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Nursery at Chichester Nursery 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Workshop spaces, a large garden and children choosing what to explore give Chichester Nursery School its character. This maintained nursery school on St James’ Road combines provision for children over three with an Up to 3s’ Nursery; together, they serve children from six months to five years. The distinction matters: babies, toddlers and older nursery children have different spaces and activities.
Choice shapes the older children’s day. Workshop areas let them pick materials and activities that interest them, while qualified teachers lead staff in planning learning and extending children’s ideas. The free-flow environment includes a large garden, giving exploration an outdoor setting as well as an indoor one.
The Foundation Stage curriculum connects early learning with ordinary play. Children practise listening through songs and stories, develop early writing through drawing and making marks, and explore maths through counting, patterns and measuring. Activities combine adult planning with children’s own choices. Painting, construction and role play give children ways to express ideas before they can explain everything in words.
For younger children, the baby room provides space for movement, creativity and quieter activity. The 2-3s’ room adds a climbing frame, a media area for individual and shared artwork, and water play for pouring and tipping. Daily play dough and pretend play connect nursery activities with familiar experiences, such as making food for dolls. Outdoor activities offer similar opportunities, allowing children to practise skills in different surroundings.
Curriculum progression. At the June 2024 inspection, Ofsted identified occasional missed chances to advance children’s learning and asked for clearer learning sequences. For families, the useful distinction is between engaging activities and ensuring each activity builds towards the child’s next step.
A key adult gives children a familiar relationship from which to explore. Children can talk with their keyworker about home, share snacks and gradually venture into activities with support. In June 2024, Ofsted found that routines helped children settle, adults supported emotional regulation alongside parents, SEND needs were identified and supported, and safeguarding arrangements were effective.
Communication has practical tools here. Staff use Makaton during the day, pairing speech with signs to help children express themselves. The Special Support Centre team includes a nursery SENCO, support assistants and a speech and language therapist. These roles give families a clear structure for discussing additional communication needs. Support and information sessions also run for families during the year.
Mealtimes are part of learning independence. Little Tums supplies hot lunches, with dietary and cultural requirements catered for; packed lunches are another option. Children bringing lunch must avoid nuts and nut products. Adults sit alongside children during meals and offer encouragement, making eating a supported social activity. Toilet training is approached in partnership with families, recognising that children reach this stage at different times.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application for primary or infant school through the normal admissions process and meet the relevant deadline. Treat that application as a separate task from arranging nursery sessions.
Preparation here includes practising dressing, managing toileting and learning to share resources. Those everyday skills support the move into school; they do not secure admission.
Morning sessions run from 09:00 to 12:00, and afternoon sessions from 13:00 to 16:00. Breakfast runs from 08:00 to 09:00, with tea from 15:45 to 17:00. An additional 15:00 to 15:45 session applies only to children attending the long 09:00 to 15:00 day.
Eligible working families may access 30 funded hours from the term after their child turns nine months, depending on their circumstances. Funding is used during term time across session patterns, subject to availability. Hot meals and time beyond the entitlement may attract additional charges; consumables, snacks and nappies do not. Packed-lunch sessions are included within the 30-hour allocation, while fee-paying families and those using 15 hours pay additionally for that session. Contact the school for current charges.
The Up to 3s’ provision operates for 48 weeks annually and expects at least two core sessions. Its booking form uses different core times, so distinguish that arrangement from the morning and afternoon sessions above when selecting a pattern. Enquiries go to the school office on 01243 642959 or office@chichesternursery.org.
The nursery school and Up to 3s’ provision together cater for children from six months to five years. The nursery school provision is for children over three.
Older nursery children have a large garden. Younger children have outdoor opportunities similar to those indoors, including physical and creative play.
Staff use Makaton signs alongside spoken language. The Special Support Centre team includes a speech and language therapist and the nursery SENCO.
Yes. Packed lunches must exclude nuts and nut products. The packed-lunch session is included in the 30-hour allocation, with an additional charge for fee-paying and 15-hour families.
No. A separate primary or infant school application is required through the normal admissions process, by the relevant deadline.
