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Nursery at Springhead Park Primary School
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Learning to listen, finding words for play and becoming curious about the world give Springhead Park’s nursery its direction. The nursery aims to develop the language children need before reading, alongside patience, cooperation and problem-solving. These are practical foundations for joining a class and taking part in its activities.
Hedgehog and Squirrel are the nursery classes within Springhead Park Primary School in Northfleet. Children can start in the term following their third birthday. At the Ofsted inspection on 24 and 25 May 2023, the school’s early years provision received a Good judgement. That judgement covers early years within the school.
Play and language work together here. In May 2023, children in early years approached play positively, shared turns and responded attentively to adults. Staff demonstrated vocabulary that children could bring into their play, helping them develop spoken language through what they were doing.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) approach includes learning led by children, with White Rose hub planning supporting mathematics. Here, early mathematical learning means exploring numbers, recognising patterns and discussing discoveries. The nursery’s aims also emphasise concentration and working with other children, so learning involves participation as well as knowledge.
Hedgehog and Squirrel topics include Traditional Tales, Celebrations and Under the Sea. These give the year different themes to explore. Across early years, daily phonics was part of learning in May 2023: children practised reading straightforward words and writing using the sounds they knew. Spoken vocabulary and early reading therefore sit alongside play, rather than being separate ambitions.
Class teachers work alongside learning support assistants in the nursery. Squirrel families can speak with staff at drop-off to raise questions or pass on information. This gives parents a direct opportunity to share something that may affect their child’s session.
Across the school, additional learning needs can be supported through targeted help over a short period. SEND support. In May 2023, teaching adaptations were used inconsistently in some school subjects, limiting learning for some pupils with SEND. Families should discuss how their child’s agreed support will be applied in nursery activities; this was a school-wide concern, rather than a nursery-specific finding.
Breakfast, lunch and afterschool groups are options within the nursery’s childcare arrangements. They matter for families extending care around a session.
Nursery attendance gives no priority for a Reception place and does not guarantee admission. Families must make a separate application through Kent County Council in the normal admissions round, meeting the deadline for their child’s intake. Treat the nursery choice and the Reception application as two separate decisions.
The universal funded offer is 15 hours across Monday to Friday, during school terms: either 9:00am to noon or 12:30pm to 3:30pm. Families commit to the complete weekly pattern. This is a regular five-day arrangement, so it suits parents who can organise care around the same session each day.
Eligible working parents can apply for additional funded sessions from noon to 3:00pm on any or all weekdays, bringing entitlement up to 30 hours. Parents must apply for the eligibility code in the term before their child turns three. The code must reach the school before term begins, and eligibility needs reconfirming every three months. Those without the extended entitlement can book chargeable noon-to-3:00pm sessions, allocated for the term once confirmed. Ask the school for current charges.
An optional paid extension from 3:00pm to 3:30pm must cover every nursery attendance day. Send the nursery application to office@springhead.kent.sch.uk; staff acknowledge it and explain the next steps. Collection is restricted to adults nominated by parents or carers whom the child recognises. Tell the office if someone new will collect.
Children become eligible in the term after their third birthday.
The 15-hour pattern runs Monday to Friday in term time, either 9:00am to noon or 12:30pm to 3:30pm. Families commit to the full weekly pattern.
Eligible working parents can apply for additional noon-to-3:00pm sessions on any or all weekdays. Parents must apply for the eligibility code in the term before their child turns three, provide it before term starts and reconfirm eligibility every three months.
No. Attendance gives no Reception priority or guaranteed place. A separate application must go through Kent County Council.
Email the completed nursery application to office@springhead.kent.sch.uk. Staff confirm receipt and advise on the next steps.
