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Nursery at Twydall Primary School and Nursery
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.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, rhyme and early phonics give Twydall's nursery its character. Children choose some activities themselves and join adults for small-group teaching, with learning taking place indoors and outside. This is the nursery within Twydall Primary School and Nursery on Twydall Lane in Gillingham, where the school's age range starts at three.
Ofsted judged the school's early years provision Good at the inspection on 16 and 17 May 2023. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating. The nursery now offers 30 hours of provision each week, giving families morning, afternoon and full-day options.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) shapes learning here through practical activities, play and adult guidance. The balance matters: children have opportunities to pursue their interests, alongside teaching in small groups. Rhyme and storytelling give language a clear place in the day. Read, Write Inc phonics begins in nursery, introducing the programme before the next stage of schooling.
Classrooms are arranged to encourage children to explore and become more independent. Sessions include learning outside as well as inside. Creative areas provide daily opportunities to try materials, experiment with texture and colour, and make work on different scales. Children also talk about what they have made, linking creative activity with speaking and sharing ideas.
Early years design and technology includes purposeful construction, choosing resources and learning to handle simple tools safely. Food preparation and cooking bring hygiene into practical learning. These activities give children concrete tasks to attempt rather than making the day solely about listening to adults.
In May 2023, early years activities reflected children's interests, while routines helped children listen and take part. Most adults supported children in talking and working together. There was also a school-wide concern about newer staff needing further curriculum training. This was not identified specifically as a nursery staffing issue.
Getting to know a child starts early. In May 2023, nursery staff established children's needs as they began attending. For families using the extended day, a separately charged supervised lunch hour combines a packed lunch with quieter activities, creating a pause between learning sessions.
SEND support draws on a full-time SENCO who also has assistant head duties, and teaching assistants trained to deliver additional support. Across the school, teachers receive internal SEND training, with external specialists involved as needed. Parents can raise concerns through Class Dojo, while curriculum messages sent through the same service explain children's learning topics.
The school's specialist physical disability provision accepts children from Foundation Stage who have an Education, Health and Care Plan with physical disability as their primary need; referrals go through the local authority's SEN Panel. Adapted personal care facilities, a sensory room and a physiotherapy space support children within that provision. These are specialist resources, rather than a promise of the same support package for every nursery child.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Medway Council, using the normal Reception process and its deadline, even when their child already attends Twydall's nursery. Treat choosing nursery and applying for Reception as two separate decisions.
For pupils with SEND, the school's transition arrangements can include extra classroom visits, transition books and social stories. These help children prepare for a change of class; they do not settle the admissions decision.
Morning, afternoon and full-day sessions are offered within the 30-hour weekly provision. Children eligible for 15 funded hours can have another 15 hours purchased. Lunch supervision during the extended day carries an additional charge. Contact the school for current charges and to discuss funded eligibility or book extra hours on 01634 231761.
Nursery registration is handled directly by the school. Families can register their interest in person or complete the initial admissions form. School visits can also be arranged through the admissions team. Regular attendance deserves attention: in May 2023, improving attendance remained a school-wide priority, with some disadvantaged pupils still missing learning.
Children combine activities they choose themselves with small-group teaching. Rhyme, storytelling, Read, Write Inc phonics and creative work form part of early years learning, indoors and outside.
Yes. Morning, afternoon and full-day options are offered, with 30 hours of nursery provision each week. Booking extra hours is handled by the school.
The extended day includes an additionally charged supervised lunch hour. Children bring a packed lunch and have quiet activities during this time.
No. You must apply separately through Medway Council, even if your child attends the nursery.
Contact your child's teacher through Class Dojo to arrange a discussion.
