The Pilgrim School Nursery Review

Curiosity and conversation give this teacher-led nursery its character. The Pilgrim School’s nursery, known as FS1, takes children from the term following their third birthday, with up to 26 places within a Church of England primary school in Borstal, Rochester. A qualified teacher leads the group. The nursery aims to strengthen children’s starting skills and support families through early intervention.

Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Outstanding at its inspection on 7 and 8 January 2025. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.

The curiosity approach shapes early years learning here. The school aims to encourage children to notice, explore and wonder, giving their questions a place in learning. Character Education is another named influence: the school links learning with the development of personal qualities and relationships.

In January 2025, children in early years received skilled adult support that developed their language and extended their thinking. Adults demonstrated vocabulary and asked questions to encourage curiosity. For a parent, the useful detail is the role of conversation: children’s learning develops through exchanges with adults, alongside the activities themselves.

Practical exploration forms part of the early years curriculum too. Children learn to handle materials, techniques and tools safely in design and technology. These are foundations for making and experimenting, with learning beginning from each child’s starting point rather than a finished product alone.

Learning routines and getting along with others are part of early years care. In January 2025, adults helped children warmly as they developed social skills and became familiar with routines. That support connects the demands of a group day with learning how to manage emotions and relationships.

Across the school, the SENDCo coordinates additional educational provision, while pastoral support connects families, staff and outside services. Parents can raise concerns with the class teacher, involving the SENDCo where appropriate. Individual school-based plans record support and targets and are shared with parents. The school acknowledges that funding and adult ratios limit its mainstream provision, making discussion of a child’s needs important before starting.

The school building has a lift, an outdoor ramp to the main entrance and wide corridors. These physical features matter for families considering access around the site.

Nursery attendance neither guarantees a Reception place nor gives admission priority. Families must make a separate application using the Medway Reception Common Application Form, submitted to Medway Council’s admissions team. For September 2027 entry, the application closing date is 15 January 2027.

For children joining Reception, preparation includes a home visit, meetings before Term 1 and joint sessions with parents and children. These introduce families to learning and ways to support it at home. They are transition arrangements, separate from the allocation of places.

Monday to Friday attendance follows school terms. The full-day pattern runs from 8:45am to 3:15pm and is described as 30 funded hours per week. A limited number of funded 15-hour places cover five mornings or five afternoons: 8:45am to 11:45am, or 12:15pm to 3:15pm. These are five-day patterns, so families should consider how either option fits their working week.

Nursery applications use the school’s nursery application form. Enquiries go to the office on 01634 975555 or office@pilgrim.medway.sch.uk. The school is on Warwick Crescent, Borstal, Rochester, ME1 3LF.