Limes Farm Infant School and Nursery Review 2026: Small-school feel, structured start in EYFS and Key Stage 1

As an infant school, the usual headline measures parents see for primary schools (end of Key Stage 2) do not apply in the same way. there are no Key Stage 2 performance metrics listed, and the school is not ranked in the primary performance table. That does not imply weakness; it more often reflects that infant schools do not generate KS2 outcomes. A more meaningful question here is: how well does the school build early reading, writing readiness, and number fluency by the end of Year 2, and how strong is transition into Year 3 at a linked junior school.

The school publishes some early years and phonics-related information under its Ofsted and performance pages, but parents should read these as signals rather than definitive comparators to England-wide KS2 results.

Practical implication for parents: when you visit or speak to staff, ask for specifics on phonics scheme, reading book progression, and how quickly pupils move from decoding to fluency. Those are usually the strongest predictors of a smooth move into junior school learning.

You can also use FindMySchool’s Local Hub comparison tools to compare nearby schools on the metrics that are available for your child’s actual entry point, particularly if you are weighing different infant and primary options.

At ages 3 to 7, “quality of teaching” is mostly about consistency, sequencing, and adult language. The school highlights early years and phonics experience in its leadership profile, which suggests a deliberate focus on early reading and the Reception to Year 2 journey.

A strong infant curriculum typically shows up in three places:

• Phonics and early reading: systematic daily teaching, matched reading books, and frequent checks so gaps are caught quickly.

• Oracy and vocabulary: explicit modelling of full sentences, storytelling, and structured talk in pairs and groups.

• Early maths: number sense, manipulatives, and repeated practice embedded in routines, not just “maths time”.

For parents, the practical test is whether the school can explain its approach clearly without drifting into vague statements. Look for detail: how reading is taught day-by-day, what happens when a pupil falls behind, and how home reading is supported.

Because pupils leave after Year 2, transition matters more than university destinations or secondary pathways. The school explicitly notes that Year 2 families must make a formal application for a Year 3 place at a junior school for September 2026, with applications opening on 10 November 2025 and closing on 15 January 2026.

What this means in practice:

• You should treat the Year 3 application as a key milestone, not a minor admin step.

• If you are new to Essex admissions, confirm how distance and priority areas work for the junior schools you are targeting.

• Ask what transition support looks like, for example, sharing information, visits, and handover routines.

For Reception starters, the school describes settling and phased entry as part of a thorough induction process.

Reception entry is part of the Essex coordinated admissions process, and the school’s admissions page gives the current application window clearly: you can apply between 10 November 2025 and 15 January 2026 for Reception places. The published intake is up to 60 Reception pupils each year.

Nursery admissions are handled differently. The school states that nursery applications are made using its nursery application form, submitted directly to the school.

Demand indicators suggest mild to moderate oversubscription, rather than “ultra-competitive” levels. With 1.22 applications per place in the most recent snapshot, families should still apply on time and make sure their preferences align with realistic alternatives. If you are planning a move, prioritise getting accurate distance measurements for the schools you are considering.

Open events and tours appear to run by appointment, with parents invited to tour by arrangement.

Infant schools live or die by their ability to keep pupils feeling safe, understood, and ready to learn. The Ofsted report language points to positive relationships and a welcoming pupil culture, which is a strong indicator that behaviour systems are working at this age.

From a parent perspective, the best questions to ask are practical:

• How does the school handle separation anxiety in Reception?

• How are incidents communicated to parents, and how quickly?

• What support is in place for speech and language needs, which are common at this age?

The school identifies a SENDCo and inclusion manager in its published staff listing, which is useful context for families who want clarity on early identification and support.

Enrichment at infant age should feel purposeful rather than packed. The school frames enrichment as wider curriculum opportunities and cultural capital, and its public galleries give a sense of the kinds of experiences pupils get across the year.

Recent examples include:

• Laps to Lapland, a sponsored walk fundraiser that doubles as a whole-school community event.

• Eco-Schools Christmas Hat Competition, with pupils making festive hats using recycled materials, which is a simple but effective way to make sustainability tangible for young children.

• Reception PE with West Hatch Secondary School staff and pupils, which suggests a willingness to bring in outside expertise and role models, even at an early age.

• A Year 2 Tower of London trip, a strong example of bringing history to life for Key Stage 1 learners.

• A visit from a GB sprinter, Victoria Ohuruogu, used as a fitness circuit experience for different year groups.

After school, there is a combination of provision. The school states it has free after-school clubs and teacher-selected booster classes, and it also names Super Star Sport as its wraparound provider.

School day timings are published: gates open at 08:35, registration is 08:45, and the school day runs until 15:10. Lunch is 12:00 to 13:00.

Breakfast club exists, but families should confirm the practicalities directly.

Wraparound care is described as running from 15:15 to 16:15, with late pick up available until 18:00 during term time.

Transport-wise, this is a local school with most families likely walking or doing short car journeys. When visiting, check drop-off flow and where parking is realistic on nearby roads at peak times, as infant-school streets can become congested quickly.

• Infant-only structure. You will need to plan for the Year 3 move to a junior school, including a formal application. This can be straightforward, but it is a second decision point that some families forget to factor in early.

• Oversubscription, but not extreme. Recent demand data shows more applications than offers for the main entry route. Apply on time and include realistic alternatives in your preferences.

• Wraparound details need checking. The school identifies a wraparound provider and broad timings, but some specifics, including breakfast club practicalities, should be confirmed directly with the school.

• Nursery fees. Nursery provision is available, but fee detail should be taken from the school’s official nursery information. Government-funded hours may apply for eligible families.

This is a structured, community-focused infant-and-nursery option with clear routines and a strong emphasis on early wellbeing and positive relationships. Best suited to families who want a dependable EYFS and Key Stage 1 start, value predictable systems, and are comfortable planning ahead for the Year 3 junior-school application. The main challenge is managing admissions timelines across two stages, first Reception and later the junior transfer.