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Nursery at Coldean 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Books, conversation and outdoor learning give Coldean’s nursery its character. The nursery holds I CAN accreditation for communication and language, while Tapestry gives parents an online window into their child’s learning. This is the school’s own nursery class in Coldean, Brighton, accepting children from three years old.
At the December 2022 Ofsted inspection, early years provision was graded Outstanding. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the curriculum framework. Here, its practical expression includes learning to communicate, managing feelings and choosing materials for creative work. In December 2022, children developed curiosity and resilience exceptionally well, and staff taught them how to share equipment and become familiar with school routines. These are useful foundations for participating in a group as well as learning independently.
Story time has a clear place in nursery life. Children share books in groups and explore them on their own, with other children or alongside key workers. Phase 1 phonics is also taught. The combination gives children opportunities to enjoy books socially and return to them independently; communication and language teaching was a strength of early years in December 2022.
The EYFS Creative area changes with children’s interests. Children choose resources for making and construction, while adult-led activities can include drawing a self-portrait with a demonstration and support. There is room for personal choices alongside taught skills. Outdoors also forms part of the learning pattern: nursery breaks are integrated into activities, at least half of which take place outside. A nursery garden is part of the school site.
September starters join gradually over a period of no more than one working week, with home visits during that time. This creates an opportunity for contact between home and nursery while children begin adjusting to their new routine.
In December 2022, early years staff helped children handle their emotions and learn turn-taking. Communication with parents was highly effective. Tapestry now provides the online learning journal through which parents can follow what their child is learning, connecting nursery activities with conversations at home.
For families discussing additional needs, the school office can arrange a meeting with the SENDCO. The school’s SEND policy uses an assess, plan, do, review cycle, so support is planned and reconsidered rather than left unchanged. For children receiving SEND support, the policy provides for three parent meetings each year with the class teacher, supported by the SENDCO.
Breakfast Club accepts nursery children. Food choices include fruit, cereal and toast, with water, milk or fruit juice to drink. It offers a practical earlier start with breakfast included in the routine.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place or confer priority under the listed Reception admission criteria. Families must make a separate application through Brighton & Hove Authority and follow the normal admissions timetable. Treat that application as a separate task, even if your child already attends nursery.
Preparation for the move is a different matter. For children starting Reception in September, the school provides a summer parent meeting and two classroom play visits. A home visit follows in early September, before children begin, and entry is spread over several days. These arrangements help children meet their new adults and become familiar with the classroom before the change.
The nursery day runs from 9am to 3pm. Breakfast Club begins at 8am and requires advance booking through ParentPay; it is a charged extra, with current charges available from the school. Government funding begins in the term following a child’s third birthday.
Nursery access is beside the front office, along the building near the flag pole and Junior bike shed. Collection uses the same nursery door. If collection arrangements change or you are delayed, phone the office so staff know.
To arrange a visit, call 01273 094911 or email office@coldean.brighton-hove.sch.uk. A visit gives families a direct way to see the nursery’s learning spaces before choosing it.
Children must be at least three. Government funding starts in the term after their third birthday, and January or April starts depend on space.
The nursery operates from 9am to 3pm. Nursery children can also attend Breakfast Club from 8am, booked ahead through ParentPay.
Parents can use Tapestry, the online learning journal, to follow their child’s early years learning.
No. Nursery attendance does not confer priority under the listed Reception criteria. Apply separately through Brighton & Hove Authority.
Contact the school on 01273 094911 or email office@coldean.brighton-hove.sch.uk to arrange a visit.
