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Nursery at Sandown Primary School and Nursery
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Seeds, shadows and storybook problems give Sandown’s nursery learning a practical character. Children investigate materials, watch plants grow and explore through small world play, giving them concrete things to notice and talk about. This is the nursery within Sandown Primary School and Nursery on The Ridge in Hastings.
Children can start at two in Acorn. Sapling is the group for three- and four-year-olds who are ready for the next step towards school. Readiness matters alongside age: the move between groups is framed around the child’s development.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the framework, with Birth to 5 matters guiding the nursery curriculum. In parent terms, learning brings together talking, movement and relationships with early mathematics, literacy, creativity and discovering how the world works. Playing, exploring, concentrating and trying out ideas are part of that learning, rather than separate from it.
Named projects make the approach tangible. Once Upon a Time uses everyday materials to help children solve problems for story characters. Sparkle and Shine introduces reflective materials, while Starry Night brings nocturnal animals and shadow-making into the day. These activities give children reasons to compare, ask questions and explain their discoveries.
Seasonal learning continues through Winter Wonderland, with investigations into freezing and melting. Puddles and Rainbows explores seasonal change and waterproof materials. During Sunshine and Sunflowers, children sow seeds, follow their growth and observe visiting insects. Shadows and reflections are explored outdoors as well as inside; Big Wide World adds books and small world play to investigations of habitats. Splash! introduces floating and sinking. The emphasis is on learning through things children can test and observe.
In January 2025, Ofsted identified a positive beginning to learning in the early years, with trained staff developing children’s language and communication. That focus connects directly with the nursery’s emphasis on learning to express ideas.
Settling begins with hour-long sessions for children, with no charge for those introductory sessions. These offer a shorter first experience before the child’s registered timetable begins.
For special educational needs or disabilities, the child’s Key Worker is the first contact within nursery. An early years SEND coordinator provides a further route for discussing needs, with meetings arranged through the school office. This gives families a clear starting point when they have concerns about development or support.
The nursery team includes a manager, deputy manager and practitioners. Its manager also holds a deputy designated safeguarding lead role, connecting nursery leadership with the school’s safeguarding structure.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate school application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline.
East Sussex County Council handles entry at age four and above, with online applications starting in the September before the child is due to begin school. Keep that application separate from the nursery contract: choosing sessions here does not replace applying for school.
Monday to Friday opening runs from 7:45am to 4:15pm, across 38 term-time weeks. Core hours are 8:45am to 3:15pm. Families can choose a morning session from 8:45am until noon or an afternoon from noon until 3:15pm. Registered sessions are timetabled, and fees are payable in advance each month through ParentPay or childcare vouchers.
Universal funding provides 15 weekly hours for three- and four-year-olds, beginning in the term after their third birthday. Eligibility-based funding can provide up to 30 hours. Additional support funding for eligible two-year-olds is applied for through the nursery.
Full-day finish. The final half-hour, from 2:45pm to 3:15pm, carries an extra charge for families already using their full funded hours. Choosing a 2:45pm finish in the contract before starting avoids that charge. Contact the school for current charges.
Nursery clothing combines a burgundy logo sweatshirt with comfortable clothes and sensible shoes or trainers. Label each item. Enquiries go to office@sandown.school or 01424 436983.
Children can join Acorn from two. Three- and four-year-olds can move into Sapling when ready.
Morning sessions run from 8:45am to noon; afternoon sessions run from noon to 3:15pm.
No. Families must apply separately for school through East Sussex County Council’s normal admissions process.
Children have hour-long settling sessions. Those introductory sessions are free of charge.
The nursery Key Worker is the first contact. Meetings with the early years SEND coordinator can be arranged through the school office.
