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Nursery at William Martin Church of England Infant and 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Play leads the learning at William Martin’s nursery, with adults adding guidance as children explore. Stories give it character: The Very Hungry Caterpillar and The Mixed-Up Chameleon sit alongside an emphasis on kindness, curiosity and recognising each child’s individuality. The nursery aims to make school feel enjoyable and help children develop confidence.
This is the nursery provision within William Martin Church of England Infant and Nursery School on Tawneys Road in Harlow. Its early years curriculum begins in nursery, and nursery staff work with Reception teachers on children’s learning. That connects the teaching across the two stages, while admission to Reception remains a separate decision.
Children learn mainly through play, supported by adult input. Practical exploration and children’s own questions shape the approach: watching, conversation and investigation are ways to learn, rather than activities separate from learning. The nursery aims to build enjoyment of stories and early mathematics alongside confidence in children’s achievements.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together language, movement and social development with early reading and writing, mathematics, creativity and understanding the world. For parents, this means learning extends beyond letters and numbers. Talking about an experience, exploring an idea and playing with others all belong within the nursery’s approach.
Making friends and explaining their needs were practical benefits of children’s excellent language progress in early years, identified by Ofsted in September 2022. Singing and listening to stories supported this work. Staff knew how young children develop and organised activities to strengthen skills such as fine-motor control. The same inspection asked the school to specify vocabulary and related knowledge more clearly in parts of its curriculum; this was a school-wide concern, rather than a finding confined to nursery.
Toilet training is an entry expectation, with an important qualification: children are expected to be fully toilet trained unless there is a developmental or medical reason. Accidents are recognised as something that can happen. Families should keep that exception in mind when considering readiness to start.
For concerns about learning or development, the first conversation is with the child’s teacher. The school’s SEND support process includes reviewing targeted strategies, involving the special educational needs coordinator and, where appropriate, seeking specialist assessment. One-Planning brings parents into setting support goals; One Plan meetings take place at least twice a year for children on the special educational needs register.
Parents also have a direct route to the safeguarding team, in person, by telephone or by email. This gives families a clear contact when a concern needs attention.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply separately through Essex Admissions. For the September 2026 intake, the closing date was 15 January; that admissions cycle is now past.
Teaching links are distinct from allocation of places. Nursery staff collaborate with Reception teachers to develop children’s learning, providing continuity in the curriculum rather than an admissions entitlement.
Nursery applications go directly to the school office, either by email or by handing in the application form. For enquiries, telephone 01279 424122 or email admin.williammartin@dcvst.org.
Panda Childcare provides separate wraparound care at the school for children aged 3–12 during term time. Breakfast choices are offered in the morning, with drinks and snacks after school. Collection and drop-off are flexible, and an emergency contact and childcare record form must be completed before care begins. Contact Panda Childcare for current charges.
Learning is mainly through play, with adult guidance. Practical exploration, questions, conversation and stories support the EYFS curriculum.
The nursery expects children to be fully toilet trained unless there is a medical or developmental reason. It recognises that accidents can happen.
No. Families must make a separate application through Essex Admissions.
Panda Childcare runs separate term-time wraparound care at the school for children aged 3–12. Breakfasts, after-school snacks and drinks are provided.
Complete the nursery application form and email it to admin.williammartin@dcvst.org or hand it to the school office. Enquiries can be made on 01279 424122.
