Brambletye School Nursery Review

Forest school through the year, swimming and visits to the on-site library give Brambletye’s youngest children a day that reaches beyond their nursery rooms. For children aged 2 to 4, this is the school’s own nursery in East Grinstead, with both term-time attendance and childcare across 50 weeks of the year.

Apples, Pears and Plums each have a nursery room leader, within a department led by the Head of Pre-Prep. Three Nursery classes formed part of the early years provision in June 2024. The nursery combines its own class structure with participation in Pre-Prep concerts, assemblies and themed events, giving children contact with the wider school during ordinary nursery life.

Play and specialist teaching share the timetable. Children have free play, circle time and activities linked to topics, alongside library visits. During term-time, specialist teachers contribute subjects including swimming, cookery, gymnastics, dance, music and ICT. Forest school continues throughout the year. These give children different ways to explore interests, from movement to making things.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the curriculum framework. In parent terms, that means helping children communicate, manage feelings and relationships, move confidently and develop self-care, alongside early reading, writing, mathematics, creativity and understanding the world. French begins in Nursery too. The combination brings language, physical activity and creative work into the day rather than treating learning as preparation for formal lessons alone.

In June 2024, ISI found that staff in early years and Pre-Prep adapted future activities using checks on children’s learning, with rapid development in communication and language. Activities in early years grew from children’s interests, encouraging persistence and confidence. Learning took place indoors and outdoors; outdoor art and stay-and-play activities used the school surroundings. Sharing, taking turns and working together were also developing quickly. These are useful foundations for joining a group and making choices independently.

Settling starts before the first booked session. Complimentary settling sessions usually happen during the two weeks before a child starts, with extensions possible to suit individual social and personal needs. Parents and the child’s key person agree convenient times together. That flexibility allows the introduction to respond to the child rather than follow one fixed timetable.

Meals and everyday supplies are included in standard session charges: snacks, nappies, wipes and sun cream sit alongside meals and learning materials. Depending on attendance, children can have up to three freshly prepared meals daily, covering breakfast, lunch and tea or supper. Catering accommodates individual dietary needs and allergies, and sandwiches and fruit provide a lighter tea between sessions.

Pastoral staffing includes a trained Thrive Practitioner whose work extends to Nursery. The June 2024 ISI inspection recommended more consistent use of personalised SEND support during lessons across the school, a point families should consider when discussing their child’s needs. At that time, children in early years knew which adults to approach with worries. The Pre-Prep secretary keeps parents informed about activities, events and news.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Reception admission is a separate process: families need to apply again through the normal admissions route. Brambletye’s Registrar handles school admission enquiries and registration.

Participation in Pre-Prep assemblies, concerts and themed events gives nursery children experience of the wider department. That familiarity is useful preparation for change, but it should be kept separate from the question of admission.

Continuing at Brambletye. The nursery deposit is repayable only if the child completes Reception. Families considering a different school for that stage should factor this condition into their decision.

Opening hours are 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, with Christmas, Bank Holiday and INSET closures. Morning sessions run from 8.15am to 12.30pm and include lunch. The School Day finishes at 3.30pm; Stay & Play extends collection to 4.15pm, 5.15pm or 6pm. Breakfast Club starts at 7.30am and ends at 8.15am.

Book sessions before term begins, with at least two Morning or School Day sessions each week. Extra sessions depend on space, and reducing attendance requires a term’s written notice. Missed sessions remain chargeable and cannot be swapped, except that all-year-round children may take up to four full weekly holiday blocks each academic year, agreed in advance with at least one full month’s notice.

Universal Free Entitlement is offered for term-time sessions only, from the term after the third birthday until the term containing the fifth birthday. Up to 15 hours weekly are spread across 33 weeks, with a maximum of three hours daily between 12.30pm and 3.30pm. A West Sussex parent declaration is required; funded hours depend on availability and advance booking. Remaining hours are payable, with a supplement for snacks, consumables and activities. Ballet and Mini Notes cost extra. Ask the school for current charges.

Arrange a nursery visit through the enquiry form or registrar@brambletye.com. Uniform starts with the youngest children; new families obtain their uniform list through the Registrar. Tell the nursery promptly if collection is delayed.