Ardingly College Farmhouse Nursery

Songs at snack time and a Farmhouse setting give Ardingly College’s nursery its character. This is the youngest provision within the Prep School, which takes children from age 2. The Farmhouse adjoins the main College grounds and has play areas suited to younger children, alongside its own Forest School. The physical setting gives early learning a distinct base within the larger school.

Language runs through ordinary moments. At the ISI inspection of 30 April to 2 May 2024, nursery adults used short sentences and introduced unfamiliar words, while children practised songs and rhymes during activities and snacks. Communication receives deliberate attention, rather than being confined to a single lesson. Children who need extra help with speech and language receive targeted intervention.

The early years foundation stage (EYFS) learning described here centres on exploring, asking questions and following children’s interests. In April and May 2024, activities were chosen with children’s individual needs in mind, and resources supported investigation. For parents, the useful detail is the connection between knowing a child and deciding what they will do: staff use information about interests and needs to shape teaching.

Forest School and the Farmhouse play areas add outdoor settings to that picture. Nursery children also learn about generosity towards one another, giving social learning a practical place alongside communication and discovery.

Emotional care is a clear strength of the early years findings from April and May 2024. Adults noticed shifts in children’s feelings and responded with effective help. Children behaved exceptionally well, worked cooperatively and developed close bonds with adults and other children. Those relationships matter for children learning to share activities and express how they feel.

Frequent contact with parents informs staff’s understanding of each child. Progress is checked closely and shared with families, connecting the learning day with home. Early years staff also receive paediatric first aid training.

Additional support has both provision and limits. Across the Prep School, help can include specialist teachers, learning support assistants and personalised intervention plans, with access to speech and language therapy, occupational therapy or an educational psychologist where needed. Some levels carry additional charges. The College can support children with disabilities or learning difficulties where its resources meet their needs, but cannot provide highly specialised, intensive treatment. Families should weigh that boundary alongside the nursery’s targeted communication support.

Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Confirm with the admissions team the conditions for progression to Reception and any application steps or deadlines. Familiarity with the school should not be treated as an entitlement to a place.

Two day lengths are offered: Normal Nursery Day runs from 8am to 4.30pm; Long Nursery Day finishes at 6pm after the same start, with tea included. Families can choose attendance across 50 weeks or during term time only. Term-time children can also book holiday club on an ad hoc basis, making holiday attendance a separate option.

Enquiries go to registration@ardingly.com. Private tours are offered during open weeks, allowing families to meet the nursery team and explore the setting. Contact the school for current charges. Nursery fees are exempt from VAT.