St John's Catholic Primary School, Gravesend: Nursery Review

Indoor and outdoor learning give this onsite nursery its starting point: the school aims to develop children as active learners, with attention to each child's individual potential. Nursery provision sits within St John's Catholic Primary School on Rochester Road in Gravesend, a Catholic primary school.

The nursery caters for three- and four-year-olds. Families can choose a morning, afternoon or all-day pattern, making the length of the nursery day a practical part of the decision.

Learning takes place both indoors and outdoors. The nursery's emphasis is on children taking an active part in learning, rather than simply receiving instruction. That gives parents a useful starting point for understanding its approach: individual development and participation are the school's stated aims.

There is a concrete example of early-years mathematics from October 2023. Teachers demonstrated repeating patterns clearly, and children successfully used their mathematical understanding. This connects an adult's explanation with children putting an idea into practice. The finding concerns early years across the school, rather than a separate nursery judgement.

Teachers, nursery nurses and a teaching assistant form the nursery team. These are distinct roles within the provision, with teaching and care staff working alongside one another.

For children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), the school uses a cycle of assessment, planning, putting support into practice and reviewing it. Parents contribute to decisions about their child's needs and the support proposed. Personalised Learning Plans are shared with families three times during the academic year, giving parents repeated opportunities to discuss progress and adjustments.

School support includes Speech Link and Language Link, alongside visual timetables, now/next boards and access to a sensory room. These are school-level resources, with support selected according to the child's needs. Their relevance for a nursery family lies in the individual planning process, rather than an assumption that every child receives the same intervention.

Lunch needs a little preparation at home. Children attending all day bring a packed lunch each day, so families provide the meal that accompanies the longer session.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. For September 2027 entry, it gives no admissions priority, and children do not transfer automatically. A separate Reception application is required through the family's home local authority using a Common Application Form.

Families seeking consideration under the oversubscription criteria are also asked to send a Supplementary Information Form and supporting evidence to the school's Admissions Officer at the time of application. The nursery decision and the Reception application therefore need separate planning. Choosing the nursery should be a decision about the provision itself, with the later school application kept firmly in view.

Morning sessions run from 8.45am to 11.45am; afternoons run from 12.00pm to 3.00pm. The all-day option starts at 8.45am and finishes at 3.00pm. The afternoon and all-day finish is therefore the same, which matters when arranging collection.

For children entitled to 15 funded hours, the booking pattern is five mornings or five afternoons each week. Those entitled to 30 funded hours can attend all-day sessions. Eligibility determines which funded arrangement applies.

For nursery enquiries, contact the school office on 01474 534546 or email office@st-johns-gravesend.kcsp.org.uk. School tours can be arranged by calling the office. This provides a direct route to discuss the nursery and see the school setting.