Ortu Corringham Primary School Nursery

Play, conversation and learning to listen shape the early years here. Ortu Corringham’s nursery takes children from their second birthday until they move on to Reception, making it an introduction to school life for children who are still developing their independence. The provision sits within the primary school on Herd Lane in Corringham.

Morning, afternoon and all-day sessions give families different ways to organise attendance. These run in school term time. For children aged three and above, Breakfast Club and After School Club can extend care beyond the nursery session, so the core day and additional care need to be considered together.

Children’s interests help shape their learning, with activities chosen by children balanced against work guided by adults. The nursery aims to develop curiosity and independence through play. That means exploration has a purpose: children can investigate ideas while adults help extend what they understand and can do.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) covers development and care alongside learning. Here, its areas include movement, relationships and communication, as well as early mathematics, literacy, creative work and understanding the world. Development Matters supports assessment. For parents, the emphasis is broader than preparing children to recognise letters or numbers: learning to communicate and play alongside others matters too.

In December 2022, nursery children practised distinguishing sounds, including sounds from nature. This gives early reading preparation a listening focus. Children also took part in seasonal making activities, including gingerbread and candle holders. These are concrete examples of learning through practical tasks within the nursery classroom, rather than a timetable built solely around formal instruction.

Communication needs received close attention in early years in December 2022. Adults observed children’s developing interaction and speech, identifying needs early so support could begin promptly. This matters for children who need help joining conversations or socialising with their peers.

Learning Support Assistants work alongside the nursery team. Parents can also contribute observations to the Tapestry online learning journey, as well as receive observations from school. That creates a way to connect learning at home with learning in nursery.

Food arrangements depend on the session booked. A lunch period falls between morning and afternoon provision. Breakfast Club provides breakfast, while children remaining in After School Club beyond 17:15 receive a cooked meal.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through Thurrock Council Education Department and meet the normal application deadline. Treat choosing nursery and applying for school as two separate decisions; attendance alone should never be taken as confirmation of a future place.

The morning session runs from 8:30 to 11:30, followed by lunch from 11:30 to 12:00. Afternoon attendance is from 12:00 to 15:00; the all-day option runs from 8:30 to 15:00. Both sessions can be booked together.

Eligible families can access 15- or 30-hour provision. Lunch carries an additional charge, and wraparound care is charged separately. Contact preschooladmin@corringhamprimary.com for nursery enquiries and current charges. Nursery absences should be reported through the Studybugs App.