The Cavendish School Nursery Review

Songs, rhymes and games give Cavendish’s nursery its clearest character: spoken language comes first, building the foundations for learning to read. Children can join from age two, within The Cavendish School’s all-through provision in Eastbourne. This is an early start to school life, with communication given a clear purpose.

Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Outstanding at the inspection on 28 and 29 January 2025. That judgement covers the early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.

Language learning takes a playful form. In January 2025, nursery children developed their communication through singing, rhyme and games. These activities give young children ways to join in while practising the spoken language that supports later reading. The emphasis is on participation.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines children’s learning, development and care. Cavendish’s approach emphasises exploration through play, persistence when something proves difficult, and working out ideas. For parents, that means learning involves trying things, concentrating and making connections, rather than simply completing a task.

Individual development matters within this framework. The school aims to plan around each child’s learning and revisit progress regularly, with parents involved as partners. Its learning principles also include independence, feedback, engagement and challenge, giving the early years a connection to the wider school’s teaching approach.

Respect, responsibility and resilience begin early. In January 2025, staff taught these values through their own behaviour as well as direct teaching, and learning routines were established in the early years. The practical implication is that joining in and learning how to behave with others are part of the educational work.

An EYFS leader sits within the primary team, alongside a primary SENCo whose role includes safeguarding and inclusion. This gives families identifiable roles for discussing early learning and additional needs, rather than treating those concerns as separate from school life.

Cavendish aims for inclusion and equal opportunities within its EYFS approach. Tapestry, its online learning journal, shares children’s development with parents and carers across seven learning areas. That provides a way for families to follow learning beyond the session itself.

Safeguarding concerns about pre-school children can be raised with the safeguarding team by telephone or email. Parents can also use a concern form, including anonymously. School catering is provided by Chartwells, with East Sussex County Council managing the service.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through East Sussex County Council’s main admissions process. For September 2027 entry, the deadline is 15 January 2027; an online application or a paper form requested from the council can be used. Keep that application separate from nursery arrangements.

The pre-school has its own contact route: 01323 692292 or pre-school@cavendish.cet.uk. This gives nursery enquiries a direct destination. Visits to the school require an appointment arranged beforehand by telephone or email.