Thames View Primary School Nursery Review

Stories, songs and conversation give Sparkles Class its character. Thames View Primary School’s nursery puts early communication alongside learning to share, becoming more independent and solving problems. This is a classroom start to school life, with relationships between children and adults part of the learning itself.

The nursery sits within Thames View Primary School on Bloors Lane in Rainham, where the school’s age range begins at three. In May 2023, Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Good. That judgement covers the early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.

Talking and listening are central to the nursery’s early reading work. Children share rhymes, hear stories and sing songs, building the language they will need for later reading. The emphasis is on joining in and communicating. Children also talk to the class about pictures of experiences outside school, giving them something personally meaningful to explain.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) connects learning with children’s experiences and interests. In the school’s early years history work, storytelling, books and objects help children explore how their own lives and family life change over time. Artefacts become material for imaginative play. Geography begins with familiar surroundings and children’s different backgrounds, making their everyday experience a starting point for understanding the world.

Practical independence matters too. Families are encouraged to practise sharing toys, fastening coats, recognising their child’s name and counting from 0 to 10 as preparation for starting school. These are concrete things to work on together. In May 2023, children across the early years developed their knowledge and skills well, with teachers extending the vocabulary used for different subjects.

Sparkles has a class teacher and learning support assistants. The nursery encourages parents to bring questions or concerns to the team, while Tapestry lets families see their child’s activities. WOW Slips bring achievements from home into the classroom display, so communication works in both directions.

Across the school, the approach to special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) aims to reduce barriers through adapting teaching and recognising that children communicate and learn differently. This gives families a useful basis for discussing their child’s needs. Safeguarding leads can be contacted through the school office.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application to Medway Education Authority during the year before their child starts school, using the normal admissions route at www.medway.gov.uk/admissions.

Transition relationships are a separate matter. Nursery children have opportunities during the summer term to get to know their next teaching team. That familiarity can help the move feel less abrupt, but it does not secure admission.

Morning sessions run from 8.30am to 11.30am, Monday to Friday. Afternoon sessions run from 12.15pm to 3.15pm, Monday to Thursday only. The 30-hour pattern runs from 8.30am to 3.15pm on Monday to Thursday, with an 8.30am to 11.30am Friday session.

Friday childcare. Both the morning and 30-hour patterns finish at 11.30am on Fridays. Families need to fit work and collection around that shorter day.

For nursery enquiries, contact the office on 01634 629080 or email office@thamesviewprimary.medway.sch.uk. The school’s ECO shop, in the infant building, sells second-hand uniform; school-logo clothing is optional under the school’s uniform arrangements.