Maidenbower Infant School Nursery

Play shaped around children's interests gives Maidenbower's nursery its character. Parents share what matters to their child, while staff observe their play and use that knowledge to plan learning. The starting point is the child.

The school's own nursery has 32 places in each session and welcomes children from age three, on Harvest Road in Maidenbower, Crawley. Ofsted graded the school's early years provision Outstanding at the inspection on 1 and 2 July 2025. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the curriculum framework. Here, planning draws on children's existing skills, their interests and information from parents. Learning through play gives children opportunities to try something new and practise skills through activities that interest them, rather than treating each child as starting from the same point.

Observation has a practical purpose. In July 2025, the early years team planned learning carefully and used checks on children's understanding skilfully to change their tasks. That means activities could be adjusted in response to what children understood.

During the 2024/2025 academic year, Early Years Pupil Premium supported sensory experiences, small-group work on concentration, early maths and early reading, plus music and sports sessions. These gave learning several forms: exploring with the senses, working in a smaller group and practising attention through music or movement. Staff training also focused on communication and personal, social and emotional development.

For September 2026 starters, the nursery planned to send a personalised induction programme. An individual starting plan gives families a defined introduction to nursery, rather than assuming that every child should begin in the same way.

The nursery team includes a manager, deputy manager, early years practitioners and lunchtime cover staff. Both management roles also carry inclusion responsibilities, giving families clear roles to approach about additional needs.

Safeguarding has a nursery lead and deputy, who work with the school's safeguarding team. Parents can arrange a meeting through the school office or raise a concern by emailing DSL@maidenbowerinfant.w-sussex.sch.uk. This provides a direct route for concerns about a child's welfare.

Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate school application through West Sussex's Admissions Office, using the normal application timetable. Families can apply online in the autumn term before the child is due to start school.

For September 2025 entry, nursery attendance did not confer priority: the criteria covered circumstances including catchment, siblings and children of staff. Treat that as a dated admissions position.

Transition support is a separate matter. Incoming school children can visit their classroom and learning garden; meetings with parents and preschool staff, transition booklets and social stories help prepare them for the change. These activities support familiarity, not entitlement to a place.

Nursery registration is accepted after a child's second birthday, with attendance beginning at three. Return the completed form to the nursery and provide a birth certificate or passport. Nursery applications are handled directly, and forms can also be obtained from the school office.

For nursery enquiries, telephone 01293 880134 or email nursery@maidenbowerinfant.w-sussex.sch.uk. During the 2026/2027 academic year, nursery training-day closures fall on 23 October 2026, 4 January 2027 and 7 June 2027. Factor these into childcare planning.