New Horizons Children's Academy Nursery

A mud kitchen, a cycling roadway and access to a music studio give this nursery a day that reaches beyond its classroom. New Horizons Children's Academy in Chatham takes children aged 3 years and up to 5 years old, with entry from the term following their third birthday. It is the school's own nursery class, and children join school events and spend time with older pupils.

The practical choice is between five mornings, five afternoons or a longer day through the 30-hour provision. This is a regular weekly pattern rather than a selection of occasional sessions. Qualified nursery staff teach the children, while dedicated midday supervisors cover lunchtime.

Play gives the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) its everyday shape. Children develop language, movement and relationships alongside early number work, literacy, creative expression and understanding their surroundings. The nursery says it gives children time to investigate, keep trying and develop their thinking. That places exploration alongside learning how to concentrate.

Indoors, messy activities have a wet area. Role play and small-world play have their own zones, alongside spaces for maths and literacy. A reading corner and interactive whiteboard add different ways to share ideas. Children can move between imaginative play, practical exploration and activities involving books or a screen.

Outside, planting and digging areas sit alongside sand and water play. The climbing frame supports physical activity; the cycling roadway gives riding a defined space. Fixed musical instruments and boards for painting and drawing bring creative work outdoors too. Nursery children also have access to Forest School, the playing fields, library, ICT suite, 3G Pitch, music studio and indoor hall.

Learning includes caring for growing plants, experimenting with colour and making models. Songs and movement sit alongside work on emotions and friendships. In May 2022, Ofsted identified effective questioning in nursery mathematics and a focus on extending children's speech and vocabulary. Those details connect the play spaces with adults helping children think and express themselves.

Settling starts before the first session. Home visits and introductory nursery sessions give families opportunities to meet staff, and meetings at school can also be arranged before children begin. Contact books, reading records and weekly learning updates keep parents connected to the nursery day. Parents can meet staff to discuss concerns and take part in workshops or stay-and-play sessions.

Lunch can be a school dinner or food brought from home. Nursery children eat with other EYFS children under dedicated midday supervision, then have access to their own outdoor area. The lunchtime session carries a staffing charge, with a separate charge for a school meal.

Speaking and listening have an explicit place in EYFS support, including teaching children signing. Across the school, SEND Support Agreements are reviewed with families three times a year, giving parents scheduled opportunities to discuss targets and support. Support capacity. The school acknowledges fewer teaching assistants and delays in external services. Families whose children need specialist help should discuss the proposed support with the SENCo before starting.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place or confer priority under the 2027-2028 admission arrangements. Parents must make a separate application through Medway Council's coordinated admissions process. Choosing the nursery and securing a school place are separate decisions.

Preparation for a new class is a different matter. Children have several sessions to meet their next teachers and become familiar with the classroom, with additional support where needed. These activities help with the change of routine; they do not alter admission entitlement.

The 15-hour pattern is five morning sessions, 8:30am to 11:30am, or five afternoons, noon to 3pm, Monday to Friday. It cannot be assembled from a mixture of full and half days. The 30-hour provision runs from 8:30am to 3pm; funded places on this pattern are limited.

Funded 15-hour childcare begins the term after a child's third birthday. If both parents are working, families may qualify for 30-hour funding, subject to meeting eligibility criteria. Funding excludes the lunchtime session. The lunchtime childcare charge for 30-hour provision remains payable during absence. Contact the school for current charges. Nursery children below school age cannot use Breakfast Club, After School Club or Stay and Play, so families needing a longer day must arrange other care.

Uniform combines a school-logo sweatshirt or cardigan with a white polo shirt and practical footwear. Email application forms to office@newhorizonschildrensacademy.org.uk. For enquiries, use that address or call 0333 360 2115. Car parking is accessed from Walderslade Road, ME4 6NX.