Katherines Primary Academy and Nursery: Nursery Review

Stories, conversation and growing independence give Katherines’ early years provision its character. Children retell familiar tales, practise taking turns and learn to organise themselves for the day. The nursery belongs to Katherines Primary Academy and Nursery at Brookside in Harlow and runs under the school’s registration, making it part of the school rather than a separately registered setting.

The inspection published on 17 March 2026 awarded early years Strong standard. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision; it is not a separate nursery rating.

Language gives the learning a clear focus. Across early years, adults listen closely to children and use their replies to build vocabulary and demonstrate accurate speech. These are purposeful conversations: children have opportunities to express an idea, hear how it can be developed and respond. The curriculum is planned around children’s needs.

Books become material for talk and play. Early years children recall the events in We're Going on a Bear Hunt and act out the Gruffalo, using descriptive language for its movements. They also challenge one another about what happened first. This makes storytelling a way to practise both speaking and remembering, rather than simply listening to an adult read.

The early years foundation stage combines foundations in maths, reading and writing with social and emotional learning here. Familiar routines support independence, while sharing and turn-taking give children practice in learning alongside others. Those everyday habits matter as much to the shape of the day as the stories.

Settling starts with relationships. Staff build connections with parents before children begin Nursery Year, and parents continue to participate in learning during the year. Some early years children have an adjusted beginning to their day to help them settle before learning starts. This allows the opening routine to respond to the child.

Emotional learning is also part of early years: children practise recognising feelings and develop ways to manage them in different situations. Attentive adult responses sit alongside this work, giving children support with both communication and emotions.

For additional needs, the trust’s SEND team includes an educational psychologist and a therapist for speech and language, alongside specialist teachers and SENCos. Its specialists support school teams with autism, speech and language needs and specific learning difficulties. This provides a structure for adapting support beyond the nursery classroom team.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Essex County Council; only Council applications are accepted for Reception. The application window runs from November to January for a September start.

Treat this as a separate decision and application, even if your child already attends nursery. Familiarity with Katherines does not remove that requirement or create an automatic entitlement to a place.

Nursery enquiries can go through the school office on 01279 421495 or office@katherines.netacademies.net. A Nursery Joining Form is available. School tours can also be booked through the office, giving families a practical next step before making their nursery choice.