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Nursery at Riverwalk 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Communication, sensory learning and familiar routines shape Riverwalk’s early years provision. This is specialist education for children with complex learning needs, with learning organised around their individual development. In the Ofsted inspection of 16 and 17 July 2024, early years provision was graded Good. That judgement covers the school’s early years, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Lions and Elephants are the two early years classes at Sexton’s Manor Primary School. The Greene Road base combines classrooms with outdoor learning spaces. Children with profound and multiple learning difficulties learn at the main Riverwalk Campus on Mayfield Road, so the location of a child’s provision matters for family planning.
Development Matters guides Early Years Foundation Stage planning. The focus is on physical development, communication and language, and children’s personal, emotional and social development. In parent terms, learning centres on movement, expressing needs, relationships and managing feelings. These are practical foundations for participation in the day.
Sensory integration activities begin in early years, with the aim of helping children process sensory experiences, develop movement skills and soothe themselves. Classroom learning sits alongside opportunities to play outdoors at Greene Road. Repeated routines also matter: in July 2024, children responded positively to familiar patterns, helping them engage with the day.
Physical learning includes trampoline-based rebound therapy, beginning in early years. In July 2024, this supported strength through the body’s centre and helped pupils develop movement and balance. Language receives frequent attention too, with adults using everyday opportunities to extend children’s communication. Small interactions are part of the learning.
Support for communication extends to eating and drinking. The speech and language therapy team works with children from nursery onwards, using Total Communication: speech can sit alongside signs, gestures, photographs, symbols, switches or electronic communication devices. This gives children different ways to express themselves according to their needs.
Therapy goals are developed with class staff and parents. Where needed, a mealtime mat explains a child’s eating and drinking requirements and the strategies used to develop those skills. Therapists are not in school each day, a practical distinction for families coordinating care.
Lunches for Lions and Elephants come from EATs, with menus rotating over three weeks. Children can also bring a packed lunch. In July 2024, early years staff responded promptly when changes in eating or behaviour suggested concern, making close attention to everyday wellbeing part of their care.
For parents, Evidence for Learning provides access to their child’s progress and learning journey. Family support also includes voluntary Early Help for difficulties such as sleep, behaviour or incontinence, through workshops and links to other services.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families should confirm the next placement steps with the local authority. Riverwalk admissions involve a referral, local authority consideration and consultation with the school where appropriate; an offer is followed by receipt of a final Education, Health and Care Plan.
Familiarisation is a separate matter. Taster visits are discussed after that offer and final plan. Learning opportunities at the main Riverwalk Campus also help prepare children who need to move there. Neither arrangement should be treated as an admissions advantage.
The Sextons Manor EYFS day runs from 9.00am to 2.45pm; the main Riverwalk site runs from 9.00am to 3.00pm. Those different finishing times affect collection and afternoon childcare planning.
For enquiries, contact enquiries.riverwalk@consortiumtrust.org.uk or 01284 764280. An informal conversation and tour can be arranged through the family support team when the local authority considers Riverwalk an appropriate placement.
There is no compulsory school uniform. Clothing should be manageable for children developing dressing skills, with belongings labelled. Indoor and outdoor shoes are requested for winter, and a sun hat for brighter days. Where meals are charged, payment is made in advance through Arbor. Some children are entitled to free school meals; contact the school about eligibility and current charges.
The Greene Road provision is on the site of Sexton’s Manor Primary School. Children with profound and multiple learning difficulties learn at Riverwalk’s main campus on Mayfield Road.
At Sextons Manor, the EYFS day is 9.00am to 2.45pm. The main Riverwalk site runs from 9.00am to 3.00pm.
Speech and language therapy supports communication, eating and drinking from nursery onwards. Children can use different communication methods, and a mealtime mat is provided where needed to explain individual requirements and strategies.
No. Families should confirm the next placement steps with the local authority. Riverwalk’s general admissions process uses local authority referrals; taster visits are discussed after a local authority offer and receipt of a final Education, Health and Care Plan.
When the local authority considers Riverwalk an appropriate placement, the family support team can arrange a conversation and tour. Contact 01284 764280 or rwcinfo@consortiumtrust.org.uk.
