Jarvis Brook Primary School Nursery Review

Dinosaurs, the sea and the world beneath the ground give Jarvis Brook’s earliest learning a questioning character. The school’s preschool sits within Jarvis Brook Primary School in Crowborough, with provision for two-year-olds and children aged three and four. A preschool staff team is identified separately from the school’s teachers and support staff. For families, this is an introduction to learning within a primary school setting.

Exploring big subjects starts early here. Children encounter topics about dinosaurs and what lies below ground, alongside questions about the sea and sky. These give young learners concrete subjects to investigate and talk about, rather than treating their earliest education simply as preparation for later lessons.

The school aims to develop children’s creativity, confidence and consideration for others through learning organised in a deliberate sequence. Its curriculum combines materials created by staff with other teaching resources. The emphasis is on building knowledge in steps, giving families a picture of how early interests connect with learning over time.

Access to learning is shared: children with additional needs follow the same curriculum as their peers, with adjustments where needed. That distinction matters. Support is intended to help a child take part in the learning rather than move them onto an unrelated programme.

Social and emotional development forms part of the school’s approach to support. Jarvis Brook recognises the importance of identifying barriers to learning early and helping children overcome them. Families can contact the special educational needs coordinator through the school office to discuss their child’s needs.

Across the school, Nurture Enrichment Programmes support communication, self-esteem and relationships between children. A specialist teaching assistant with professional training runs these sessions in The Secret Garden, a dedicated nurture room. This describes the wider school’s support provision; it should not be read as a nursery session timetable.

Medical care has a practical parental link. For children with specific medical needs, staff prepare an individual healthcare plan with parents. Giving medicine requires parental consent, and only prescribed medication is administered. These arrangements make the family’s involvement explicit.

Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place at Jarvis Brook Primary School. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route and meet the applicable deadline. Treat choosing preschool and securing a school place as two separate decisions.

Funded support has different eligibility conditions. Working families may qualify for up to 30 hours over 38 weeks for two-year-olds and children aged three and four. For all families with three- and four-year-olds, the entitlement is up to 15 hours over 38 weeks. Two-year-olds whose families receive qualifying government support can receive 15 hours over 38 weeks. Check eligibility through Childcare Choices; funding applications can be made through East Sussex.

Contact the school office on 01892 653 033 or email office@jarvis-brook.e-sussex.sch.uk for preschool enquiries and current charges. The school is on Hadlow Down Road, Crowborough, TN6 3RG. Under the school’s collection arrangements, children leave with an adult who has parental responsibility or someone with confirmed permission. The car park is reserved for staff, which matters when planning collection.