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Nursery at St Mary the Virgin Church of England 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Shooting Stars gives St Mary the Virgin Church of England Primary School its nursery identity: an early start within a church primary school in Gillingham. The provision belongs to the school, rather than being a separate childcare setting. Its base is on Pheasant Way, Shaftesbury Road.
Christian values shape the nursery’s stated outlook. St Mary’s describes the school and nursery as belonging to the children, with respect for others and children’s personal and spiritual development central to its aims. For families, that makes the church character part of the choice from the outset.
Language begins with things young children can recognise. In February 2023, nursery children were learning to discuss the seasons, giving them words for changes in the world around them. This is a concrete example of early learning: noticing something familiar, then learning how to talk about it.
Sounds and stories also have a clear purpose. The February 2023 inspection found that nursery children enjoyed rhymes, familiar stories and activities involving sounds, building foundations for later phonics. Early-years children could manage routines and were developing independence and critical thinking. Those habits matter alongside vocabulary: children are learning how to participate as well as what to say.
Outdoor learning is part of the school’s stated educational approach. St Mary’s emphasises its outdoor classroom and aims to connect learning with experiences that mean something to children. That gives parents a useful sense of the wider educational setting around Shooting Stars.
A nursery manager, deputy manager and nursery assistants form the team. The deputy role currently has maternity cover. This gives families a management structure alongside the adults supporting children’s everyday activities.
Parents have a place in the school’s approach to wellbeing. Families are included when staff have concerns about a child’s health, and the school recognises parents’ contribution to those discussions. Its support model moves from informal conversations towards specialist agencies where needed. For a parent raising a concern, the starting point is a conversation with staff.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal school admissions route; choosing Shooting Stars should therefore be a decision about the nursery experience itself.
Dorset School Admissions Service handles primary admissions. Parents apply online through Dorset Admissions, creating an account that also lets them check the outcome. For the September 2026 intake, the application deadline was 15 January 2026. That cycle is now past. The school office can help with admissions questions and can endeavour to arrange computer access for families who cannot apply online themselves.
For nursery enquiries, contact the school office on 01747 824446 or email office@stmarygillingham.dorset.sch.uk. An enquiry form provides another contact route. St Mary’s also invites families to contact the school and arrange a visit, giving parents an opportunity to meet the setting before making their choice.
It is called Shooting Stars Nursery and is part of St Mary the Virgin Church of England Primary School in Gillingham.
In February 2023, nursery learning included talking about seasons and joining in with rhymes, sounds and familiar stories.
The team includes a nursery manager, a deputy manager with maternity cover, and nursery assistants.
No. Families must apply separately for Reception through the normal admissions process. Dorset School Admissions Service handles primary applications.
Contact the school office on 01747 824446, email office@stmarygillingham.dorset.sch.uk, or use the enquiry form. The school invites families to contact it for a visit.
