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Nursery at Prince Avenue Academy 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
A separate nursery building, an enclosed garden and an early introduction to letter sounds give Prince Avenue’s youngest children a distinct place within the academy. The nursery caters for children aged 2 to 4 at Hornby Avenue in Westcliff-on-Sea. Its building houses three preschool classes, with room leadership divided between the two-year-old provision and the three- and four-year-old provision.
Ofsted graded early years provision Good following its inspection on 8 and 9 November 2022. This was an early years judgement within the school inspection. Children were achieving well and becoming independent quickly, giving families a positive picture of their early development at that time.
Adult teaching sits alongside structured continuous provision within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). In parent language, that combines direct instruction with organised opportunities for children to practise and develop their learning. In November 2022, children had planned opportunities across the early years curriculum, rather than a narrow focus on preparation for reading.
Read Write Inc begins in Nursery. In November 2022, children explored letter sounds through activities and games, giving early literacy a practical starting point. Personal, social and emotional development also forms part of the EYFS approach: the school aims to help children recognise feelings, manage their own needs and learn to cooperate with others. Learning to wait and work through disagreements matters alongside learning sounds.
The physical setting includes air conditioning, an accessible toilet and step-free access both to the nursery building and its fenced garden. That outdoor space gives the nursery its own enclosed area, while the access arrangements are relevant for children with mobility needs.
Nursery practitioners and a lunchtime assistant form part of the team. SEND support is coordinated by the school SENDCo, working with the EYFS teacher through Assess, Plan, Do, Review. Parents take part in deciding the support their child needs, making this a shared planning process rather than a decision delivered to families afterwards.
For children with SEND, joining support includes conversations with parents and their previous setting, plus visits to meet the new adults and children. Extra visits can be arranged where needed. Between classes, additional visits and transition booklets can also help children prepare for a change.
The 2021/22 nursery arrangements included lunch brought from home or a paid meal from the school meal service. School meals are cooked on site each day, with bread and fruit accompanying the chosen meal. Families using that service should obtain current charges from the school.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must submit a separate application through their home local authority; Southend-on-Sea handles applications for borough residents. For September 2027 entry, the application period runs from 14 September to 15 January.
Nursery attendance does confer a specific priority under the 2027/28 arrangements: it is the fifth oversubscription category, below catchment residence and above applicants living outside the catchment. Children must be on the nursery roll in the preceding year and before the 15 January closing date to qualify in the main round. Children joining later are considered in this category after national offer day on 16 April. Priority is not a promise of admission.
Separately, the November 2022 early years findings described a smooth move from Nursery to Reception. That concerns children’s transition experience, not the allocation of places.
Funded and paid provision are both accepted. Funding includes 15 hours weekly for three-year-olds, beginning the term after their third birthday; some three- and four-year-olds qualify for up to 30 hours. Eligible two-year-olds may receive 15 hours from the term after turning two.
The 2021/22 nursery arrangements used an opening window of 8:30am to 3:30pm, including lunch, with additional hours charged separately. Fees are payable ahead of attendance; late invoice payments and late collection attract charges, with collection charges applied in 15-minute intervals.
Children are dropped off at the nursery at their designated time and collected directly from it. For enquiries or to arrange a school visit, contact the office on 01702 311411 or email office@princeavenue.co.uk. Nursery application forms can be obtained from the office or completed online.
The nursery caters for children aged 2 to 4, with room leaders for the two-year-old and three- and four-year-old provision.
No. A separate local authority application is required. For 2027/28, qualifying nursery attendance ranks fifth in the oversubscription criteria, subject to the nursery-roll and closing-date conditions.
Read Write Inc starts in Nursery. In November 2022, children explored letter sounds through games and activities.
Three-year-olds receive 15 hours weekly from the term after their third birthday. Some three- and four-year-olds qualify for up to 30 hours, and eligible two-year-olds may receive 15 hours from the term after turning two.
Children enter the nursery directly at their designated time and are collected directly from the nursery.
