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Nursery at Greatham CofE Primary 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Stories, songs and practical maths give Greatham’s nursery its character: children learn through doing and talking, with adults extending their language along the way. The provision caters for children aged 3 to 4 within the school’s early years class, Class 1 Elm Class. Nursery and Reception share that class structure, placing the youngest children within the school’s early years setting.
Greatham welcomes children from any faith background, including families with no faith. Greatham describes school life as shaped by Christian values. In November 2025, Ofsted judged early years to reach a Strong standard, a judgement covering the school’s early years provision rather than a separate nursery inspection.
Practical activity, conversation and purposeful play shape the learning approach. The early years curriculum combines emotional and social development with communication, early literacy, maths, physical development and creative activity. For parents, this means learning includes how children talk, play together and become independent, alongside their first reading and number skills.
Master the Curriculum’s nursery maths scheme brings a nursery rhyme into learning each week and uses practical maths lessons. The rhyme gives children a familiar starting point; hands-on activity turns number learning into something they can take part in.
In November 2025, children explored classroom learning areas alongside adults and other children. Staff developed vocabulary through those interactions, helping children express themselves more confidently. Stories and songs begin in the Nursery Year, giving language development a concrete place in the day. Children also learnt to take responsibility by caring for their surroundings. Independence grows through these everyday actions.
Settling starts before the first session. A programme of home visits allows the Class 1 teacher to talk with parents before children begin nursery. Families are also invited to a meeting to discuss expectations and raise concerns, and encouraged to visit beforehand. These conversations give staff a starting point for understanding each child’s needs.
Additional help is identified promptly in early years. In November 2025, targeted activities included developing fine motor skills to help children hold a pencil. Parents were encouraged to attend workshops supporting learning at home, connecting classroom support with what families can do together.
School lunches and packed lunches are both options, and diagnosed dietary requirements can be accommodated. Breakfast club includes cereal or toast, while after-school care provides a snack and time to play with friends.
Accessibility has practical substance: the school is wheelchair accessible, with an accessible toilet in early years, changing facilities and a shower room. Families can raise additional needs with the class teacher or SEND coordinator. Support is planned around the individual child, with specialist advice brought in where needed.
Attending nursery does not guarantee a Reception place and does not confer admission priority. Families must make a separate application using their home local authority’s common application form, even when their child already attends Greatham’s nursery. Confirm the Reception application deadline for your child’s entry year with your home local authority. Keep that application separate from nursery arrangements.
Familiarity and allocation are different matters. Nursery children use the early years environment throughout their time in the setting, and in November 2025 children made a smooth transition to Reception. That continuity can support the move, but it does not change how places are allocated.
Morning nursery sessions run from 8:45am to 11:45am; afternoons run from 12:15pm to 3:15pm. Wraparound childcare is offered for children aged 3 to 4, with limited places. Breakfast care begins at 7:45am, and after-school care can extend to 5:15pm, giving families options around the nursery sessions.
Sessions require advance booking, although breakfast booking instructions differ between arrangements. Contact the school office to arrange a visit or discuss a nursery place: 01429 870254. For current charges, contact the school directly.
The nursery childcare provision caters for children aged 3 to 4. Children usually start nursery in the term after their third birthday, subject to space.
Morning sessions are 8:45am to 11:45am, and afternoon sessions are 12:15pm to 3:15pm.
Home visits take place before nursery starts. Parents are invited to a meeting to discuss expectations and concerns, and encouraged to visit the school beforehand.
No. Nursery attendance does not confer priority or guarantee a place. A separate application through the home local authority is required. Confirm the deadline for your child’s entry year with that authority.
Children can have a school lunch or bring a packed lunch. Diagnosed dietary requirements can be catered for.
