St Katherine's School & Nursery: nursery review

Space to choose and room to move define Acorn Class: a large, purpose-built nursery with an outdoor area used year-round. Children can select their own resources and also use facilities in the main school. For a three-year-old, that means nursery life has its own base while offering familiarity with a bigger school setting.

St Katherine's nursery in Snodland welcomes children from age 3. Capacity is 52 children in each session, with 40 lunch places. A Nursery Manager qualified to Level 6 leads provision, supported by Early Years Practitioners with qualifications at Level 3 or above. The Deputy Headteacher oversees the Foundation Stage. Ofsted graded early years provision Good at the inspection on 30 and 31 January 2024; this covers the school's early years provision rather than a separate nursery inspection.

Each session begins with 30 minutes for children to settle. A carpet gathering follows, with songs and an explanation of the day's routine, before children choose their activities and move between outdoor and indoor spaces. Later comes an activity directed by an adult, either with everyone together or in smaller key groups. Choice and shared learning both have a place in the session.

The Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum is taught through play, with topics drawn from children's interests and activities adapted to individual needs. In parent terms, learning grows from what interests a child rather than relying only on a fixed sequence of tasks. Early writing includes making marks with different tools and textures, alongside activities that develop the hand control needed for writing. Children in early years also begin using French greetings.

In January 2024, nursery teaching included opportunities to develop children's language, communication and emotional understanding. There was also a school-wide assessment concern: teachers sometimes missed misunderstandings or addressed them imprecisely, putting accurate, lasting learning at risk. Strengthening those checks was an improvement requirement for the school, rather than a separate nursery judgement.

Settling starts before the first session. The team likes to visit children at home to learn about their interests and particular requirements, and families can visit the nursery to meet staff. Once a child starts, the Acorn Class team works with parents to help them settle, taking account of differing family routines.

Each child has a Key Worker who records their learning and shares it through Evidence Me. Parents can talk with the team at collection and drop-off, discuss progress at parents' evenings and follow the developing My Unique Story record. These give families both everyday conversation and a longer view of their child's progress.

Fresh fruit and milk are accessible at the snack station during the morning. Children attending a full school day bring a packed lunch. Breakfast is included with Breakfast Club, while After School Club includes a snack and light meal. For additional needs, the school can adapt teaching or arrange support individually or in small groups; SEN support plans are shared with parents and reviewed. Step-free building access, designated disabled toilets and grab rails are practical features supporting access and self-care.

Attending St Katherine's nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the Local Authority's normal process and meet its deadline; primary places are allocated against entry criteria. Treat nursery attendance and the Reception application as two separate decisions.

Familiarity is useful preparation, however. Nursery children already see Reception staff, wear the uniform and move around the school. Transition activities include meetings with new teachers and teaching assistants, teacher visits during Term 6, and Stay 'n' Play and Story Time sessions that parents book after the Information Evening. These help children get acquainted with the next stage, without securing admission.

Morning sessions run from 8:45am to 11:45am, afternoons from 12:30pm to 3:30pm, and full days from 8:45am to 3:30pm. Lunch sessions are another option, with additional charges possible when attendance exceeds funded hours.

Universal funding provides 15 hours a week from the school term after a child's third birthday. The nursery's free 15-hour pattern is five morning or afternoon sessions. Subject to eligibility, the 30-hour pattern combines four full days with one morning or afternoon session. Delivery can be flexible, including extended sessions, with charges potentially applying. After School Club excludes Friday. Contact the school for current charges.

To arrange a nursery visit, contact the school office on 01634 240061 or email office@st-katherines.kent.sch.uk. Nursery places depend on availability when families apply, so the chosen attendance pattern matters as well as the total hours.