Moulsecoomb Primary School Nursery Review

A guessing game built around mysterious sounds gives a useful flavour of this nursery: listening, language and playful learning work together. Moulsecoomb Primary School has nursery provision for three-year-old children at The Highway in Brighton. It is part of the primary school, with its learning planned within the early years foundation stage (EYFS).

Ofsted judged the school's early years provision Good at the inspection on 1 and 2 October 2024. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.

Language gives the nursery day a clear educational focus. In October 2024, children were absorbed in a game asking them to identify unfamiliar sounds. This is a concrete example of learning through an activity that asks children to listen closely and respond, rather than simply receive information.

Staff were developing children's vocabulary and spoken language successfully across early years. Nursery children also learned sounds used in reading, while staff helped children enjoy stories. For parents, the combination matters: listening games, conversation and stories connect early reading with the language children use to express themselves.

EYFS planning uses continuous provision, with learning opportunities forming the basis of the curriculum. In plain parent language, the emphasis is on building knowledge and skills through children's ongoing activities. A transition curriculum connects this early learning with the school's later curriculum planning. The school also uses Little Wandle Phonics across its trust, giving sound learning a named teaching framework.

Inclusion is an explicit school aim. Moulsecoomb recognises that children develop at different speeds and learn in different ways, and aims to equip staff through professional development to support children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). This gives families a clear principle: support should respond to the child rather than expect identical learning from everyone.

For children learning English as an additional language, the school values their home language and background. It uses targeted resources alongside adjustments to planning, teaching and assessment. That approach recognises that what a child understands can exceed what they can yet communicate in English.

Safeguarding arrangements include annual training for staff and induction for new starters. Parents can discuss concerns with the designated safeguarding lead. These are school-wide arrangements serving the nursery as part of the school.

Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process by the applicable deadline. Treat the nursery choice and the later school-place application as two distinct decisions.

Nursery enquiries go to the school office on 01273 605700 or admin@moulsecoomb.brighton-hove.sch.uk.

Early Risers breakfast club welcomes nursery children and runs each morning from 7.45 until 8.40. No advance booking is needed. Breakfast choices include toast, cereals and baked bean toasties, with a drink; activities include crafts, painting and free play. Staff take nursery children to their classroom afterwards, connecting the earlier childcare period with the start of class. Contact the school for current charges.