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Nursery at Greenvale Primary 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Two hours of Very Important Play give Butterfly Class its character: children explore indoors and outside, with adults shaping activities around their interests and development. This is Greenvale Primary School’s own nursery in Chatham, taking children from the term following their third birthday, subject to spaces. The provision centres on morning sessions rather than a full childcare day.
Butterfly Class has a nursery teacher and a morning teaching assistant. At the inspection on 21 and 22 November 2023, Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Good. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.
The morning begins at 8.30am with 15 minutes for children to settle, followed by a carpet gathering. From 9am until 11am, Very Important Play occupies most of the session. Adults support play, stories and snack, adapting learning to children’s developmental priorities. The timetable allows sustained exploration rather than a succession of short activities.
Painting, playdough and pretend care of babies feature among the children’s activities. The garden extends their play outdoors, and learning takes place both inside and outside during each session. These are practical ways to explore materials and imaginative roles. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the framework, with children’s needs and interests helping to shape the experiences adults plan.
In November 2023, nursery learning emphasised movement, communication and interaction, alongside children’s emotional and social development. Nursery children also participated in the Big Toddle, connecting physical activity with charitable support for children and families.
After play comes tidying, then Big movement time from 11.10am to 11.20am. Milk, a story and singing round off the morning before collection at 11.30am. The sequence gives the session a clear ending, although activities can change to suit the children.
Settling has a place in the daily timetable before the first group gathering. During play, an adult supports access to stories and snack. Nursery children receive a daily fruit or vegetable snack; possible choices include bananas, carrots and apples. Nuts and eggs are prohibited across the school, and families can pass allergy information to the office for kitchen staff.
In November 2023, early years staff understood individual children’s learning needs and worked with families to recognise SEND early. This supported help from the beginning of a child’s education. There was also a curriculum concern: staff needed clearer long-term learning goals and a better understanding of the steps across Nursery and Reception. For parents, the distinction matters: knowing a child’s immediate next step needs to sit alongside a clear longer-term plan.
Families can share learning completed at home and events with the class teacher through nursery@greenvale.medway.sch.uk. This gives parents a direct way to contribute information about their child’s experiences beyond the classroom.
Attending Greenvale’s nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Medway’s normal admissions process, using the PCAF form. Where applications exceed places, Medway Council’s admission criteria determine allocation. Treat choosing Butterfly Class and applying for Reception as separate decisions, and meet the normal application deadline.
Sessions run from 8.30am to 11.30am, Monday to Friday, during term time. Children can attend up to five sessions, totalling 15 hours each week. Funded places begin in the term following a child’s third birthday, subject to spaces. An 11.30am finish is the practical consideration for families arranging the rest of the day.
For nursery enquiries or the waiting list, contact the office on 01634 409521 or office@greenvale.medway.sch.uk. Visits can also be arranged. Admissions enquiries can go to admissions@greenvale.medway.sch.uk.
Children can start in the term after their third birthday, subject to spaces.
Morning sessions run from 8.30am to 11.30am, Monday to Friday, in term time. Children can attend up to five sessions, or 15 hours, each week.
Very Important Play includes indoor and outdoor learning, with activities such as painting, playdough and pretend care of babies. Group time, movement, stories and singing also feature.
Yes. Nursery children receive a daily fruit or vegetable snack, and the session ends with milk and a story. Nuts and eggs are prohibited in school.
No. Families must apply separately through Medway’s normal admissions process using the PCAF form. Oversubscribed places are allocated using Medway Council’s admission criteria.
