Little Sunshine Nursery at Shinewater Primary School

A borrowing bear, cooking activities and outdoor learning give Little Sunshine Nursery its own character within Shinewater Primary School in Langney, Eastbourne. Play shapes the learning here, with individual planning for children and opportunities to share books at home. The nursery works with children aged two, three and four, and younger children have furniture and resources suited to their age.

Ofsted’s June 2026 inspection judged the school’s early years provision to meet the Expected standard. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating. Nursery interactions helped children expand their vocabulary and gain confidence in conversation, giving families a concrete picture of how adults support learning through play.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the framework. In parent language, learning brings together talking and listening, movement, relationships and emotions, early literacy and maths, creative expression and discovering the world. Planned learning sits alongside Continuous Provision, with activities and resources supporting children’s play. Learning is planned for each child individually.

Books have a practical place in family life. Children can use the Library and borrow a nursery book each day. Big Book Borrower and Bear also goes home for children to share with their families, then returns to nursery. This gives parents something tangible to enjoy with their child and talk about together.

Cooking and tasting bring food into learning. There is also an Outdoor Learning session once per week, led by an experienced practitioner, alongside a PE session. Two-year-olds can use the outdoor area and the other nursery spaces, as well as their age-appropriate equipment. They spend time with preschool children too; the nursery sees this shared time as a way to develop relationships and language.

In June 2026, adults extended children’s ideas, introduced vocabulary during everyday activities and encouraged complete sentences. Across early years, learning was organised to build on earlier knowledge, while children practised making healthy choices and keeping themselves safe. Conversation is part of the learning throughout the day.

An EYFS teacher with over 30 years of experience working with young children in Nursery and Reception leads the practitioners, whose qualifications include paediatric first aid. Small groups support Speech & Language, while Nurture through Social Stories addresses social development. In June 2026, additional needs were recognised promptly and support helped children with SEND participate alongside their peers.

Practical independence starts with manageable routines. The nursery has child-sized toilets, and children are encouraged to manage clothing and wash and dry their hands. Nappies are changed at least twice daily and whenever needed; parents supply nappies and wipes. Families also bring labelled spare clothing for messy play and accidents.

Staff help new children recognise their names and become familiar with their surroundings. Easy fastenings and Velcro shoes are recommended so children can practise dressing themselves. Wellies are requested for outdoor learning. These small preparations connect home routines with the skills children use at nursery.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and does not confer admission priority. Families must make a separate Reception application through the local authority. East Sussex coordinates applications for local families; those living elsewhere apply through their home local authority.

For the September 2026 intake, the application deadline was 15 January 2026. That cycle is past. Outdoor Learning and PE are intended to help children prepare for the move to Reception, but preparation and admission remain separate questions.

The Main gate and Woodland Gate open at 8.40am for morning learning, including Nursery. Afternoon access begins at 3.10pm, with the day ending at 3.15pm for all children. These gate arrangements give families concrete timings for access and collection.

For nursery enquiries, contact the school office on 01323 762129 or email swp-office@swale.at. School visits can be arranged by telephone, and children can accompany their parents.