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Nursery at Waterfield 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Playing alongside children, building their vocabulary and helping them become more independent: these are the defining threads of Waterfield’s early years provision. The nursery belongs to Waterfield Primary School in Bewbush, Crawley, and forms part of its early years department.
In the inspection published on 6 May 2026, Ofsted judged early years to meet the Expected standard. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision rather than giving the nursery a separate rating.
Learning starts with understanding the child. Across early years, staff assess children’s existing knowledge and abilities, then use that understanding to decide what they should learn next. The curriculum builds skills and knowledge in a planned order, giving activities a purpose beyond simply keeping children occupied.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum provides the framework. Here, the early years findings describe learning across its areas, with language and early mathematics receiving clear attention. Vocabulary matters because children need words to express themselves and communicate their ideas. Early number work helps them develop confidence with mathematical understanding.
Play also has an adult role. Staff join children’s activities, helping them extend an idea and take their learning further. That gives parents a useful picture of the approach: children’s interests provide opportunities for teaching, with adults participating rather than only supervising.
Reading receives attention from the start of school. Across the wider early years provision, phonics teaching follows a systematic sequence, and staff respond promptly when children have gaps in their knowledge. These are findings about early years as a whole; they should be understood in that scope when considering the nursery day.
In May 2026, early years teaching was generally responsive to children’s learning, supported by continuing staff development and work with colleagues. Children were becoming more independent and generally making good progress. A calm atmosphere and respectful behaviour gave them security as they learned.
Support for special educational needs and disabilities begins with recognising needs promptly. Early years staff identify difficulties and introduce help intended to make learning more accessible. For a child who needs additional support, that connects assessment with action.
Parents with concerns about their child should begin with the class teacher. Further discussion can involve the special educational needs coordinator (SENDCo), who coordinates provision, works with staff on progress and maintains links with external agencies for specialist advice.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a place in Waterfield’s Reception. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet the applicable deadline. Treat choosing the nursery and applying for Reception as two separate decisions, so familiarity with the school does not become an assumption about admission.
Waterfield Primary School is on Waterfield Gardens, Bewbush, Crawley, RH11 8RA. The school office is the contact for enquiries: telephone 01293 548014 or email office@waterfield.org.uk. This provides a direct starting point for families interested in the nursery.
Yes. Waterfield has nursery provision within its early years department.
No. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place, and families must apply separately through the normal admissions process.
The inspection published on 6 May 2026 judged early years to meet the Expected standard. This covers early years within the school, rather than being a separate nursery rating.
Early years staff identify needs promptly and introduce support to reduce difficulties with learning. Parents should raise concerns with the class teacher first; further discussions may involve the SENDCo.
Telephone the school office on 01293 548014 or email office@waterfield.org.uk.
