Bevendean Primary School and Nursery: Nursery Review

Bikes, stories and learning to cooperate give Bevendean’s nursery its character. This is the nursery class within Bevendean Primary School and Nursery on Heath Hill Avenue in Brighton, with entry from the term after a child’s third birthday and intakes in September and January. It offers an introduction to school life through language, counting and physical play.

Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Good at the November 2024 inspection; that judgement covers early years together, rather than giving the nursery a separate rating. The nursery staffing structure includes a class teacher and a teaching assistant whose role also includes midday supervision.

Stories provide a starting point for learning. In November 2024, children across early years took part in activities connected to their class books, giving stories a role beyond listening alone. Language development, early counting and discovering how the world works were evident in their learning. These are concrete examples of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) in practice here.

Outdoor play has a clear physical purpose. Children used bikes and other play equipment to practise coordination and balance. Adults and children worked together successfully, and children also cooperated with one another. For a parent choosing a first group setting, that combination matters: learning involves both trying things physically and taking part alongside others.

Early writing needs attention. In November 2024, letter formation received insufficient emphasis and some younger children formed letters inaccurately. The improvement action called for staff expertise in correcting those mistakes and more purposeful writing opportunities. This is a useful focus when discussing how the nursery supports a child’s first attempts at writing.

Additional needs can be discussed as part of a visit: families are invited to flag them beforehand so that a meeting can be arranged. A SENCO works across the school and can speak with parents in person or by telephone. That gives families a direct route into discussing support.

The wider school’s support resources include a sensory room and outdoor areas used for emotional and sensory regulation, including a pond and wildlife area. Staff training includes Early Years and KS1 Talk Boost and delivery of NHS Speech and Language plans. These are school resources and staff capabilities, rather than a promise of a particular intervention for every nursery child.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place, and the admission priorities listed on the school’s admissions page do not give nursery children priority. Families must make a separate Reception application through Brighton and Hove Council. The stated deadline is the middle of January, with places allocated and confirmed by the local authority.

Preparation for starting Reception is a separate matter. The arrangements include a summer meeting for parents, followed by two classroom play visits towards the term’s end. Home visits by a teacher and teaching assistant precede a gradual September start. Individual settling arrangements can be made when a child has difficulties. These steps help children become familiar with people and surroundings; they confer no admissions advantage.

To enquire about nursery entry, contact the school to arrange a visit. Families receive an application form and information pack. Nursery information sessions for new parents take place in the autumn and summer terms.

The school office can be reached on 01273 681292 or at admin@bevendean.brighton-hove.sch.uk. The nursery enquiry route is through the school, while the later Reception application goes through the council: keep those two processes distinct.