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Nursery at Porters Grange Primary School and Nursery
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Choosing stories is part of learning to make choices here: nursery children use Tonie audio boxes and vote for the story they want to hear. Listening to other children’s preferences gives that small decision a social purpose, too. Play and language shape the provision’s character.
Porters Grange’s nursery belongs to the primary school on Lancaster Gardens in Southend-on-Sea. Children can start in the term following their third birthday. At the Ofsted inspection on 8 and 9 May 2024, early years provision was judged Good within the school’s inspection, rather than as a separately graded nursery.
Children’s interests help shape the learning. Planning in the Moment means adults respond to opportunities arising during play, extending children’s thinking and encouraging them to work together. Alongside this, adults organise group and class teaching for mathematics and phonics. Children have room to choose, with adult teaching woven into their activities.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) covers seven areas through daily play: creative expression and understanding the world sit alongside early literacy, mathematics, physical development, communication and personal development. In parent terms, learning includes how children speak, move, relate to others and explore, as well as their first steps with numbers and reading. Daily indoor and outdoor learning, described as free flow, lets children explore in different surroundings.
Letters and Sounds provides daily phonics teaching. Tonie audio boxes add another way to enjoy stories within the nursery’s everyday play provision; the weekly story vote also gives children practice in listening to one another and accepting different choices.
Language received specific praise in May 2024: adults introduced vocabulary and created opportunities for children to try those words during play. This connects new language with something children are actually doing, rather than leaving it as an isolated exercise.
Learning to be together is part of the early years approach. Adults encourage cooperation and help children express themselves, while modelling social behaviour. Listening before speaking, being helpful and learning about cultural celebrations turn social expectations into everyday actions. The school aims to build children’s confidence and independence through these experiences.
Safeguarding training takes place annually for all school staff, with updates during the year. Parents with concerns about a child’s welfare can ask to speak to a safeguarding lead. This gives families a clear route for raising concerns.
The school’s catering provision includes freshly prepared daily meals and a menu rotating over three weeks, described in February 2024. This is a school-wide arrangement. It should not be read as a nursery lunch package attached to either half-day session.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through Southend Council’s normal admissions route and meet the deadline for their child’s intake. Familiarity with the school is separate from allocation of a school place.
Applications go through Southend’s early years and school admissions portal at www.southend.gov.uk/admissions. For the September 2026 intake, the application period ran from 14 September 2025 to 15 January 2026; that cycle is now past.
Morning nursery runs from 8.45am to 11.45am, while the afternoon session is 12.15pm to 3.15pm. Both operate Monday to Friday during term time. The nursery also accepts children eligible for 30 hours funding. The half-day pattern gives families a clear timetable around which to organise collection and other care.
A nursery registration form places children on the waiting list. School visits can be arranged by calling 01702 468047; enquiries can also go to office@pgps.porticoacademytrust.co.uk.
Uniform includes a logo white shirt or polo and royal blue knitwear, with black or grey jogging bottoms permitted for nursery children. A blue Porters Grange book bag or rucksack is encouraged. Pre-loved uniform is available through the school office, and belongings should be labelled to help return lost items.
Children can start in the term after their third birthday.
Sessions run Monday to Friday in term time: 8.45am to 11.45am or 12.15pm to 3.15pm.
Yes, it accepts children who are eligible for 30 hours funding.
No. Families need a separate application through Southend Council’s normal admissions process.
Call the school on 01702 468047 to arrange a school visit.
