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Nursery at Great Kingshill Church of England Combined 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.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 to act out, space to climb and woodland to explore give Great Kingshill Preschool its character. This is the nursery at Great Kingshill Church of England Combined School, taking children from three years old. It occupies a purpose-built building added to the school in 2017, with its own outdoor and indoor spaces used each day.
Being on the school site extends the possibilities beyond the preschool building. Children can use the hall, field, climbing frames and MUGA, as well as the woodland learning area. For families, the appeal is a preschool base with access to the larger school's spaces.
Play takes up most of children's time. The curriculum follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), bringing together movement, communication and social development with early reading, maths, creative work and exploration of the world. Speaking, listening and vocabulary receive deliberate attention, including words connected to the stories and topics children encounter.
Stories organise the learning. Fiction sits alongside factual books, giving children different ways to explore a topic. In Helicopter Stories, adults record children's invented tales and the class acts them out together. Squiggle and Wiggle works on upper-body movement and strength in preparation for writing. These are concrete ways for children to connect language with action, rather than simply listen to a story.
Early reading preparation centres on attention, listening and speaking, alongside enjoyment of books. Small-group work includes early maths and literacy, while Development Matters helps staff assess children and adjust their learning. In June 2022, Ofsted found that preschool learning was carefully planned: children used their understanding of shapes, numbers and colours to practise counting and create patterns independently.
Outside learning has its own place in the day. Preschool uses the Forest School area as well as its own outdoor space, with access across the year in almost all weather. Woodland Learning includes trips to the conservation area. Children can follow their interests outdoors, giving exploration and conversation a setting beyond the classroom.
Parents receive a daily class update through Class Dojo and a weekly entry in their child's individual portfolio. Messages between families and preschool teachers also use the app. That combination gives parents both a view of the group's activities and an update focused on their own child.
The wider school's support structure includes special needs coordinators and a Family Support Worker offering emotional help to children and families. SEND enquiries can go to send@gkcs.school, through ClassDojo or by telephone, providing a direct route for discussing additional needs.
The wider school's meals are supplied by Culinera, with ParentPay orders closing at 3pm on the preceding day. Choices are restricted by the child's dietary requirements. Ask the preschool whether these arrangements apply to your child's sessions.
Attending preschool does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline. Treat the nursery choice and the school application as separate decisions.
Transition activities address familiarity rather than allocation. During the year, preschool children visit the Reception area, play there and meet staff and older children. For those who subsequently attend Reception here, these visits introduce people and spaces before the move. The preschool aims to help children feel more confident about that change.
The school day allows drop-off from 8:30am, with registration closing at 8:45am. Preschool finishes at 3:10pm, and collection takes place in the playground. These timings matter when planning the working day and arranging who will collect.
Preschool enquiries and registration forms go to preschool@gkcs.school. Tours can be arranged by contacting the preschool, allowing families to see its spaces and meet the staff. A registration charge accompanies the form; contact the school for current charges.
For general enquiries, telephone 01494 713159. The school office operates on weekdays during term time, from 8:30am to 3:45pm.
The provision takes children from three years old.
Most of their time is spent playing, alongside activities such as Helicopter Stories, Squiggle and Wiggle and Woodland Learning.
Class Dojo carries a daily class update, a weekly individual portfolio entry and messages between parents and preschool teachers.
No. Families need to apply separately for Reception through the normal admissions process.
Yes. Contact preschool@gkcs.school or telephone 01494 713159 to arrange a tour.
