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Nursery at Bourne 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Stories, children's own interests and an enclosed outdoor area give Bourne Nursery its character. This is Bourne Primary School's nursery provision in Eastbourne, taking children from age three, with space for up to 26 in each session. Morning, afternoon and all-day options give families a choice of attendance patterns.
The nursery belongs to the school's Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), with an EYFS phase leader in the wider staff structure. Ofsted judged early years provision Good at the inspection on 4 and 5 June, and 26 June 2024. That judgement covers the school's early years provision; it is not a separate nursery rating.
Children's interests help shape the activities. Staff combine opportunities children choose themselves with activities led by adults, so the day makes room for both personal exploration and guided learning. The team is described as highly qualified, and the nursery provides learning indoors as well as outside.
A spacious, bright nursery room is paired with access to an enclosed outdoor area. Outdoor activities extend the learning space beyond the room, rather than confining the nursery experience indoors. The EYFS covers seven areas of learning and development. Here, that means opportunities to explore children's own interests, join activities guided by adults and develop enjoyment of books and stories.
Books are a concrete strength. In June 2024, nursery children showed enthusiasm for the selection of books they encountered and developed an enjoyment of stories. For parents, this makes storytelling a meaningful part of the nursery experience, alongside its mix of activities chosen by children and adults.
Before children start, families are offered a home visit. Meeting in familiar surroundings gives staff and parents an opportunity to discuss interests, dislikes and individual needs, including allergies and medical information. That conversation puts the child's circumstances into the starting arrangements.
A Stay & Play session follows by agreement. Parents can remain with their child and join in while the nursery surroundings become familiar. September starters also join gradually over a period of up to one working week, rather than all beginning together.
For communication, the child's class teacher is the school's recommended first contact. The wider school team includes a SENCO, a speech and language teaching assistant and an EYFS phase leader. These are school team roles, rather than a promise of a particular support package for each nursery child. Staff throughout the school receive regular safeguarding training.
Separate applications. A nursery place does not guarantee admission to Bourne's Reception. Families must apply separately through East Sussex County Council using its normal admissions process.
Nursery attendance is not a priority in the school's listed Reception criteria. Those criteria include siblings and exceptional medical or other reasons; distance decides between applicants within a priority group. Choose the nursery for the experience it provides now, and treat the Reception application as a separate decision.
Attendance options are morning, afternoon or all day. Nursery applications go to the school using an admissions form, while places beyond the September intake are allocated termly. Government funding starts in the term following a child's third birthday.
For nursery enquiries, contact the school office on 01323 724729 or office@bourne.e-sussex.sch.uk. Families can also request a school visit by telephone or through admissions@bourne.e-sussex.sch.uk, giving them a direct way to arrange a visit before applying.
Children can be admitted from age three. Government funding begins in the term after their third birthday.
The nursery caters for a maximum of 26 children per session.
Morning, afternoon and all-day sessions are offered.
Families are offered a home visit to discuss their child's needs with staff. A Stay & Play session then lets parents remain and play while their child becomes familiar with the nursery.
No. Reception requires a separate application through East Sussex County Council, and nursery attendance is not included in the listed Reception priorities.
