Nursery at St Mary's School for Girls
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Log slides, tricycles and imaginative play give St Mary’s Kindergarten a character of its own. This nursery welcomes boys and girls aged 2–4 within the Lower School, at 247 London Road, Colchester. Children can join from the beginning of the academic year in which their third birthday falls, allowing two years here before school.
At the ISI inspection of 10–12 February 2026, four nursery classes had 48 children on roll. That is an attendance figure for that visit, rather than a capacity. A Kindergarten extension opened officially in November 2025.
The Core Day runs from 8.30am until 3.30pm. A morning snack comes at 10.15am; at 11.45am children prepare to eat alongside the infants in the School Hall. The afternoon session starts at 12.30pm, with another snack at 3pm. Those staying beyond the core session move into wraparound care.
Learning follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), with activities and resources adjusted to children’s developmental stages. In everyday terms, communication, movement and learning to manage feelings sit alongside early literacy. February 2026 findings showed that children’s development was checked regularly, with extra help or further challenge matched to their needs. Kindergarten children explained their thinking, responded to instructions and joined imaginative play with enthusiasm.
Physical activity has concrete outlets: ballet, tricycles and log slides. An indoor play area supports both small hand movements and larger body movements, while a natural outdoor area provides space for exploration and messy play. These give children different ways to practise coordination. Activities about friendship and feelings also help them recognise other people’s emotions and manage their own.
Before starting, children are invited to a Familiarisation Session. Once enrolled, each has an allocated key person who follows their development and wellbeing and serves as the family’s first contact. The St Mary’s app carries messages and photographs; Tapestry shares details of children’s learning. Parents can also speak with staff at collection or drop-off and arrange a private discussion about concerns.
A hot lunch and snacks form part of the core-day package, and the later extended stay includes tea. In February 2026, early-years children were watched closely while eating and drinking, as well as during classroom activities and outdoor play. The same inspection required better assessment of individual rooms across the school after an unrestricted window opening had been overlooked; the hazard was corrected during the visit.
The Kindergarten team comprises a manager, deputy manager and practitioners. Early-years staff require at least a Level 3 qualification. Where development calls for additional support, a One Plan brings together parents, the child, the key person and the special educational needs coordinator (SENCO), with reviews each term. Sensory equipment and visual aids provide practical support. Families must disclose known SEND before admission so the school can assess whether it can meet those needs through reasonable adjustments within its staffing, resources and facilities.
Kindergarten attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and gives no nursery-attendance priority. Families must register separately with St Mary’s for Lower School entry. Children whose siblings already attend St Mary’s or have an offer to join take priority; remaining places are ordered by registration date. Progression also takes account of attainment, behaviour and whether the school can meet additional needs.
Reception offers are made in the winter before entry, with acceptance due by mid-April. This is the school’s own process. For children moving into Prep, transition meetings in the preceding term involve the family, child, teachers, key person and SENCO. Sharing support targets helps prepare the next stage of care, separately from the decision to offer a place.
Year-round attendance covers 51 weeks, with closure from 24–31 December 2026 and on bank holidays. Term-time places are limited: eligibility covers children with older siblings already at St Mary’s and children of school staff.
An early start is available from 7.30am; extended stays finish at 4.30pm or 6pm. Early starts and the shorter extension need at least 24 hours’ notice, while the later stay needs 48 hours. Booking forms go to the Lower School office, and places depend on space.
Eligible families can receive up to 30 funded hours weekly on a 38-week basis. Year-round funding is spread over 51 weeks, with weekly allocations varying between terms. Funding can be used within the core day; additional hours are charged. For 2025–26, charged extras covered lunch, snacks and activities. Ask the school for current charges. Regular sessions are invoiced monthly in advance, with ad hoc attendance billed the following month.
Children wear St Mary’s uniform, ordered online. Enquiries go through the admissions enquiry form or the Registrar at registrar@stmaryscolchester.org.uk, on 01206 594178. Private tours can be arranged.
Yes. The Kindergarten takes boys and girls aged 2–4.
The Core Day runs from 8.30am to 3.30pm. The afternoon session begins at 12.30pm.
Children are invited to a Familiarisation Session before joining and are assigned a key person once they start.
No. Separate Lower School registration is required, and Kindergarten attendance gives no priority. Children whose siblings already attend St Mary’s or have an offer to join take priority; remaining places are ordered by registration date.
Yes, where eligible. Funding based on 38 weeks is stretched over 51 weeks for year-round attendance, with the weekly allocation changing between terms.
