We accept children from their 2nd birthday onwards into the Nursery.
Frequently Asked Questions
These are some of the FAQs about the Nursery and School asked by prospective families.
If you have any other questions about Spring Grove, you can contact us directly via WhatsApp.
Nursery FAQs
What age can my child start Nursery?
Is the Nursery open full time?
Yes we offer all-year round Nursery provision, closing only for Christmas, Bank Holidays and training days. Click here for information about Nursery closure dates. Nursery Holiday Club hours are 7.30am – 4.30pm.
What are the timings of the Nursery term time sessions?
During term time there is a choice of morning (8.30-12.30pm) and all day (8.30-3.30pm) sessions.
Do you offer Early Years funding?
Spring Grove Nursery offers Early Years funding (up to 30 hours entitlement) during term time to eligible working families of 2 year olds. Spring Grove Nursery continues to offer the universal Early Years funding (up to 15 hours entitlement) during term time from the term after your child turns 3 years of age until the term in which they reach their 5th birthday. Spring Grove does not offer extended entitlement hours.
Do you offer wraparound care?
During term time there is wraparound care available from 7.30am to 6pm for all children. These wraparound sessions are booked via the SchoolsBuddy app. For times and charges please see the Fees information.
How do you help my child settle in?
We offer a free settling-in session for every child starting in the Nursery. All children have a key worker who will work closely with you to ensure your child overcomes any anxieties. We find that going out into the large, walled Nursery garden first thing in the morning helps the youngest children to find their feet and settle quickly into their new surroundings.
School FAQs
Can I come and look round the school?
We are always delighted to welcome prospective families into school. There is no better way to find out more about what we offer at Spring Grove than to come and visit us, whether on a weekday, or on a Saturday for an Open Morning. You can book a visit here.
Do you offer taster days?
Yes – all pupils from Reception upwards are invited in for a taster day or session, to meet the teachers and to get a feel for the school. We believe that taster days are a great way for prospective pupils to find out about us, to meet their peers and to experience a snapshot of life at Spring Grove. The taster is also an opportunity for us to make an informal assessment of prospective pupils.
Does my child have to start at the beginning of an academic year?
Admission to Spring Grove is usually at the beginning of the Autumn term (September), or at the start of the Spring or Summer terms (January or April). However in exceptional circumstances we may consider entry into a year group at any time during the course of the academic year, subject to places being available.
What is the assessment process for admissions?
Spring Grove is non-academically selective, and we welcome prospective pupils from all educational backgrounds. We assess prospective pupils from Reception upwards holistically, by inviting children to a taster day before an offer of a place is made. We also ask to see recent school reports. The purpose of this informal screening process is to ensure that the individual educational and social needs of each child can be met in the Spring Grove environment.
What are your class sizes?
Spring Grove is a small family school, and our class sizes and staff:pupil ratios ensure that each child receives high-quality, individual care. Teaching Assistants help our expert teachers to support all of the children’s needs and to extend their learning.
What time does school start and finish?
The school day for Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 is 8.30am-3.20pm. The children in Preps 3 to 6 have the same timings on Wednesdays and Fridays, and longer days (8.30am-4.30pm) on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Do you offer after-school clubs?
There are clubs after school for children from Reception to Prep 6, either 3.30-4.30pm or 4.30-5.30pm depending on year group and the day of the week. There is a charge per club to take part in the after-school programme, and clubs are booked through the SchoolsBuddy app.
Do you offer bursaries?
Spring Grove School is committed to broadening access to the school by offering to eligible families means-tested financial support with the payment of school fees. Financial support may be offered to new applicants to the school for Prep 3 upwards, and existing pupils where a change in circumstances has resulted in difficulty in paying fees. Further information is available on the Bursaries page.
Where do children go after Spring Grove?
Our focus is always on ensuring that we support families to make the best choice of secondary education for their child when they leave Spring Grove. That choice includes sitting the 11+ – the Kent Test (and possibly the Shepway Test) – for a place at a local grammar school, or entrance (ISEB) and scholarship exams for one of the wide range of local independent schools.
