Little Hedgehogs Nursery at Hampton Primary School

A sand pit, a playdough table and a sensory room give Little Hedgehogs Nursery a practical, hands-on character. This is Hampton Primary School’s nursery in Herne Bay, for children aged 3 or 4. Its learning spaces make room for both exploration and quieter activity.

Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Outstanding at the inspection on 3 and 4 December 2024. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.

Play carries the learning here. Little Hedgehogs follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), with activities planned around children’s interests and individual needs. In parent terms, the starting points are learning to communicate, developing physical skills and managing feelings and relationships. Literacy, maths, creative expression and understanding the world broaden that learning.

The environment gives those ideas concrete form. Children have a role play area and a space for early writing and making marks, while an exploration tray and playdough table provide materials to investigate and manipulate. The art table doubles as the lunch table. These are recognisable activities for a young child, with opportunities to practise using their hands and expressing ideas through play.

Learning happens outside as well as indoors, through active exploration and thinking creatively. The sand pit adds another material to investigate. In December 2024, children in early years were absorbed in learning through play, and skilled adults turned everyday exchanges into teaching opportunities. Preparation for the next educational stage was a clear focus. The emphasis is on what adults help children learn during play, alongside the resources themselves.

A manager who is also the nursery teacher leads the team, alongside a deputy manager and nursery key workers. The nursery manager also holds the Early Years SENCO role, connecting nursery leadership with support for special educational needs and disabilities.

Child-sized toilets support the practical side of becoming more independent. A quiet area and sensory room provide different spaces from the activity tables. Lunch takes place at the art table, bringing a familiar learning space into the care routine.

For families with concerns about development or additional needs, the school’s Early Years inclusion team works with teaching and support staff to identify needs and arrange support. Parents are involved in planning that support. Families can contact the office to arrange a discussion with the Early Years SENCO.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route, meeting the deadline for their child’s entry year.

Kent County Council is the application route. For September 2026 entry, the closing date was 15 January 2026; that cycle is now past. Keep the Reception application separate from arrangements for nursery sessions.

Places are organised around 15 or 30 government-funded hours. Funding can begin in the term after a child’s third birthday, using the nursery’s specified birthday bands and school-term starts.

The 15-hour patterns are two and a half days: Monday and Wednesday with Friday morning, or Tuesday and Thursday with Friday afternoon. The 30-hour pattern is five full days, Monday to Friday. This makes the choice of pattern a practical part of planning the family week. Some flexibility may be possible.

Families who do not qualify for 30-hour funding can also pay for sessions beyond their 15 funded hours. Contact the nursery through the school for current charges and arrangements. Families may split their 30 funded hours between settings, but must tell the nursery if they intend to do so.

Visits are invited for families considering a place. Enquiries can go to littlehedgehogs@hampton.kent.sch.uk or through the school office on 01227 372 159. The school is on Fitzgerald Avenue, Herne Bay, CT6 8NB.