The FMS Inspection Score is FindMySchool's proprietary analysis based on official Ofsted and ISI inspection reports. It converts ratings into a standardised 1–10 scale for fair comparison across all schools in England.
Disclaimer: The FMS Inspection Score is an independent analysis by FindMySchool. It is not endorsed by or affiliated with Ofsted or ISI. Always refer to the official Ofsted or ISI report for the full picture of a school’s inspection outcome.
Nursery at St Martin's CofE 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Painting, gluing, running and climbing give St Martin's nursery its practical, hands-on character. For children aged three to four, this is the nursery within the Church of England primary school on Hartington Road, Brighton. Uniform is optional, and spare clothes belong in the nursery bag: getting involved can mean getting messy.
The early years provision received a Good judgement at the Ofsted inspection on 4 and 5 June 2024. That judgement covers the school's early years provision, rather than a separately inspected nursery. Language development gives the provision a clear focus, with adults demonstrating vocabulary and sounds to help children express themselves.
Play provides the starting point for learning. Activities are matched to children's development, with attention to confidence, feelings and relationships as well as curiosity and creativity. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework brings learning, development, health and safety together, preparing children for the next stage of school.
Messy activities include gluing and painting; physical activity includes climbing and running. These give children opportunities to use their hands, move their bodies and explore materials. In June 2024, early language was a priority and early mathematical learning was developing well. Adults' modelling of words and sounds makes conversation part of the learning itself.
Families can follow the nursery's learning through its Spring Term Learning Journey, Class Newsletter and Take Away Task. These provide a connection between the classroom and home, alongside the two-way sharing of children's learning through Tapestry.
A nursery teacher works with supporting adults, within a wider early years team. Starting nursery is treated as a significant change for both children and parents, with an emphasis on helping children feel secure and confident. Punctual drop-off and collection are part of that approach, helping children settle into their sessions and avoiding distress at collection time.
Communication has several routes. Tapestry lets families and staff exchange information about play and learning at home and in nursery; ParentMail handles messages and forms, while Teacher2Parent provides texts. In June 2024, families were kept informed about children's development from early years onwards, with advice for supporting learning at home.
Food arrangements are straightforward. Children can bring a healthy packed lunch containing food they can manage independently, or have a school lunch. Water, fruit, cereal and milk are provided, and children need a labelled water bottle. Tell staff about allergies; packed lunches must exclude nuts and nut products.
The inclusion team includes speech and language support, alongside family welfare and attendance support. In June 2024, additional needs were recognised promptly from early years onwards, with support plans reviewed regularly. This gives families a basis for discussing changing needs with staff.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place at St Martin's. Families must make a separate application through Brighton and Hove's local authority admissions route. Treat choosing the nursery and applying for Reception as separate decisions.
Transition support includes introductions to teachers and classrooms, communication with parents and individual plans for children needing extra help. Familiarisation supports the move; it does not replace the admissions application.
Funded provision includes 15-hour and 30-hour options for children aged three to four. Extra Wednesday morning or afternoon sessions depend on space, and families must reapply each term. Contact the school for current charges. Additional-session fees cover essential materials and activities; school meals are charged separately unless the child qualifies for free meals.
The school-run After School Club accepts nursery children during term time, Monday to Friday, from 3.30pm to 5.00pm. Children choose activities such as art, football or dance, and receive a snack. Families can book for a term, week by week or on the day through the office, with billing through ParentMail.
Visits can be arranged throughout the school year. Call 01273 707114 or email admin@stmartins.brighton-hove.sch.uk. For collection by another adult, give the office a password that the collecting adult must know. Bring spare clothes and shoes; nursery uniform is encouraged rather than compulsory.
The nursery caters for children aged three to four.
No. You must apply separately through Brighton and Hove's local authority admissions route.
No. School uniform is encouraged, but nursery children do not have to wear it. Supply spare clothes and shoes for messy activities and accidents.
Children can bring a healthy packed lunch or have a school lunch. Water, fruit, milk and cereal are provided. Inform staff of allergies and keep packed lunches free of nuts and nut products.
Yes. It runs during term time, Monday to Friday, from 3.30pm to 5.00pm. Book through the school office for a term, week by week or on the day.
