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Nursery at Bishops Down Primary and Nursery School
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Weekly Forest School gives this nursery a clear outdoor thread. Qualified teachers lead the sessional provision for children aged 3-4, who share the primary school's grounds and facilities on the same site. Families can choose mornings, afternoons or a mixture, making the nursery day adaptable to a child's confidence and family routine.
In March 2026, Ofsted judged the school's early years provision to meet the Expected standard. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.
Three-hour sessions provide the basic shape of the day, with lunch between the morning and afternoon for children staying for both. Practical activities help children explore and understand their surroundings. Songs and rhymes are part of Nursery routines, giving language practice a familiar, repeatable form.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) organises learning into seven areas rather than separate school subjects. Here, Cornerstones links art and learning about the world through topics. Birth to 5 matters guides early handwriting development, with activities involving different senses building control of both small and larger movements. The emphasis starts with the physical foundations of writing.
Read Write Inc is introduced when nursery children are ready, usually as the summer term begins. Outside, weekly Forest School brings regular contact with a natural setting, supported by trainers from Kent High Weald. Children need spare clothes for these sessions. Outdoor learning is a recurring part of the week.
Language development. In March 2026, staff sometimes missed chances to check that children, including those in Nursery, could use vocabulary and communication skills securely throughout their learning. Strengthening this teaching was an early years improvement priority. Families should weigh that concern alongside the songs, rhymes and practical learning already in place.
A gradual increase in attendance is encouraged: the nursery asks families using universal funding to begin with three sessions and build towards five as confidence grows. Children can nevertheless use their full 15 hours immediately. This gives parents a choice between a gentler start and their full allocation from the outset.
In March 2026, early years staff recognised learning barriers promptly, responded sensitively to individual needs and involved families and outside professionals where support was needed. This included children with physical disabilities and those joining partway through the year. Parents can raise concerns with the class teacher, who can involve the SEND coordinator. Children's work is also shared through Tapestry, giving families a connection with nursery learning.
Lunch can be brought from home or bought as a cooked school meal, booked through the Parent App. Children attending only a morning session can add lunch. That creates an option between a short session and staying for the whole day.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place or confer priority. The school's oversubscription criteria cover care status, siblings, health and special access reasons, and distance; the linked-school criterion does not apply to Bishops Down.
Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal school admissions process. Kent County Council is the admissions authority, so use its school-place application route and meet the normal deadline for the relevant entry year. Choosing nursery sessions and applying for Reception are separate decisions.
Universal funding covers up to 15 hours each week; eligible families can receive an additional 15 hours, making 30 in total. Funding can be divided between this nursery and another nursery or childminder. Hours beyond the funded allocation are charged privately; contact the school for current charges.
Session choices. Once a place is offered, session requests are allocated in order of receipt, and preferred choices cannot be guaranteed. Increases take effect at the beginning of a seasonal term, rather than midway through it. Extra sessions depend on spare capacity and can be booked regularly for a short term or occasionally.
Nursery children do not have to wear school uniform, although black plimsolls are required for PE and some indoor use. To enquire, request a registration form or book a private nursery tour, call the school office on 01892 520114.
The sessional nursery caters for children aged 3-4 and is led by qualified teachers.
Yes. A full day combines the morning and afternoon sessions, with lunch between them. Session choices depend on availability.
Up to 15 universal funded hours are available each week, with an additional 15 hours for eligible families. Funding can be split with another nursery or childminder.
No. Attendance neither guarantees a place nor gives priority. A separate Reception application is required through the normal admissions process, with Kent County Council as admissions authority.
Yes, nursery children take part every week. The school works with Kent High Weald's Forest School Education team, and children need a change of clothes.
