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Nursery at Herne 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
An enclosed mini forest, pumpkin birdfeeders and stories brought to life with food give Windmill Nursery its character. This is the nursery within Herne Church of England Infant and Nursery School, on Palmer Close in Herne, Herne Bay. Play supplies the starting point; adults help children turn their discoveries into language, ideas and practical skills.
Ofsted’s May 2026 inspection judged early years to meet the Expected standard. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision. Children settled successfully, and staff used their knowledge of individual needs to support the move into nursery.
Adult-directed activities sit alongside Cool Time, when children choose their own play. COOL stands for Continue Our Own Learning. Activities respond to children’s interests, giving them opportunities to make decisions and pursue an idea rather than simply complete an adult’s task.
The Early Years Foundation Stage brings together talking, movement and emotional development with early reading, maths, creativity and understanding the world. Development Matters guides the curriculum, with Birth to Five Matters also informing it. Staff track how children explore, persevere and develop ideas through the Characteristics of Effective Learning. The emphasis is on how a child learns as well as what they produce.
Practical examples make that approach tangible. Winter activities have included investigating melting ice and making scarf patterns; bear stories prompted porridge and marmalade sandwiches. Rain rhymes were accompanied by instruments, while an Incy Wincy Spider dough disco exercised children’s hands. These connect scientific exploration, counting, language and movement through a shared theme.
Materials for art and construction are within children’s reach during play, allowing them to choose resources independently. Outdoors, nursery children use the Wildlife Area and the HIVE, an enclosed mini forest. Named wellies stay in the cloakroom, ready for those spaces and puddle play. Outdoor exploration is part of nursery life, with clothing chosen accordingly.
Language has a clear purpose here. Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised begins in nursery with foundation activities for phonics. In May 2026, children were learning to distinguish sounds, while adults expanded vocabulary through conversation, questions and shared books. Stories, songs and rhymes give children repeated opportunities to listen and join in.
Knowing the child comes first. In May 2026, staff worked closely with families and understood children’s individual needs, helping them settle into nursery. Possible special educational needs and disabilities were recognised promptly and support followed. The nursery teacher holds a PGCE, and the wider school has a SENCO coordinating additional provision.
Parents can follow learning through folders containing children’s work and a secure Evidence Me profile. Photographs linked to learning characteristics are emailed at the end of each full term. Come and see afternoons take place every other term, offering a chance to look through work together rather than rely solely on a brief conversation at collection.
A fruit snack comes midmorning, accompanied by water or milk. Lunchbox food must exclude nuts because of possible allergies, and families are asked to halve grapes. Independence receives practical attention too: children practise putting on coats, and easily managed shoes help them change footwear themselves.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and does not confer priority under the school’s admission criteria. Kent County Council allocates places using care status, qualifying sibling links, health and special access reasons, and distance from home. Familiarity with the school does not replace an application.
Families apply separately online through KCC Primary Admissions. For September 2026 entry, the deadline was 15 January 2026; that application cycle has passed. Keep the admissions decision separate from the relationships and learning developed in nursery.
There is no nursery uniform. Dress children for messy activities and outdoor play, with a named spare-clothes bag and wellies. A book bag carries letters, library books and creations home; an A4 lever arch folder is also requested for children’s work.
Tell nursery staff at the start of the session if someone different will collect your child. Nursery applications go directly to the school, and enquiries go through the office on 01227 740793.
No. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a place or confer priority under the school’s admission criteria. A separate application is required through KCC Primary Admissions.
No. Children wear clothes and footwear suitable for outdoor exploration and messy activities. Bring named wellies and spare clothes.
Learning Journey folders hold children’s work. Evidence Me photographs are emailed at the end of each full term, and come and see afternoons take place every other term.
Children receive fruit with milk or water midmorning. Lunchboxes must contain no nuts, and grapes should be cut in half.
Send the completed Nursery Application Form directly to the school. Contact the school office on 01227 740793 for enquiries.
