Glenleigh Park Primary Academy Nursery

Play, songs and time outdoors shape the nursery experience at Glenleigh Park. Children aged two to four attend the school's nursery on Gunters Lane in Bexhill-on-Sea, with provision operating during term time. The emphasis is on learning through play, with a key person assigned to each child. That gives families a specific member of staff focused on their child's development.

Ofsted judged the school's early years provision Good at the inspection on 13 and 14 December 2023. This judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is the framework here, alongside a curriculum designed by Aurora Academies. Its seven learning areas bring together language, physical development and relationships with early literacy, maths, creative expression and understanding the world. For parents, the practical point is that learning extends beyond early reading and numbers to how children communicate, move and get along with others.

The day combines activities directed by adults with choices made by children. After registration, morning exploration includes planned small-group work and free-flow outdoor time. A snack bar opens during the morning, followed later by a group session for movement and music. Lunch sits alongside child-led activities, before another afternoon period of exploration, small-group learning and outdoor access. A shared snack and the week's story bring the main day towards its close. Wraparound periods use free play.

Books and sound play have a clear place. In December 2023, nursery children were using songs and rhymes to recognise sounds and were encouraged to enjoy books and stories. Across early years, children generally sustained their attention and participated in small groups with adult support. The qualification matters: curriculum delivery still needed greater consistency, including in early years, so that activities helped children deepen and retain their learning.

Each child's key person helps staff understand their development and plan individual support. Regular observation and assessment guide the next learning steps; parents receive updates through learning journals, meetings and everyday conversations. This connects the child's activities at nursery with discussions about progress at home. Aurora's approach also aims to help children joining its schools settle promptly and confidently.

Staff receive induction and continuing professional development during the academic year. Someone with paediatric first-aid training is on site at all times, and recruitment includes Disclosure and Barring Service checks. Staffing ratios are one adult for five children aged two to three, and one for eight aged three to five.

Food involves a choice: families can pay for a hot school lunch or send a packed lunch. Fruit snacks are free, and families can register for free milk through Cool Milk. Parents supply nappies and wipes.

Support can include emotional needs as well as learning. The pastoral team works with nursery children and includes Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) expertise, using individual or small-group sessions. For SEND concerns, parents first speak with their child's teacher, then can arrange a SENCo meeting through the office. In December 2023, early years staff supported small groups that included children with more complex SEND.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet the deadline for their child's intake. Treat that application as a distinct step when planning the move to school.

Opening hours are 08:00 to 16:00, Monday to Friday, during term time. The 15-hour funded offer can use mornings from 08:30 to 11:30, afternoons from 13:00 to 16:00, or an all-day pattern from 09:00 to 15:00. The 30-hour funded pattern runs from 09:00 to 15:00, Monday to Friday. These choices allow families to compare a shorter session with a longer nursery day.

Wraparound care runs from 08:00 to 09:00 and from 15:00 to 16:00; these hours are outside funded sessions and carry a charge. Additional hours beyond a child's entitlement may also be possible. Ask the school for current charges.

The nursery accepts universal 15-hour funding for three- and four-year-olds from the term after their third birthday, eligible two-year-old funding, and working-parent funding subject to eligibility. Applications can begin through the nursery enquiry form. For other enquiries, contact the office on 01424 213611 or office@glenleighppa.org.uk.