its character. This is the school’s nursery for children aged two and above, based off the main school site at the Children & Family Hub on Magpie Hall Road, opposite St Paul with All Saints Church.

Its Church of England identity shapes the routine, while families of every faith are welcome. Harvest, Easter and Christmas are celebrated. For parents, Christian worship is a regular part of their child’s experience, rather than something reserved for occasional events.

Play gives the day its shape. Children choose some activities themselves; adults introduce others, with learning happening both outside and indoors. Singing and stories happen daily. Outdoor learning continues throughout the year in most weather, giving children opportunities to explore beyond the indoor space across the seasons.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together learning to communicate, move and manage feelings with early mathematics, literacy, creative expression and discovering the world. In everyday terms, the nursery combines developing independence and relationships with the beginnings of reading, number and exploration. Its named Growth Mindset approach aims to help children persevere through difficulties and develop their own thinking.

Conversation is a recurring thread. Staff use songs, shared stories and talk throughout the day, with communication a consistent focus for children beginning to learn English. More than 60 dual language books are accessible across the school and nursery, allowing children to encounter English alongside languages represented in their community.

Teaching happens with the whole group, in smaller groups and during play. Staff capture brief observations of learning and use these to decide what comes next, including when a child needs extra support or a further challenge. That connects planned teaching with what children are doing and understanding during the session.

The nursery team includes an early years leader, a nursery teacher, teaching assistants and a nursery SENCO. The specialist role gives families a nursery contact for special educational needs and disabilities, alongside the school’s wider SEND support structure.

In February 2024, Ofsted found that early years children were developing independence and that adults extended their curiosity through skilled conversation. These findings cover the school’s early years provision; they are not a separate nursery rating. Families also received guidance for supporting early reading and mathematics at home, linking those beginnings in learning with everyday family life.

Attending All Saints Nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Parents must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline. Medway Council handles the Reception application route described for August to January; nursery enrolment should therefore be treated as a separate decision from securing a school place.

Preparation for the next stage has its own purpose. Nursery staff work with colleagues on the move to Reception, aiming to help children feel ready for that change. This educational preparation does not establish an admissions advantage.

Morning sessions run from 9am to noon for two- or three-year-olds using 15-hour funding. The afternoon option runs from 1pm to 4pm for three-year-olds only, also using 15-hour funding. Children using 30-hour funding attend from 9am to 4pm, with a charge for the lunchtime hour of care.

For three- and four-year-olds, funded provision is described as at least 570 hours annually, usually spread over 38 weeks at 15 hours per week. Some two-year-olds qualify subject to eligibility criteria. Contact the nursery for current lunchtime charges.

An expression of interest starts the nursery application. Families can arrange a visit by calling 01634 338922 or emailing nursery@allsaints.medway.sch.uk; the EYFS lead conducts the tour and answers questions.