Stourview Church of England Primary Academy Nursery

Paint, play dough and teacher-led learning give Stourview’s nursery its character. Opened in September 2025, it serves three- and four-year-olds in Mistley, with entry from the term after a child turns three. For 2026-27, nursery children belong to Cygnets Class alongside Reception.

A qualified Early Years Lead Teacher oversees the curriculum. The school and nursery currently use temporary accommodation while a permanent building is planned. The school anticipates opening the new facilities in January 2028, with construction dependent on planning approval. No Ofsted graded rating yet.

Children’s interests shape the play, with adults adding prompts and structure to extend their learning. Building blocks, puzzles and painting provide different ways to investigate an idea; children also count, match and sort, listen to stories and experiment. This gives families a concrete picture of learning through activity rather than a day organised solely around adult instructions.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together language, movement and emotional development with early reading, maths, understanding the world and creative expression. Here, storytelling develops listening and speaking, while role-play gives children opportunities to express ideas. Scissors exercise smaller movements; skipping and climbing involve the whole body. Group activities practise sharing and solving problems together.

Little Wandle provides the approach to early reading. Nursery learning includes distinguishing sounds and letter shapes, preparing children for later phonics work. Classrooms have resources and play equipment selected for early years children, and each child has a peg for their belongings. Messy exploration is part of the offer: aprons are provided, but clothes can still get paint splashes. Waterproof coats and Wellington boots are part of the kit families supply.

A key person shares a written account of each child’s EYFS development at the end of the nursery year. Tapestry lets parents see learning activities and add observations from home, while parent consultations offer time to discuss what their child enjoys. Brief conversations with the teacher or keyworker are possible at collection or drop-off; longer discussions can be arranged by appointment. Stay and play events run throughout the year, giving families opportunities to participate.

Lunch has a social purpose as well as a practical one. Children eat together at tables, with a nursery staff member supporting each group and cutlery use developing motor skills. Those attending afternoon or all-day sessions need a healthy packed lunch or a school meal ordered ahead through Arbor. Fruit or other healthy snacks are provided, alongside milk or water at snack and lunch times. The setting is nut free, and parents can discuss allergies and dietary needs with the nursery team.

Toileting support includes advice for parents and encouragement towards independence. Families supply nappies or pull-ups where needed, plus spare clothing. Across the school, additional needs are assessed and support is recorded in a One Plan, with parents involved in planning. This makes the intended support and learning goals explicit.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. A separate application goes through Essex County Council Admissions; for September 2027 entry, the closing date is 15 January 2027.

Close connections with Reception teachers and children support transition for those who later join Stourview. That familiarity is separate from the allocation of school places. Families must still apply again.

Term-time weekday sessions run from 8.45am to 11.45am and from 12pm to 3pm. Morning and afternoon bookings can be combined to suit a family’s needs, subject to a minimum of four sessions per week. Sessions are agreed before each term; payable charges are due by its first day. Contact the school for current charges.

Universal funding provides 15 hours weekly for 38 weeks, starting the term after a child turns three. Eligible working families may receive 30 hours. A funding form is required each term. Meals are booked separately, and families bring care supplies such as nappies and sun cream where needed.

Uniform is optional. Nursery enquiries and tour arrangements go through nursery@stourview.academy or 01206 484227. Applications for future starts lead to email contact during the preceding term; immediate starts depend on a place being available.