Chantry Community Primary School Nursery Review

Play, experimentation and conversation shape the nursery at Chantry Community Primary School in Gravesend. Children begin from age 3, within the school's Foundation Stage, which covers ages 3 to 5. Up to 26 children can attend each session, with morning and afternoon options offering 15-hour funded places. This is a session-based start to school life, with learning through exploration and interaction.

An EYFS lead and teacher, a nursery leader and teaching assistants make up the nursery team. Qualified teachers guide activities alongside support staff. In March 2026, Ofsted judged the school's early years provision to meet the Expected standard. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.

The 2025 Early Years Foundation Stage framework guides the curriculum. For parents, that means learning extends beyond early reading and number: children also develop movement, relationships, communication, creativity and an understanding of their surroundings. Play and experimentation give them ways to explore ideas, while social interaction brings practice in learning alongside other children.

Language gets deliberate attention. In March 2026, staff used songs, storytelling and rhymes to develop children's communication, introducing more demanding vocabulary through conversation. Adults assessed children's initial learning and adjusted activities to their individual needs. Children made progress from their own starting points, including in early literacy and maths. The emphasis is on identifying the next manageable step for each child.

Camembear adds twenty minutes of French each week across EYFS classes, providing another opportunity to encounter language. The wider school building includes an open plan library, a studio and two large playgrounds. These are school facilities, rather than a description of a dedicated nursery outdoor area.

Relationships support the learning. In March 2026, early years children trusted staff, felt secure and generally participated readily in activities. Parents valued the contact and care they received. Routines and expectations were introduced early, helping children become familiar with school life.

Tapestry gives families a view of their child's learning through photographs and examples of drawing, painting and writing. The nursery team uses these records alongside observation and assessment, so parents can follow achievements beyond the session itself.

For additional needs, the school's SEND team includes a SENCO, an assistant SENCO and a play therapist with a pupil wellbeing role. Staff work with families and teachers, using the Kent Mainstream core standards. With parental agreement, they can seek advice from speech therapists, occupational therapists, educational psychologists or the Specialist Teaching and Learning Service. This gives families a route into coordinated support.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process by its deadline.

Learning continuity is a separate matter. In March 2026, the early years curriculum organised progression in small steps across Nursery and Reception. That connects the learning stages, but does not secure admission. Teaching consistency. The March 2026 inspection called for more consistent curriculum delivery across subjects and year groups, a development priority relevant to the next stage too.

Morning sessions run from 8:30 to 11:30am; afternoon sessions run from 12:30 to 3:30pm. Both sit within the nursery's 15-hour funded offer. The three-hour pattern matters when matching childcare to a family's working day.

Visits and nursery tours can be arranged through the school office at office@chantryprimary.co.uk or 01474 350011. For applications, contact admissions@chantryprimary.co.uk; the office advises on spaces and the application process, and completed nursery application forms can be returned to the school.