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Nursery at Ark Castledown Primary Academy
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Storytelling and conversations give Ark Castledown’s nursery its character. Children invent stories and listen to one another, while adults build learning around the interests that emerge in play. This is the nursery within Ark Castledown Primary Academy on Priory Road in Hastings.
Ofsted’s inspection published on 11 November 2025 judged early years to be Strong standard, with provision for three-year-olds suited to their development. At that point, children could start nursery from age three; although registered for two-year-olds, the nursery was not offering them places. Families considering an earlier start should keep that age distinction in mind.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines learning through play with adult guidance and focused teaching. Children choose activities, adults join their play, and teaching gives particular skills direct attention. In the Moment Planning is the nursery’s named approach: staff respond to children’s interests as they develop, using questions and conversation to extend an idea. Children’s choices help shape the learning.
Classrooms and outdoor areas both contribute to the day. Outside, children explore nature and practise movement; indoors and outdoors, adults encourage investigation and help children explain what they discover. Hands-on experiences include encounters with living things and visits to nearby places, connecting new words with something children can experience directly.
Language receives deliberate attention. New vocabulary is introduced weekly, books support both teaching and enjoyment, and planned partner conversations give children opportunities to learn from peers. In November 2025, early-years teaching developed children’s vocabulary through responsive adult exchanges, while daily number practice strengthened basic mathematical understanding. The practical benefit is repeated opportunities to use new knowledge, rather than simply hear it once.
Fully qualified early-years educators teach the nursery’s EYFS curriculum. Relationships with families also inform learning: in November 2025, staff used parents’ knowledge of their children to understand where learning should begin. Progress is shared through Seesaw, giving families a connection with what their child is doing.
A speech and language specialist supports early-years children most in need of help. Alongside this, adults model language during play and plan conversations between children. That gives communication support a place within everyday activities as well as specialist input.
Meals are prepared daily in the school’s on-site kitchen. Children eat in small groups with adults, with conversation, cutlery use and table manners forming part of the experience. Lunch therefore has a social purpose alongside eating.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. For September 2027 entry, attendance at the nursery confers no priority: allocation follows the admission criteria, including qualifying sibling and staff connections, care status and community area.
Families must apply separately for Reception through the normal admissions route. East Sussex residents apply through East Sussex County Council; families elsewhere use their home local authority. The deadline for September 2027 entry is 15 January 2027. Keep this application separate from the decision to join nursery.
Nursery applications can be made throughout the year and go directly to the school. Return the application form to the office, where paper copies can also be collected. A private nursery visit can be booked for parent and child, offering a chance to discuss joining together.
For enquiries, use office@arkcastledown.org or 01424 444046. The school site has a level entrance and an accessible toilet, useful practical features for families with mobility needs.
Early-years children must be accompanied to and from school. Tell staff about changes to collection arrangements: children are released only to authorised collectors, so a different adult cannot simply arrive and take them home.
In November 2025, children could join from age three. The nursery was registered for two-year-olds but was not offering places to that age group.
The EYFS combines child-chosen play, adult-supported play and focused teaching. In the Moment Planning lets staff develop learning around children’s emerging interests, alongside storytelling and outdoor exploration.
Progress is shared through Seesaw. Staff also work with families to understand children’s knowledge and starting points.
No. For September 2027 entry, nursery attendance gives no priority. A separate application is required through the relevant local authority by 15 January 2027.
Yes. Parents can book a private nursery visit with their child by contacting the school. Enquiries can be sent to office@arkcastledown.org or made on 01424 444046.
