Little Thurrock Primary School Nursery

Three-hour sessions and a purpose-built nursery give Little Thurrock’s youngest children their own starting point within the primary school. The provision is for three- and four-year-olds, with 24 morning places and 24 afternoon places under the nursery arrangements dated September 2025. That makes 48 places across the two groups, rather than 48 children attending together.

A Nursery Teacher works alongside an EYFS-qualified support team. Early years provision was judged Good at Ofsted’s inspection on 21 and 22 November 2023; that judgement covers the school’s early years, rather than constituting a separate nursery rating.

Children attend either a morning or an afternoon session, each lasting three hours. The purpose-built nursery provides the physical base for these groups. For families, the practical shape is a short daily session rather than a full school day.

Visitors have brought experiences into the nursery classroom. On 23 April 2024, both the morning and afternoon groups had a doctor visit in class. This gives a concrete example of children meeting someone whose work connects with the world beyond their classroom, while keeping the activity within their familiar learning space.

Support for additional needs can begin before a child starts. Early Years staff and the special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCo) speak with parents and pre-school providers about identified needs and parental concerns, so arrangements can be made ahead of entry. Assessments when children enter Early Years also provide a starting point for monitoring their progress.

Within the school’s SEND support system, a One Plan records the help a child needs and is discussed with parents. Reviews take place termly, giving families a regular opportunity to consider whether support needs changing. Classroom adaptations can include equipment and focused help from adults; the SENCo supports teaching and support staff with this work.

For an immediate concern, parents can arrange a conversation with the class teacher, with the SENCo involved in further meetings where needed. That gives families a clear first contact and a route for discussing more specific support.

Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the local authority admissions process; for Thurrock families, this means applying to Thurrock Council. For September 2027 entry, the closing date is 15 January 2027.

Nursery attendance confers no Reception priority under the 2027–2028 arrangements. Choosing the nursery therefore needs to make sense for the nursery experience itself, independently of the later school application.

For children with SEND changing classes within the school, teachers pass on information through handover meetings and transition paperwork. Incoming staff also have opportunities to work with children before the summer term ends, and parents may be invited to meet both teachers. This preparation concerns continuity of support, separately from the allocation of a school place.

Morning and afternoon preferences depend on demand and available places. The nursery aims to accommodate families’ preferred session, so a preference should not be treated as a confirmed allocation.

Contact the school office for nursery enquiries on 01375 373586. Nursery open days and opportunities to view the nursery and school give families a way to explore the setting before choosing it.