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Nursery at Dilkes Academy
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Songs and rhymes gave nursery children a starting point for learning sounds and letter shapes at Dilkes Academy in April 2023. This is the nursery within Dilkes Academy on Garron Lane, South Ockendon, rather than a separate childcare setting.
Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Outstanding at its inspection on 19 and 20 April 2023. That judgement covers early years within the school. The school aims to develop children’s independence, responsibility and care for others, giving families a sense of the wider values surrounding nursery life.
Reading begins with sound and rhythm. In April 2023, nursery children were learning introductory sounds and the shapes of letters through rhymes and songs. These activities connect spoken language with the beginnings of written language. The emphasis is on foundations: listening to sounds and becoming familiar with how letters look.
Curiosity also reaches beyond the immediate activity. During an early years discussion about growing plants in April 2023, children explored the reasons fruit is imported. A familiar subject became an opportunity to consider a bigger question. Such conversations developed language, understanding and children’s capacity to express an opinion.
Together, these examples make the early years foundation stage tangible for parents: learning includes both the beginnings of literacy and discussion about the surrounding world. The school uses Read Write Inc. for systematic phonics across Early Years and Key Stage 1; the nursery-specific activity described above is songs, rhymes, sounds and letter shapes.
Inclusion is part of the school’s stated approach. Resources support participation in learning and school life, including for children who arrive at different starting points or speak English as an additional language. The practical emphasis is on helping children join in.
Families also have access to information about mental health services in Thurrock, covering adults as well as children and young people. This extends the support information beyond the classroom to the wider family.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families need to make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route and meet the relevant deadline. Choosing the nursery and applying for a school place are separate decisions.
For the 2026/2027 Reception intake, applications had to reach the Local Education Authority by 15 January 2026, with Thurrock Council providing the local admissions route. That deadline has passed. It belongs to that intake and should not be treated as the deadline for a later application.
Nursery enquiries go through the school office. Contact Dilkes Academy on 01708 852 128 or email admin.da@catrust.org.uk. The school also accepts questions through a contact form. These give families a direct enquiry route for the nursery at Garron Lane, South Ockendon, RM15 5JQ.
Yes. It is the school’s own nursery provision at Dilkes Academy in South Ockendon.
In April 2023, children learned introductory sounds and letter shapes through songs and rhymes.
The school’s early years provision was judged Outstanding at the inspection on 19 and 20 April 2023. This was an early years judgement within the school inspection.
No. Families must apply separately for Reception through the normal admissions process.
Contact the school office on 01708 852 128, email admin.da@catrust.org.uk or use the school’s contact form.
