Monkwick Infant and Nursery School: Nursery Review

Sand, mud, water and paint give Monkwick’s nursery mornings their character. Children explore through play, with language and communication woven into activities and a qualified teacher leading the provision. This is a morning nursery: five sessions each week give children a regular rhythm while leaving afternoons outside the setting.

The nursery belongs to Monkwick Infant and Nursery School on School Road in Colchester. Provision is described for children aged from 3 years. Its home is the Early Years building, where the nursery has its own outdoor space. That gives outdoor exploration a place alongside classroom learning.

Teacher-led learning sits alongside play that children direct themselves. Staff prepare the environment around children’s interests, help them explore their ideas and add activities covering the early years curriculum. The balance gives children room to choose while adults introduce new learning.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together seven areas of development. Speaking and listening, movement, and relationships form the starting point; number and pattern, early reading and writing, creativity, and understanding the world extend that learning. In parent language, this means learning to communicate, manage feelings, move confidently and make sense of everyday experiences. Play is the main vehicle.

Both indoor and outdoor environments respond to children’s interests. Access to messy materials means clothes need to cope with practical exploration. Music has named resources too: children begin using percussion instruments and the glockenspiel in nursery, within the Charanga Music curriculum. This adds listening, singing and making music to the learning day.

Snack is also an activity. Children practise pouring drinks and buttering food, then tidy up and wash their equipment. Small tasks give them something useful to do for themselves.

Stay and Play sessions support children as they settle into nursery, with information handed over from professionals such as health visitors. Families also have a Family Support Worker across the nursery and school. Support includes help with routines, behaviour and development, alongside connections to services when needed. This gives parents a route for concerns that extend beyond classroom learning.

Tapestry connects learning at home and nursery, allowing parents and teachers to share what children are doing. Class DOJO carries school communications. Together, these provide separate routes for sharing learning and receiving practical messages.

A healthy snack is provided each day, with a voluntary contribution requested. Families should leave food from home out of the nursery bag. The school is nut free, and allergies or intolerances should be reported to the office. Medication goes through the main office, with parental permission required before staff administer it.

For emerging developmental concerns, early years staff listen to parents and respond early. The SENCO coordinates special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support, and parents are informed when additional provision is made. Accessible toilets with changing tables and shower facilities are present in both school buildings, offering practical facilities for children with care needs.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and gives no attendance-based priority under the 2027/28 admission arrangements. Families must make a separate application through Essex County Council at www.essex.gov.uk/admissions, naming Monkwick as a preference. For September 2027 entry, the deadline is 15 January 2027. Treat that application as a separate task even while your child attends nursery.

Transition support is distinct from allocation of places. For children with SEND, the SENCO meets the receiving school’s SENCO to pass on information about provision. That handover supports continuity of care; it does not change the admissions decision.

Sessions run from 08:30 to 11:30, Monday to Friday, during term time. Each child attends 15 hours a week. Families therefore need a routine that accommodates an early start and collection before midday.

Comfortable, weather-appropriate play clothes are the nursery’s guidance. Bring a named bag containing spare clothing, plus nappies and wipes when needed; toys should stay at home. Report absence to the main office before 08:30 by telephone or email.

Enquiries can go to talktoschool@monkwickinfant.school or 01206 573849. Visits can be arranged by telephone appointment. A visit gives families an opportunity to discuss the nursery before choosing it.