All Faiths Children's Academy Nursery Review

Three-hour sessions or an all-day pattern give families two distinct ways to use the nursery at All Faiths Children's Academy. This is provision for three- and four-year-olds within the school on Gun Lane, Strood, rather than a separate childcare setting. Children can begin in the term following their third birthday, with entry points in September, January and April.

A nursery teacher sits within a team whose early years lead also holds the SENCO role. That connects nursery teaching with the coordination of support for children with special educational needs and disabilities.

Play and conversation shape the early years approach. The school describes learning through play as its EYFS ethos, combining activities children lead themselves with play adults guide. For parents, that means exploration and problem-solving sit alongside adult involvement, rather than learning being confined to formal tasks.

Across the EYFS, communication work includes singing, stories, group conversations and Speech Link interventions. The emphasis is on children expressing ideas and listening to others. These are everyday foundations for joining in, making friends and explaining what they need.

Outdoor learning extends into school grounds that include a pond, copse and large field, alongside playground areas. These are school facilities; they give the wider learning environment a concrete connection with nature.

The ungraded Ofsted inspection on 24 and 25 June 2025 identified school-wide concerns about inconsistent SEND support, checks on understanding that lacked precision, and insufficient literacy help in some lessons for pupils still learning to read. These concerns apply to the school overall and are not nursery-specific judgements. The next inspection will be graded.

School-wide support includes a SENCO and a safeguarding lead for children and families. Parents can contact the SENCO through the office to discuss concerns. For children with serious medical needs, care planning involves parents and, where necessary, the school nurse, so relevant staff share the arrangements.

Collection requires written authorisation for anyone other than the parent, and authorised adults must carry identification. Keep permission forms and emergency contacts current: these arrangements matter when someone else collects your child.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. A separate application is required, and attendance carries no priority under the 2027–2028 admission arrangements. For that intake, families apply through Medway Council, naming the school on the common application form, by 15 January 2027.

Transition support is a separate matter. Across the trust, children spend time with their new teaching staff during a transition session, with additional visits for those needing more time. Familiarity helps preparation; it does not change how places are allocated.

Morning nursery runs from 8.30am to 11.30am; afternoons run from noon to 3pm. The all-day timetable is 8.30am to 3pm. Provision operates during term time, Monday to Friday.

Funded provision includes the universal 15-hour entitlement and an additional 15 hours for eligible children, subject to places. The funded 30-hour pattern has a shorter Friday, ending at 12.30pm, with a charged extension to 3pm. Confirm the Friday pattern when booking and ask the school for current extension charges.

Apply through the school office, indicating your preferred attendance pattern and providing age documentation and, for extended funding, an eligibility code. Enquiries go to office@allfaithschildrensacademy.org.uk or 0333 360 2100.