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Nursery at Northfleet Nursery 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Stories become small performances here: children dictate their ideas to an adult, then act them out on a stage marked with tape. That gives Northfleet Nursery School a distinctive starting point, with children's own words becoming material for shared play.
This is a maintained nursery school in its own right, rather than a nursery class within a primary school. Classes cater for three- and four-year-olds; eligible Free for 2 children can join where vacancies permit. The pupil admission number is 94. Sunflower, Lavender, Bluebell, Daisy and Poppy are the named teaching groups, with class teachers, morning and afternoon staff, and a separate SEN support team.
High-scope is the approach used to teach the Early Years Foundation Stage. For parents, that means learning spans movement, relationships and communication alongside early reading, maths, creativity and understanding the world. Stories provide a concrete thread through those areas.
Helicopter Stories is used across the classrooms. An adult records a child's story exactly as told, preserving their language, before the group performs it. The taped stage makes the link between speaking, written words and acting visible. Children contribute the content themselves.
During July 2026, The Journey prompted boat-making, ship role-play, paper aeroplanes and journeys using beebots. In May 2026, The Hungry Caterpillar led to butterfly-making, exploration of life cycles and symmetry, and counting with a ten frame. These are practical ways to connect a book with making, movement and mathematical ideas.
Physical play has identifiable spaces and equipment: an outdoor sand pit, bikes, a climbing frame and a slide. Indoors, children have explored a home corner and discussed household jobs. During autumn 2025, practising coats and shoes was part of learning independence, with staff helping where needed. Everyday tasks sit alongside imaginative play.
At the July 2022 inspection, staff were found to adapt learning skilfully to children's needs, with strong support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Communication included Makaton and picture cards, giving children additional ways to express ideas and feelings. Safeguarding was effective, with trained staff recognising concerns and leaders responding promptly.
The staffing structure includes SENCO provision and a SEN support team. Families can contact the SENCO through SENCO@northfleet-nur.kent.sch.uk. Emotion Coaching staff training forms part of the Early Years Emotion Coaching Project, which aims to help three- and four-year-olds develop self-regulation through everyday interactions.
Food also becomes something children handle and learn about. In June 2026, children chopped fruit; July activities included making sandwiches. Parents receive a weekly podcast discussing recent learning and forthcoming events, providing a regular connection between nursery experiences and home.
Attendance does not guarantee a Reception place at any primary school. Families must make a separate primary-school application through the normal process, just as other parents do. Northfleet does not directly send its children into any particular primary school, so choosing this nursery should remain separate from choosing and applying for Reception.
In July 2026, children leaving for primary school took part in graduations, talked about their friends' destination schools and sent messages to friends. This acknowledges that children will move to different schools and gives them a shared way to mark the change.
The booking pattern is fixed: five mornings or five afternoons each week for the universal 15 hours, with no mixing of sessions. Morning sessions run from 9am to noon; afternoons are 1pm to 4pm. Eligible families can access the 30-hour extended entitlement from 9am to 3pm. All patterns operate Monday to Friday during term time, and extended places are limited. These hours need to fit the family's working day.
Contact the office on 01474 533950 or office@northfleet-nur.kent.sch.uk for enquiries; visits can be arranged through the office. Uniform is encouraged but optional, and generic or preowned items are permitted.
Parking. There is no parking on site, and vehicles must not use the alleyway. Families need to allow for parking on surrounding roads and observe restrictions. Collection should be prompt, and the nursery must be told beforehand if a different adult will collect.
Classes cater for three- and four-year-olds. Eligible Free for 2 children can be accommodated where there are vacancies.
No. The universal 15-hour pattern requires five mornings or five afternoons across the week.
The universal and extended sessions operate Monday to Friday in term time only.
No. A nursery place does not guarantee admission to a primary school. A separate primary-school application is required.
No. Uniform is optional, and non-branded or preowned items are permitted.
