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Nursery at Lexden Primary School with Unit for Hearing Impaired Pupils
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
World Book Day and Science Week bring Lexden's youngest children into school life from the nursery stage. This is a 26-place class for three and four year olds, led by qualified early years teachers, with both part-time and full-day attendance options. It belongs to the school's Early Years team rather than operating as a separate nursery setting.
On Trafalgar Road in Colchester, the nursery sits among school classrooms arranged around a garden. That garden doubles as the Early Years outdoor classroom, giving outdoor learning a defined physical place alongside the nursery's indoor base.
Children's interests help shape the learning. The nursery aims to build activities around their needs and enthusiasms, while developing independence, confidence and resilience. Participation in themed school days adds another dimension: nursery children take part in World Book Day and Science Week, connecting their class with the wider school community.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the framework for early years maths. At Lexden, this includes exploring numbers from 0 to 10 with Numberblocks, alongside songs and stories. These give children different ways to encounter numbers rather than relying on a single type of activity. Early years history starts with children's personal histories, making the subject about experiences familiar to them.
Stories have a regular place in learning. In July 2023, Ofsted found that daily storytelling began in early years, and that children learned kindness and expected behaviour from this stage. Books and learning how to treat others therefore form part of the early years experience alongside curriculum activities.
Partnership with parents is part of the nursery's approach to children's wellbeing. Nursery staff work with the Early Years team, and the nursery aims to help children grow in confidence and manage more for themselves.
For concerns about special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), parents can speak with their child's class teacher or contact the school's SENCO through the office. Across the school, support follows an assess, plan, do and review cycle. Planning meetings and contact by email, text or a home-school book give families ways to contribute to that process.
Children attending a whole-day session can have a hot school lunch, booked and paid for separately. This gives families a meal option when choosing the longer nursery day.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through Essex County Council, following the normal admissions process and its deadline. The school handles nursery applications itself, so the two application routes are distinct.
Taking part in school events introduces nursery children to wider school life. That participation should be considered separately from securing a Reception place.
Children become eligible from the term following their third birthday, subject to space. To register interest, complete the Nursery Place - Registration of Interest Form and return it to the school office.
Sessions can be covered by the 15-hour Free Early Years Education Entitlement or the 30-hour Extended Entitlement; families can also pay directly for sessions beyond their free entitlement. Contact the school for current charges.
Wraparound availability. Nursery children can use Breakfast Club on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, and After School Care Club on Monday and Tuesday, subject to available spaces. Both require advance booking. Families planning care around work need to account for those different day patterns.
Enquiries can go to the office on 01206 573519 or admin@lexden.essex.sch.uk.
The nursery caters for three and four year olds. Children are eligible from the term after their third birthday, subject to availability.
No. Reception requires a separate application through Essex County Council and the normal admissions process.
Yes. Both full-day and part-time sessions are offered, and children attending a whole day can book a separately paid hot school lunch.
Sessions can be paid for through the 15-hour Free Early Years Education Entitlement or the 30-hour Extended Entitlement. Additional sessions beyond the free entitlement can be paid for directly.
Subject to spaces and advance booking, Breakfast Club is available on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. After School Care Club is available on Monday and Tuesday.
