South Borough Primary School Nursery

Storybooks, muddy puddles and seeds taken home in pots give South Borough's nursery its character. This is the school's own provision in Maidstone, for children from age three. Earlier arrangements named Red Class for mornings and Green Class for afternoons, with capacity for 26 children in each session. Confirm current class arrangements and capacity with the school.

Books provide a starting point for practical exploration. During March 2021, Superworm inspired mask decoration, playdough figures and searches for story vocabulary in messy play. Children explored rhyme and words beginning with the same sound, while number activities involved counting dice dots and representing quantities with marks. Language and mathematics became things children could handle, hear and try.

The nursery's activities during autumn 2020 show how that approach worked indoors. Dear Zoo prompted a pretend pet shop, where children acted as customers and shopkeepers and counted dots on price labels. Handa's Surprise led to stick puppets and story enactment; balancing scales helped children compare heavier and lighter objects. A messy table supplied space for spider pictures and webs. These examples connect imaginative play with speaking, counting and comparison.

Outside learning was equally tangible. In October 2020, children explored puddles, took listening walks and investigated textures, tastes and smells. March 2021 brought movement activities on the school field, including hoop jumps and games with a giant ball. A planting day that month included vegetables, herbs and lavender, with children preparing cress pots to take home. The activity extended beyond making something: children discussed plant growth and what seeds need.

Within the early years foundation stage (EYFS), early reading begins with enjoyment as well as skills. At the April 2023 inspection, Ofsted found that children were introduced to stories, singing and rhyme from their start in early years. That gives the nursery's book-based activities a clear purpose: building interest in language before reading becomes more demanding.

Independence featured in the nursery's October 2020 routines. Children practised hanging up their belongings and getting their bottles and planners ready. During the same autumn, welcome singing, calendar activities and discussion of the weather provided shared routines. Conversations about feelings and kindness included inviting another child to play, sharing toys and caring for belongings, giving children concrete ways to practise consideration.

In April 2023, children's special educational needs and/or disabilities were accurately recognised, including within early years. For families whose child needs additional support, early recognition is an important starting point.

Collection has a specific safeguard: tell staff beforehand if an unfamiliar adult will collect your child and provide a password. Outdoor water play also has a practical consequence. Send suitable clothes and a spare set.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route by the relevant deadline. Treat choosing the nursery and applying for school as two distinct decisions.

Earlier nursery arrangements offered morning sessions from 8.40am to 11.40am and afternoon sessions from 12.30pm to 3.30pm, with a lunch period from 11.40am to 12.30pm. They included 15 free hours per week and additional paid hours. Confirm current session times, lunch arrangements, funded hours and charges with the school.

Before a child attends, families complete the South Borough Admissions Form and the parental declaration covering funded hours and EYPP, then email both to sbps_office@swale.at. Enquiries can also go to the school office on 01622 752 161.