Castle Hill Community Primary School Nursery

Folkestone Class gives Castle Hill's maintained nursery its own identity within the school's early years provision. Children join from the term after their third birthday and remain of nursery age until starting school. Based on Sidney Street in Folkestone, the maintained provision runs alongside Castle Hill Village Nursery. That distinction matters when choosing between a funded session and a longer childcare day.

In the Ofsted inspection of 6 and 7 March 2024, early years provision was graded Good. This is an early years judgement within the school inspection, rather than a separate nursery rating.

Learning school routines starts in nursery. In March 2024, children received help to understand those routines, preparing them for the next stage. For a young child, learning how the day works is part of becoming ready for school, alongside the learning itself.

Folkestone Class includes the 3+ Room. Nursery children participated in paired reading during Sport and Wellbeing week in May 2023.

Teaching depth. In March 2024, early years staff knew children's needs, but sometimes missed chances to extend their understanding. Families should weigh that specific teaching limitation alongside the Good early years judgement.

Nursery teachers work within an early years structure that includes an EYFS lead and SENCo. The wider nursery team includes a manager, deputy, room leaders and practitioners. These are distinct roles for teaching, managing provision and supporting children during their sessions.

Meals need to be included in the childcare plan. Lunch is available for nursery children, with a separate charge paid ahead of time. Breakfast also carries an extra charge for children starting at 8am who require it. Funded attendance therefore needs to be considered separately from meal arrangements.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Kent County Council's school admissions route and meet the deadline for their child's intake. The local authority decides whether to offer a school place; attending this nursery does not replace that application.

Preparation and allocation are separate matters. The nursery's work on familiar routines helps children prepare for the move, but it does not secure admission. Children can attend the nursery regardless of which primary school their family has chosen.

For children aged 3+ until school age, choices include Full Day, 8am to 6pm; Short Day, 8am to 4pm; and School Day, 8.30am to 3.30pm. Longer morning and afternoon sessions run from 8am to 1pm and 12.30pm to 5.30pm respectively. The funded-hours-only options are 8.30am to 11.30am or 12.30pm to 3.30pm.

Hours beyond a child's funded entitlement are charged, as are attendance outside the allotted session times. Holiday attendance is charged without deducting funded entitlement. Fees remain payable during illness. Ask the nursery for current charges before agreeing a pattern.

Contact the nursery on 01303 212750 or nurserymanager@castlehill.kent.sch.uk. School tours can be booked through the office for Fridays at 10.45am, with alternatives considered if that time is difficult. The visitor car park and main reception are on Denmark Street, CT19 6EQ.