Fairview Community Primary School Nursery

Forest School was part of Fairview’s nursery plans for 2025/26: nursery children were to take part in sessions on the school grounds, with space to choose activities and explore. Confirm the current nursery Forest School arrangements with the school. Caterpillars Nursery belongs to Fairview Community Primary School on Drewery Drive in Wigmore, Gillingham. Its school setting brings access to a wider inclusion team alongside the early years provision.

Two three-hour sessions shape the nursery timetable. Mornings run from 8.45am to 11.45am; afternoons run from 12.30pm to 3.30pm, with lunchtime between 11.45am and 12.30pm. These give families clear collection points around which to organise their day.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is the framework for early learning. Fairview’s Foundation Stage aims include communication, listening, social skills and managing personal care: the everyday skills children need to join activities and become more independent.

Outside, the school has an EYFS outdoor area and spaces for growing plants. The Forest School area sits behind the Year One classrooms. Children can select a prepared activity or pursue another exploration, supported by adults. Fairview aims to help them develop confidence, care for wildlife and learn to judge manageable risks.

Forest School groups have a maximum of 15 children, accompanied by the lead and at least one additional adult. Tools must suit the children’s age and be used under adult supervision. This gives exploration a defined set of boundaries. Sessions generally continue through changing weather, but thunderstorms and extreme wind mean cancellation.

In October 2024, Ofsted found that children established early years routines promptly. That finding offers a specific reassurance about the start of school life, rather than a separate nursery inspection grade.

For additional needs, the school’s inclusion team includes SEND coordinators, a Learning Mentor and a Family Support Manager. Support follows an assess, plan, do and review cycle, with assessments revisited at least three times a year. Parents contribute their concerns and help agree the intended outcomes, giving them a role in decisions about support.

Forest School has a practical toileting routine: children use the toilet before sessions, and an adult accompanies anyone who needs to go during one. There are no toilets within the Forest School area. For packed lunches, Fairview recommends fruit or vegetables, starchy food and dairy; nuts and hot food are excluded. Grapes should be cut lengthways into halves.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and does not confer priority under Medway’s 2026/27 oversubscription criteria. Families must make a separate Reception application through their home local authority. Medway residents can use the parent portal or a Reception Common Application Form.

For September 2026 entry, the deadline was 5pm on 15 January 2026. That cycle is past. The separate application matters even when a child already attends Caterpillars: choosing the nursery and securing a school place are distinct decisions.

Collection is from the nursery classroom’s outside doors. If collection is delayed, contact the office promptly so staff can respond before a child becomes distressed.

General enquiries go to the administrative team on 01634 338710 or office@fairviewprimary.medway.sch.uk. Learning or behaviour questions go to the child’s class teacher; concerns about additional educational needs can be directed to the SEND coordinators.