Nursery at Brook Infant School and Nursery

Learning to talk, concentrate and play with friends gives Brook’s nursery its clearest character. In June 2024, early years staff were skilled at developing children’s communication, while children soon learned to sustain attention and learn together. These are useful foundations for a child’s first experience of education: expressing needs, joining play and staying with an activity.

The nursery belongs to Brook Infant School and Nursery on Salterns Road in Maidenbower, Crawley. Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Good following the inspection on 19 and 20 June 2024. That judgement covers early years within the school.

Language development was a strength in June 2024. Staff had the training and knowledge to help children communicate, and children developed the ability to concentrate and work alongside friends. The emphasis gives parents something concrete to value beyond preparation for formal lessons: learning how to participate in a group.

The early years foundation stage (EYFS) environment was organised around children’s needs across the areas of learning. In June 2024, the curriculum began in early years and was designed so children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) could access it too. Learning together and access to the curriculum therefore formed part of the same approach.

Positive relationships also shape the school and nursery’s stated approach to behaviour. The setting is developing Therapeutic Thinking after staff training. It aims to help children care for other people, recognise each person’s individuality and express their own views. This places relationships alongside learning.

Additional needs have a clear team structure. An Inclusion Manager oversees support for children who need it, working with the SENCO. Parents can arrange a meeting through the school office or contact deputy@brookinfant.school directly. This gives families a specific route for discussing concerns about their child.

Support also involves partnership with families. In June 2024, the school worked closely with parents and carers, including those whose children had SEND, and the early years environment was designed to accommodate children’s different needs. The school’s safeguarding arrangements were effective at that inspection.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply separately through the normal school admissions process and meet its deadline. West Sussex County Council allocates school places, with online applications made in the autumn before the child is due to start school. Keep that application separate from nursery registration.

For a child with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), the standard online form is not the route: families should contact the Special Educational Needs Assessment Team (SENAT). The school office can help families complete the online form if they lack internet access.

Nursery registration is handled directly by Brook Infant Nursery through an online Waiting List Form. Enquiries go to the Nursery Administrator at nurseryadmin@brookinfant.school. Nursery registration and the council’s school application serve different purposes, so completing one does not replace the other.

The nursery’s address is Salterns Road, Maidenbower, Crawley, RH10 7JE.