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Nursery at Shatterlocks Infant and Nursery 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Children’s interests shape the activities, while carpet time, snacks and stories give each session its rhythm. Shatterlocks’ nursery takes three- and four-year-olds within Shatterlocks Infant and Nursery School on Heathfield Avenue, Dover. It has up to 26 places in each session and operates during term time. A qualified teacher leads the nursery team, giving this provision a teacher-led structure from the start.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), supported by Development Matters, provides the curriculum framework. For parents, that means learning encompasses movement, relationships and communication alongside early maths, literacy, creative expression and understanding the world. Shatterlocks aims to develop independence through practical experiences and activities that respond to individual interests.
Morning activities begin at 9:00am, with children choosing from options planned around their interests. The group comes together on the carpet at 9:30am before adult-directed activities at 9:45am. At 10:15am, plan, do and review combines children’s choices with adult guidance; snacks are available during this period. Songs and stories follow at 11:30am. The balance gives children opportunities to make decisions as well as take part in shared activities.
After the midday lunch and session changeover, afternoon activities start at 12:30pm. Carpet time follows at 1:00pm, then adult-directed activities at 1:15pm and another plan, do and review period at 1:30pm. Songs and stories round off the afternoon at 2:45pm before collection at 3:00pm. Events, visitors or trips can alter this routine, with parents informed of changes.
In May 2025, Ofsted found that early-years teaching emphasised conversation and interaction, with stories, rhymes and singing helping children develop their language. Staff training in discussion and questioning supported children’s speaking, listening and vocabulary. That gives the everyday story and song sessions a clear learning purpose.
Each child joins a Key Person Group with an allocated teaching assistant. This adult plans activities for the group, providing a consistent point of connection within the teacher-led team.
Settling sessions and staggered starts are not prerequisites for using funded hours. Families can therefore access their funding without having to complete a reduced starting timetable first. Snacks feature in both sessions, and lunch marks the midday changeover for children staying across the day.
For questions about special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), families can contact the school’s SENCo at senco@shatterlocks.com. This gives parents a direct route to discuss additional needs.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through their home local authority’s common application process by the deadline for their intake. For September 2026 entry, the closing date was 15 January 2026; that application cycle has passed.
For 2027–2028 entry, nursery attendance gives no Reception priority. The allocation criteria cover care status, qualifying sibling links, health and special access needs, and distance from home. A sibling attending Barton Junior School can count towards the family association criterion.
Transition support is separate from allocation. The planned September 2026 transition arrangements included contact with children’s nurseries and visits where possible after confirmation of places. Scheduled Stay and Play sessions had parents staying initially and children attending independently later, offering a staged introduction.
Morning sessions run from 9:00am to noon, afternoons from noon to 3:00pm, and full days from 9:00am to 3:00pm. A charged early drop-off option runs from 8:30am to 9:00am, beginning with quiet activities.
The universal 15-hour and eligible working-parent 30-hour entitlements start from the full term after a child’s third birthday. The nursery opens for 38 weeks annually. The universal entitlement can be taken as up to five three-hour sessions, subject to availability; eligible extended-entitlement families can take Monday to Friday full days, also subject to availability. Parents sign a declaration authorising the nursery to claim funding. Joining partway through the academic year may limit access to the full entitlement.
Additional sessions are charged and depend on space. Ask the school for current charges. There is no registration charge or starting deposit. Nursery children must not wear jewellery.
Contact the main school office on 01304 204264 for enquiries. Nursery visits can be arranged by appointment, and application forms are returned directly to the office. A waiting list is in operation, so the preferred session pattern matters when planning childcare.
The nursery caters for three- and four-year-olds and does not accept children younger than three.
Yes. Mornings run from 9:00am to noon, afternoons from noon to 3:00pm, and full days from 9:00am to 3:00pm. Sessions depend on availability.
The nursery operates during term time for 38 weeks each year. The universal 15-hour and eligible working-parent 30-hour entitlements begin from the full term after a child’s third birthday, with sessions subject to availability.
No. Reception requires a separate application through the local authority. Nursery attendance is not a priority criterion for 2027–2028 entry.
Contact the school office to make an appointment. The enquiry telephone number is 01304 204264.
