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Nursery at Southway Primary 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Play, a purpose-built nursery and its own outdoor garden give Southway’s provision its character. On the school’s shared site in Bognor Regis, children have space to explore their interests while adults introduce broader themes. The emphasis is on children taking an active part in learning.
Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Good at the inspection on 1 and 2 March 2022. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.
Children’s choices help shape the learning. Staff introduce curriculum themes, then develop these alongside the interests children bring to their play. Adults demonstrate, offer help and extend understanding rather than simply leave children to occupy themselves. This gives child-led activity a teaching purpose.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the framework for the nursery’s learning spaces. In practical terms, the purpose-built setting brings different areas of early learning into play, with a garden extending that work outdoors. Movement and exploration are part of the learning environment, rather than an extra confined to indoor activities.
Early reading has a clear seasonal sequence. During autumn, children explore voice and environmental sounds, rhythm, rhyme, alliteration, instrumental sounds and body percussion. Stories, songs, clapping and group activities turn listening into something children practise together. Sand moulds also let them investigate letters informally, while adults demonstrate writing and sounding out words.
Spring brings the Read Write Inc. Nursery programme, with brief sessions introducing more formal phonics. The progression matters: listening and sound awareness come before the more structured work. In March 2022, early-years routines also helped children become more independent, connecting learning with the everyday business of managing themselves.
Qualified teachers and experienced staff run the nursery. Their role includes extending children’s development through play, so adult involvement is part of the learning model.
For children with additional needs, the school’s SENDCo works with families, colleagues and outside professionals. Observation, reviews of progress and referrals help shape support. The wider school has accessible toilets, a shower-equipped hygiene room and wheelchair access throughout, giving families concrete features to consider alongside individual support arrangements.
School meals are provided by ISS Education from September 2026. Ordering uses Kanpla, while the FEED app supports registration of medical dietary requirements and filtering by dietary preference. These school-level arrangements distinguish meal administration from the nursery’s teaching day.
Attending Southway’s nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal Reception admissions process, coordinated by West Sussex County Council, and meet the applicable deadline.
The shared site and communication between nursery and school staff provide continuity as children move on. Southway attributes its transition approach to those connections and a shared learning ethos. This is about familiarity and preparation; it does not secure admission.
Three nursery patterns are offered each day: mornings run from 08:30 to 11:30, afternoons from 12:30 to 15:30, and all-day sessions from 08:30 to 15:00. The afternoon session therefore finishes later than the all-day option, a useful distinction when planning collection.
Universal Funding covers 15 hours through five mornings or five afternoons. Eligible families can use 30 hours of Extended Free Entitlement. The funded pattern and the session choice need to work together for the family’s routine.
Nursery clothing includes purple joggers, a logo sweatshirt or cardigan, and a T-shirt or polo shirt. Children need indoor footwear, outdoor trainers and wellies; a sunhat is essential in warmer weather. These requirements fit a day that uses both the nursery room and garden.
For nursery enquiries, call 01243 810200. School tours can also be arranged by telephone, giving families a practical next step before choosing the provision.
Morning sessions run from 08:30 to 11:30, afternoon sessions from 12:30 to 15:30, and all-day sessions from 08:30 to 15:00, each day.
Yes. The nursery offers 15 hours of Universal Funding through five morning or five afternoon sessions, plus 30 hours of Extended Free Entitlement for eligible families.
No. Reception requires a separate application through the process coordinated by West Sussex County Council.
Autumn activities develop listening and awareness of sounds through play, songs, stories and rhymes. Children begin the Read Write Inc. Nursery programme in spring, using short sessions.
Nursery uniform includes a logo sweatshirt or cardigan, a T-shirt or polo shirt and purple joggers. Indoor footwear, outdoor trainers and wellies are required, with a sunhat for warmer weather.
