Nursery at Garlinge Primary School and Nursery

Stories and learning to play together give Garlinge’s nursery its starting point. This is the school’s own provision on Westfield Road in Margate, within its Foundation Stage department, with entry from age three. A nursery teacher leads the teaching.

Ofsted judged early years provision Good at the inspection on 28 and 29 November 2023. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Learning begins with stories and activities that help children cooperate. In November 2023, nursery children enjoyed varied books and experiences while practising playing together. For a young child, the social learning matters alongside the stories: taking part with other children is part of preparation for the next stage.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) includes developing movement skills. Garlinge’s approach gives these skills a place in early learning, with practice forming a foundation for later physical activities. Digital exploration also starts in Nursery. The school has iPads and Windows laptops, and children throughout the school have access to Purple Mash with individual logins and parental controls. This gives families a connection between digital learning at school and activities at home.

Additional needs are supported through the school’s inclusion team. Speech and Language Teaching Assistants, a Family Liaison Officer and Learning Mentors sit alongside SEND coordinators. These roles give families different routes into support for communication, learning and emotional needs.

Across the school, physical accessibility includes care suites and an accessible sensory and soft play space. Parents participate in the assess, plan, do and review process for additional support, so decisions about a child’s next steps involve home as well as school. Inclusion Assistants can direct families to the appropriate member of the team.

Food has a simple daily rhythm in Foundation Stage: children receive fruit or vegetables as a free snack. Milk is free for children up to five, with registration through Cool Milk at School. Fresh drinking water is accessible throughout the day, and children are encouraged to drink regularly.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through Kent County Council’s normal route. For the September 2026 intake, applications went through www.kent.gov.uk/ola and the closing date was 15 January 2026. That deadline has passed; it belongs to that intake.

Preparation for the move is a separate matter from admission. Cooperative play begins in Nursery, helping children practise learning alongside others. The school also aims to prepare children for transitions, including the move from nursery to Reception, with additional support planned with parents when a child needs it. Familiarity and preparation should never be treated as an offer of a school place.

For enquiries, telephone 01843 221877 or use the school’s contact form. School tours can be arranged by emailing Admissions@garlinge.kent.sch.uk, giving families a way to see the setting before making their choice.

Uniform is encouraged. Grey trousers, skirts or pinafores are paired with jade green knitwear or sweatshirts; footwear is black. Generic clothing can be bought from discount retailers, and the PTFA holds a second-hand uniform sale on the final Friday each month. New starters receive a free water bottle and book bag on their first day, useful basics for beginning nursery.