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Nursery at West Thurrock Academy
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
A large outdoor learning garden and a monthly book to take home give West Thurrock Academy’s nursery two concrete points of character: space to explore and stories to share. Margay, the nursery class, belongs to the academy’s Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provision on Schoolfield Road in Grays. It caters for children aged 3 and 4, joining in September after their third birthday. The September 2025 nursery intake had an admission number of 52; that is a dated intake figure rather than a current capacity claim.
Ofsted judged the academy’s early years provision Good following the inspection on 12 and 13 July 2022. This judgement covers the school’s early years provision, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Play and adult guidance share the session. Children choose activities indoors and outside, alongside learning directed by staff. The EYFS brings together communication, physical development and relationships with early literacy, maths, creative expression and exploration of the world. For parents, that means learning extends beyond letters and numbers to how children talk, move and manage social situations.
Continuous provision is the organising approach: resources remain accessible so children can return to an activity and explore it again. Adults observe their play, ask questions and demonstrate possibilities, then adjust the provision around children’s interests and next steps. The large, secure garden gives outdoor exploration its own space; the nursery playground is fully fenced.
Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised provides daily phonics sessions, with extra practice for children who need it. In July 2022, the early years curriculum placed emphasis on speech, language and number understanding, while phonics began in Nursery. Alongside this classroom work, the Free Nursery Reading Subscription gives each nursery child a book every month during the Year of Reading. That creates a regular opportunity for families to share stories at home.
A class teacher and support staff work with early years children each day. When children join, baseline assessments establish their starting points, and parents contribute information about their experiences, interests and abilities. Staff can then shape learning around the child rather than assume everyone starts in the same place. Individual and small-group work includes language activities, fine motor practice and early maths support.
Across the school, SEND provision includes formal, semi-formal and pre-formal learning pathways. Speech and language interventions sit alongside support for emotional wellbeing. Sensory pods and a soft room are school-wide resources accessible to children who need them, rather than nursery-only facilities. Families can discuss additional needs with the SENCO team.
Optional milk is provided free for early years children, and water is accessible throughout the day. The school asks families bringing snacks to prepare fruit or raw vegetables in a labelled container and send a labelled water bottle. It is a nut-free school, a practical consideration when packing food.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Thurrock Council’s admissions process in the autumn before the intended school year, following the applicable admissions deadline.
For the 2025 intake, priority ran through looked-after children, then catchment siblings, other catchment children, siblings outside the catchment and other children outside it. Nursery attendance was not a priority criterion in that cycle. Familiarity with the academy therefore needs to be kept separate from entitlement to a place.
Morning sessions run from 8:30am to 11:30am; afternoon sessions run from 12:30pm to 3:30pm. The nursery offers government-funded 15-hour and 30-hour places and flexibility in session arrangements. These are the practical foundations for matching attendance to family routines.
Children should be accompanied to their classroom in the morning. Tell the teacher or office whenever someone different will collect your child; an unfamiliar adult must be checked with a parent before collection proceeds.
The school’s uniform colours are white, red and black. Logo clothing is optional, and second-hand uniform can be obtained through the school. For nursery enquiries, contact the school office on 01708 866743.
Children aged 3 and 4 can attend, joining from September after their third birthday.
Morning sessions are 8:30am to 11:30am. Afternoon sessions are 12:30pm to 3:30pm.
Yes. The nursery offers government-funded 15-hour and 30-hour places.
No. A separate application is required through Thurrock Council. Nursery attendance was not a priority criterion for the 2025 intake.
Children take part in daily Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised phonics sessions. During the Year of Reading, the Free Nursery Reading Subscription provides each nursery child with a book every month.
