St Ethelbert's Catholic Primary School and Nursery: Nursery Review

Up to 16 children per session gives St Ethelbert's nursery a small-group starting point within a Catholic primary school. The nursery is on the school site in Dane Park Road, Ramsgate, and funded attendance begins in the term following a child's third birthday. The school describes the group size as giving the nursery a family feel.

Its aims combine independence with confidence: children are encouraged to choose resources for themselves, explore and try things out. The Catholic character also shapes the early-years vision, with the school linking its expectations for children to its Christian mission. For families, this is an introduction to learning within an explicitly faith-based school community.

Three-hour morning and afternoon sessions give the day clear boundaries. Learning follows the Early Years Foundation Stage 2025 Framework, with play alongside adults and independent access to resources. In practical terms, the school's approach brings reading, writing and maths into an environment where children can make choices, while adults join their play and help develop their learning.

Phonics and maths feature in nursery activity, with children recognised for listening and taking part independently. Reading has an early start here. At the May 2025 inspection, staff were following the reading programme closely from Nursery, and children were progressing well through the curriculum from that starting point. The same inspection identified gaps in some pupils' recall within the wider school curriculum, rather than identifying a nursery-specific weakness.

There are occasions beyond ordinary sessions too. A nursery Christmas concert is scheduled for 14 December 2026, and a nursery sports afternoon for 14 June 2027. These give families opportunities to share children's experiences; the dates and times remain subject to change.

Settling begins with opportunities to play before starting. Spring starters have a Stay and Play scheduled for 15 December 2026; summer starters have one on 16 March 2027. Both dates are subject to change. These sessions give children and families an opportunity to become familiar with the nursery before their first term.

For children with additional needs, the school can offer a taster session where appropriate and a transition book if helpful. The SEND team uses information from parents, previous settings and assessments to plan support. Medical conditions prompt a care plan developed with the family. Across the school buildings, a sensory area, intervention room and care suite provide physical spaces for support.

Early Years children receive daily snacks. School-wide eating guidance asks families to send water in refillable bottles and cut snacks into small pieces; children are encouraged to eat sitting down before playing. That makes safe eating part of the care routine.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process.

For September 2026 entry, applications went through Kent County Council online and closed on 15 January 2026. That deadline has passed. Treat nursery attendance and the Reception application as separate decisions when planning your child's next stage.

Morning sessions run from 8.40am to 11.40am; afternoons run from 12.10pm to 3.10pm. The nursery operates during school hours in term time. Funding covers 15 or 30 hours according to entitlement, and whole-day attendance is an option for children entitled to 30 government-funded hours. Additional sessions carry a charge; contact the school for current charges.

Visits can be arranged through the school office. Call 01843 585555 or email admin@stethelbertsschool.co.uk to enquire. For parents weighing up the session pattern, a visit offers a practical next step before choosing morning, afternoon or eligible whole-day attendance.