Nursery at St John's 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Garden Room, Orchard Room and a weekly visit to Forest School give St John's Pre-Reception its own identity within the school. This nursery provision in Billericay serves children aged 2 to 4: Garden Room takes the younger children aged 2 to 3, while Orchard Room is for those aged 3 to 4. The age split lets activities match children's stage of development.
Both rooms sit in the purpose-built Kindergarten building. Nursery children become familiar with the staff and older children around them, making the school setting part of their everyday experience rather than something encountered only at the next move.
Learning combines conversation, play and specialist teaching. In April to May 2024, ISI found that children across the early years made good progress in language and communication, with adults prompting discussion and modelling conversation. A snack-time exchange about where cucumbers grow illustrates the approach: ordinary routines become opportunities to explain an idea and listen to someone else's.
Counting during play supported progress in numeracy, while specialist-led computing and music lessons developed further skills. This gives a practical picture of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS): children build language, number skills and social understanding through activities as well as teaching. Physical education also helped early-years children develop coordination and enjoy exercise.
Outside, secure learning areas provide space for exploration, and children visit the on-site Forest School weekly. Orchard Room children also join Sports Day, the Harvest Assembly and Christmas Plays, giving them occasions to participate in school life beyond their room.
Sharing equipment and listening to other children were features of early-years play in April to May 2024. Shop roleplay introduced transactions, too. These activities connect learning with everyday situations while giving children practice in taking turns and working together.
Settling begins before the first regular session. An induction gives children time to meet their teachers and get used to the school. Staffing includes Pre-Reception and Garden Room key workers, with Level 3 childcare qualifications represented, alongside a Pre-Reception teacher who also holds the EYFS SENCo role and has an NVQ Level 4 qualification. That gives families an early-years contact for discussing additional needs.
Parents receive regular progress reports, and the parent portal handles everyday communication. There are two parents' evenings each academic year, while an open-door approach allows discussion between those meetings. Staff track children's learning goals and achievements, giving those conversations a concrete focus.
For children attending throughout the day, the on-site catering team prepares fresh meals and caters for dietary requirements. Lunch is included in tuition fees. Morning and afternoon snacks include fruit with biscuits or crackers, so food is part of the daily routine as well as the care arrangements.
In April to May 2024, supervision across the early years was effective, including at the start and finish of the day. Early-years staff also followed safeguarding rules governing phones and devices capable of recording images.
Nursery attendance gives priority for Reception at St John's, but it does not guarantee a place. Existing Pre-Reception families should confirm the Reception admission steps with the Registrar. Children joining at Reception use the Pre-Reception and Reception Registration Form.
The shared Kindergarten building supports familiarity with Reception children and potential future teachers. That is useful preparation for the change of class. This familiarity is separate from admissions priority.
Morning sessions run from 8:45am to noon, full days from 8:45am to 3:10pm, and extended days from 8am to 6pm. Attendance requires at least two morning sessions each week. Wraparound care can begin at 7:30am; bookings should be submitted by the end of the preceding school day, and this care carries an additional charge.
For children aged 3 and 4, the 15-hour FEEE entitlement provides afternoon sessions from 12:10pm to 3:10pm, beginning in the term after their third birthday, with the two-morning minimum applying. Eligible children can also receive 15-hour funding from age 2 through a government application; qualifying Garden Room morning sessions are free. Ask the Assistant Bursar for current charges for your chosen combination.
Contact the Registrar at registrar@stjohnsschool.net or on 01277 623070, option 1, to arrange a personal tour. An induction and uniform appointment follow an offer. Families using the Kindergarten building park on the playground and accompany children to drop-off.
Pre-Reception takes children aged 2 to 4. Garden Room is for ages 2 to 3, and Orchard Room is for ages 3 to 4.
Yes. Morning sessions run from 8:45am to noon, with a minimum attendance of two morning sessions per week.
No. Children already attending Pre-Reception receive priority. Existing nursery families should confirm the Reception admission steps with the Registrar.
Children attending throughout the day receive freshly prepared meals, with dietary requirements catered for. Lunch is included in tuition fees, and snacks are provided during the morning and afternoon.
Before starting, children have an induction session to meet their teachers and become familiar with the school.
