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Nursery at Deanwood Primary 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Play, conversation and growing independence shape Deanwood’s early years provision. The nursery belongs to Deanwood Primary School in Parkwood, on Long Catlis Road, and its early years approach starts with helping children communicate, move confidently and manage feelings and relationships. These are the foundations for later learning, rather than separate lessons to tick off.
An EYFS and nursery phase lead forms part of the school’s leadership structure. For families, that places the nursery within the school’s early years organisation, with a leadership role covering this stage of learning.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together learning through exploration, activity and creative thinking. At Deanwood, the initial emphasis falls on physical development, language and communication, and personal, emotional and social development. Alongside these foundations, children encounter mathematics, literacy, expressive arts and an understanding of the world. The emphasis is on developing the skills to participate in learning as well as learning new things.
Indoor and outdoor learning both form part of this approach. The early years provision includes a mud kitchen, spaces for construction and domestic role play. These give mathematics a practical setting: children explore measures, shape, number and space through play and everyday routines. Adults extend mathematical opportunities as they arise, connecting ideas to what children are doing.
Early years mathematics combines activities guided by adults and teachers. Play also gives children room to try ideas and practise skills. This makes the physical learning areas more than places to keep busy: they provide contexts for exploring mathematical concepts.
Getting to know each child guides the school’s approach to starting out. Deanwood aims to help children feel secure and settled, recognising that their learning develops at different speeds and in different ways. That individual focus matters when a child is adjusting to a new setting.
Tapestry connects home with early years learning. Parents and carers can follow their child’s progress and add their own contributions, giving them an active part in the learning record.
For children needing additional help, the school’s special educational needs coordinator works with colleagues to arrange support. The role includes agreeing targets, planning interventions and reviewing them, with outside agencies involved for specialist advice. Families can contact the coordinator through the office or at senco@deanwood.medway.sch.uk.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate school application to Medway Education Authority in the year before their child starts school, using www.medway.gov.uk/admissions. Nursery attendance is not among the school’s stated allocation priorities, so it does not confer Reception priority.
After a school place has been offered, children have at least one classroom visit to meet their teacher and other children. An introductory talk gives new families an opportunity to ask questions. These arrangements help children prepare for starting school; they follow the offer of a place.
Deanwood has limited nursery places for 15 and 30 hours. It accepts childcare vouchers and sessions paid for by families. Contact the school for current charges.
Nursery enquiries go through the school office at office@deanwood.medway.sch.uk or 01634 231901. Prospective families can also telephone to arrange a school visit, providing an opportunity to discuss joining in person.
No. A separate application to Medway Education Authority is required, and nursery attendance does not confer priority under the stated allocation criteria.
The EYFS approach combines play and exploration with language, physical development and social and emotional learning. Literacy, mathematics, expressive arts and understanding the world build alongside these foundations.
Tapestry lets parents and carers follow early years learning and add contributions of their own.
There are limited places for 15 and 30 hours. Childcare vouchers and sessions paid for by families are accepted.
Contact the school office on 01634 231901 or email office@deanwood.medway.sch.uk for nursery enquiries.
