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Nursery at Leigh Academy Hartley
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Rhymes, songs and learning through questions give Roundash Nursery its educational character. Children can join from 3 years old, with daily sessions and wraparound care within Leigh Academy Hartley’s grounds. This is the academy’s own nursery provision, on Round Ash Way in Hartley, Longfield.
Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Outstanding at its inspection on 10 and 11 October 2023. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.
Learning through inquiry starts in Nursery. The International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) includes nursery children, bringing them into an approach where questions help shape learning. Children and adults develop inquiries together, making connections between topics rather than treating each activity as an isolated task. For parents, the practical emphasis is on children taking an active part in exploring ideas.
Rhymes and songs introduce the enjoyment of reading from Nursery onwards. These are concrete starting points for young children, giving early literacy a spoken and musical dimension. In October 2023, the curriculum met children’s needs from Nursery onwards extremely well, with chosen activities helping them revisit learning and develop their thinking. The educational emphasis begins early.
Support sits within the academy’s inclusion arrangements. Teachers adapt learning to individual needs, with small groups or individual interventions used where appropriate. The approach follows a cycle of assessing needs, planning help, putting it into practice and reviewing it, so support can change as a child’s needs change.
School resources previously purchased include ear defenders, sensory toys and tents for calm spaces. These give concrete examples of the equipment used to address sensory needs, rather than making support solely a matter of extra adult attention.
Communication with families includes My Child At School (MCAS), the office and school email. Parents can raise concerns with the class teacher first, then contact the special educational needs coordinator through senco@hartley.latrust.org.uk. That gives families a clear route for discussing development and agreeing next steps.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Kent County Council’s online Reception application process, following the timetable for their child’s intake. For the 2026-27 admissions year, nursery attendance confers no priority: allocation follows the applicable admission criteria.
Familiarity is a separate benefit. Roundash children attend summer play sessions in preparation for Reception, allowing them to become acquainted with the next environment. Transition arrangements can also involve conversations with nursery staff, visits by the receiving teacher or SEND coordinator, and home visits. These help transfer knowledge about the child; they do not secure admission.
Daily nursery sessions and wraparound care provide the basic attendance options. Enquiries can go to info@hartley.latrust.org.uk or 01474 702742. The school office opens daily between 8.30am and 4.00pm, giving parents a direct contact point for arranging their child’s entry to Roundash.
Children can join from 3 years old.
Nursery children participate in the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme, which emphasises learning through inquiry. Rhymes and songs also begin in Nursery.
No. Nursery attendance confers no priority under the 2026-27 admission criteria and does not guarantee a place. A separate Kent County Council online application is required.
Roundash children attend summer play sessions. Transition can also include staff liaison, visits involving the receiving teacher or SEND coordinator, and home visits.
Email info@hartley.latrust.org.uk or telephone 01474 702742.
