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Nursery at Leigh Academy High Halstow
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Story times, dance and access to a sensory space give Hatchlings a day that reaches beyond its nursery room. Part of Leigh Academy High Halstow, this provision takes children aged three and above, with capacity for 26 in each session. It runs during term time for 38 weeks a year, making it a school-calendar choice for families.
Ofsted judged the school's early years provision Outstanding at the inspection on 20 and 21 June 2023. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.
A visual timetable gives each session a recognisable shape. Children review it with adults and can check it again during the day, helping them understand what comes next. Managing their own belongings is part of the routine too, giving independence a practical starting point.
Play and interaction with adults connect learning indoors and outside. Within this early years learning, children encounter mathematics and phonics, while stories, singing and dance bring language and music into the day. These introductions to phonics and mathematics help prepare children for school.
The school hall, library and sensory space extend the places nursery children can use. Trips, workshops and sports days add different experiences alongside everyday play. In June 2023, early years adults had substantial training in adapting learning for individual children, and close relationships supported high expectations. For parents, the useful combination is a predictable routine with room for children to learn in different ways.
Support for special educational needs and disabilities starts with an assessment of needs at registration. Where the nursery's core budget cannot meet those needs, the SENCo must apply immediately for SEN inclusion funding. This links the assessment to practical support.
For children with more complex SEND, the start date depends on preparations for accessibility, wellbeing and safety. Parents agree an individual timetable with the EYFS Lead and SENCo, taking account of the support their child needs. Families receiving Disability Living Allowance are asked for evidence so the academy can claim Disability Access Funding; eligible families who are not receiving the allowance can receive help with their application.
Breakfast is included when children attend the bookable Breakfast Club in the main school hall. This is a separate addition to the nursery session.
Attending Hatchlings does not guarantee a Reception place at Leigh Academy High Halstow. Parents must make a separate application through Medway Council's online route, within its normal admissions timetable. The application window runs from September to January.
For entry in 2027/28, nursery attendance gives no admissions priority. After children whose Education, Health and Care Plan names the academy, the criteria cover care status, siblings, qualifying staff children, health or special access reasons, and distance. Familiarity with the school and its shared spaces can support preparation for school, but families still need to complete the Reception application.
Funded places follow a fixed five-day pattern: Monday to Friday, 8:35am to 11:35am for 15 hours, or 8:35am to 2:35pm for eligible children receiving 30 hours. The nursery day can extend to 3:20pm with charged additional time. Families needing fewer attendance days should weigh that fixed pattern carefully.
Additional hours are managed through My Child At School (MCAS). A term's notice is required to change chargeable hours, and additional Breakfast Club or After School Club bookings depend on space. Fees are paid by module; activities beyond usual sessions, including outings and celebrations, are excluded. Contact the school for current charges.
For 30-hour funding, the eligibility code must reach the school a month before a new module, and eligibility needs reconfirming every three months. If the code does not reach staff in time, the place offered will cover only 15 funded hours. Enquiries and waiting-list requests use an online expression of interest form. Nursery visits can also be booked for 2026-27.
The nursery offers care from age three, with capacity for 26 children per session. Agree the starting date with the academy before attendance begins.
No. The funded pattern is fixed across Monday to Friday: 8:35am to 11:35am for 15 hours, or 8:35am to 2:35pm for eligible children receiving 30 hours.
No. A separate application through Medway Council is required. Nursery attendance does not confer priority for 2027/28 entry.
Children have indoor and outdoor provision, plus access to the school hall, sensory space and library. Stories, songs, dance, mathematics and phonics form part of their learning.
Submit the online expression of interest form to enquire about a nursery place or join the waiting list. Nursery visit booking is available for 2026-27.
