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Nursery at Shoreham College
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
A mud kitchen, woodland exploration and specialist music give Little Lions a day that reaches well beyond its classrooms. This is Shoreham College’s own early-years provision in Shoreham-by-Sea, with a distinct Little Lions identity within the larger school. It spans pre-school and Reception for ages 3–5; the focus here is the nursery experience.
Children use bright classrooms alongside a sports hall and heated outdoor pool. Those shared facilities expand the activities available to the youngest children. In February 2026, ISI found that early-years teaching supported children’s confidence and progress across their learning. The useful detail is how that happens: purposeful activities, attention to individual next steps and close contact with families.
The day begins at 08:30 with books, colouring and drawing before registration at 08:50. From 09:00, children explore number work and phonics alongside cooking, art and investigations. Later, free-choice time brings construction, painting, role play and computer activities into the mix. Adult direction and children’s own choices both have a place.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) connects learning to everyday development. Its seven areas cover movement, relationships and feelings, language, early reading and writing, mathematics, understanding the world and creative expression. Staff use observations to plan for individual children. In February 2026, children were developing confidence with more demanding vocabulary and spelling, using resources to review their work and understand their next steps.
Outside, the playground has a playhouse, sandpit and toys to ride. Forest school adds climbing and leaf identification, while pond activities and the mud kitchen give children practical ways to investigate nature and numbers. Afternoon activities include drama, dance, sport and design technology. A story brings the nursery day towards its close before collection at 15:10.
An EYFS teacher also holds the key-contact role, giving families an identifiable point of contact. Children begin their morning with manageable activities such as looking at books and drawing, helping them settle into the day. Early-years staff and leaders work closely with parents on children’s development; a face-to-face Little Lions parents’ evening is scheduled for 15 October 2026.
Emotional learning is practical. In February 2026, staff used breathing balls to help children handle anxiety and conversations to build empathy. Children learnt to recognise friends’ achievements and help one another. These are useful foundations for sharing play and managing frustration.
Food follows a clear rhythm: fruit and breadsticks at 10:00, followed by a hot meal in Lewis Hall at 11:45. Lunch is included in fees for children staying until 13:00. The on-site kitchen prepares food using locally sourced ingredients, with a vegetarian hot option among the lunchtime choices. In February 2026, adult supervision of early-years children was suitable, including during meals.
For children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), the College has a SENCO and an inclusion team. It is a mainstream school: adjustments depend on available resources and the needs of other pupils, and specialist facilities may not meet every child’s requirements. Families should weigh that condition alongside the provision’s activities and routines.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Contact the College’s admissions team to confirm Reception application requirements and any deadline.
Familiarity is a different benefit. Early-years children join school assemblies and eat with older pupils, giving them experience of the wider school community. Those everyday connections support social confidence; they do not establish an admissions advantage.
Families can choose mornings, whole days or combinations, depending on space. Charges reflect the sessions taken. Eligible children aged 3, 4 and 5 can receive up to the first 15 hours of education free through the Early Years Funded Entitlement, subject to availability. Contact the College for current charges.
After nursery collection time, Squirrel club provides the next stage of care; Owl club begins at 16:00, with the day ending at 17:00. Little Lions uniform includes a polo shirt and sweatshirt. Individual visits can be arranged through the online contact form or by calling 01273 592681, allowing parents to see the learning spaces before choosing their session pattern.
Little Lions covers ages 3–5 across pre-school and Reception. This review focuses on its nursery provision.
Yes. Mornings, whole days and combinations are possible, depending on space, with charges proportioned to the sessions taken.
Eligible children aged 3, 4 and 5 can receive up to the first 15 hours of education free through the Early Years Funded Entitlement, subject to availability.
The nursery timetable includes fruit and breadsticks at snack time and a hot lunch in Lewis Hall. Lunch is included in fees for children staying until 13:00.
No. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Contact the College’s admissions team to confirm Reception application requirements and any deadline.
