Greatstone Primary School Nursery Review

Play leads the learning in Starfish Class, where children’s interests help shape what happens next. Greatstone Primary School’s nursery has 40 places and welcomes children from age two. It belongs to the school’s Early Learning Zone, bringing nursery and Reception together within a shared early years setting.

A dedicated nursery teacher works alongside the Reception teacher. That connection matters for continuity of learning, although it does not confer an admissions advantage. Ofsted rated the school’s early years provision Good following the inspection on 24 and 25 May 2022; this was an early years judgement within the school inspection.

Children help steer the activity. Adults develop learning from interests that emerge during play, adjust their plans as children develop and observe what children can do independently. The nursery uses Birth to Five Matters guidance, allowing for differences in development between children of similar ages. The emphasis is on understanding something deeply and using it in different situations, rather than simply moving through stages.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) approach combines play children direct themselves with experiences guided by adults. In everyday language, that means exploring, trying ideas, solving problems and learning how to get along with others. Greatstone aims to give children sustained time for play, with adults extending their vocabulary through conversation and shared discovery. Children’s communication counts whether it uses words or other ways of expressing themselves.

There is a concrete outdoor example, too. In May 2022, nursery children explored a wet play area. During that inspection, early years children also dramatised familiar stories, using storytelling to practise speech and communication. These examples show learning through action: experimenting outdoors and putting language to work in imaginative play.

Family Key Person roles form part of the nursery team, alongside early years teachers and an early years apprentice. The early years lead also holds safeguarding and EYFS SENCo responsibilities. Every member of staff working in the nursery room holds a current Level 3 paediatric first aid qualification, giving families a specific assurance about emergency care training.

For concerns about development, families can approach their child’s teacher or the school’s inclusion team. Starfish Class also encourages parents worried about speech and language to use free drop-in sessions with qualified therapists. These provide a chance to discuss concerns and can lead to referrals for further sessions or guidance towards other resources. This gives families a practical next step when communication needs attention.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and gives no priority in the school’s oversubscription criteria. Families must make a separate Reception application through Kent County Council’s coordinated primary admissions process, meeting the local authority’s deadline. Applications usually go to the local authority in early January for a September start.

The shared Early Learning Zone connects the two stages, and nursery and Reception teachers work alongside one another. That is a learning relationship, separate from the allocation of places. Families should keep the Reception application on their calendar even when their child already attends Starfish Class.

Nursery enquiries go to nursery@greatstoneschool.co.uk or 01797 363916. The setting is on Baldwin Road in Greatstone, New Romney.

The school’s wraparound clubs include nursery children. Breakfast club starts at 7.30am, while after-school care runs until 5.45pm. Families can choose different days rather than commit to the same weekday each week, but bookings require at least 24 hours’ notice and are made through Arbor. The clubs use the nurture room, with access to outdoor play space, the playground and field. This flexibility may help families whose working days change.