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Nursery at Leigh Academy Peninsula East
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Play, questions and books shape PEPA Tots, the nursery at Leigh Academy Peninsula East in Allhallows. With 21 places for children aged 3 and over, it operates within the academy rather than as a separate childcare setting. Its term-time calendar covers 38 weeks, making it a school-year option for families planning their childcare.
Ofsted judged the school's early years provision Outstanding at the inspection on 21 and 22 May 2024. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery inspection outcome. The nursery's character comes through in the detail: children choose activities, adults introduce others, and learning extends outdoors.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) works alongside the Primary Years Programme (PYP). In parent language, the EYFS brings together talking, movement and relationships with early reading, number, creative work and understanding the world. These areas connect rather than sitting in separate lessons. The PYP adds inquiry through play, with nursery children exploring four themes over the year.
Choice has a physical structure here. Children move between spaces for construction, books, imaginative play, writing, science, art, mathematics and sensory exploration. Adult-led activities sit alongside those children select themselves, giving the session both direction and room for individual interests. Indoor and outdoor spaces are accessible in all weather, so learning outside is part of the provision rather than an occasional extra.
In May 2024, early years children maintained their attention independently for substantial stretches across different activities. Books also mattered from the nursery stage: adults and children shared an enthusiasm for stories. Together, these findings give parents a concrete picture of children spending time on an activity and developing an interest in reading, rather than simply moving through a timetable.
Tapestry connects learning at nursery with home. Foundation Stage families can see classroom activities and add photographs or comments about experiences beyond school. That makes communication two-way and gives parents a practical way to contribute to their child's learning.
For concerns about development, the school's first contact is the class teacher, with the SENCo available through senco@peninsulaeast.latrust.org.uk. The school uses an assess, plan, do and review cycle: parents help agree support and contribute when its impact is reviewed. This gives families a defined role in decisions about additional help. Respectful behaviour towards other children was evident from early years in May 2024.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through Medway Council's coordinated admissions process and follow its normal timetable.
For the 2026/27 admissions year, nursery attendance confers no priority. The priority categories cover children in care or previously looked after, qualifying siblings, qualifying staff children, medical or social access needs, and distance. Being familiar with the academy therefore does not replace an application or change a child's position through nursery attendance alone.
Standard sessions run from 9am to noon, noon to 3pm, or 9am to 3pm. Funded patterns differ: five mornings run from 8:45am to 11:45am, while five afternoons run from noon to 3pm. The full-day funded pattern runs Monday to Friday, 8:45am to 3pm, and is described as 30 funded hours. Agree the applicable pattern with the nursery teacher or office manager before starting.
The 15-hour funded placement comprises five mornings or five afternoons over 38 term-time weeks. A 30-hour option is also offered, subject to eligibility and providing the funding code. Additional hours are invoiced a week ahead; contact the school for current charges.
Wraparound care. Breakfast and after-school clubs require separate bookings and are excluded from nursery sessions and funded sessions. Nursery places in these clubs are limited, so families needing a longer day should factor that constraint into their plans.
Contact the school office on 01634 270428 or office@peninsulaeast.latrust.org.uk for nursery enquiries and to arrange a visit. Children can start from their third birthday.
Children can start from their third birthday. The nursery provides care for children aged 3 and over.
Yes. Standard morning sessions run from 9am to noon and afternoons from noon to 3pm. Funded morning sessions run from 8:45am to 11:45am; the 15-hour funded pattern comprises five mornings or five afternoons.
No. Reception requires a separate application through Medway Council. Nursery attendance gives no priority under the 2026/27 arrangements.
No. These clubs are booked separately, outside nursery and funded sessions, and places for nursery children are limited.
Through Tapestry, Foundation Stage parents can upload photographs and comments about home activities and see activities completed in class.
