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Nursery at Handcross Primary School
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
An entrance ramp, an accessible toilet and a focus on children's first skills give Little Owls a practical identity within Handcross Primary School. This on-site nursery opened in September 2021 and welcomes children from two years old. Its place within the school brings nursery staff into regular contact with the early years lead and special educational needs coordinator (SENCo).
The team includes nursery managers, early years practitioners and an early years assistant. There is also a nursery SEND lead, giving families a nursery contact who works with the school's support team when a child needs additional help.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the learning framework. For the youngest children, the emphasis is on communication, physical development and learning to manage feelings and relationships. These are useful everyday foundations: expressing a need, becoming more independent and learning alongside other children.
Literacy and mathematics sit alongside exploring the world and creative expression. Topics connect the learning, while Read, Write Inc supports early phonics. This gives the nursery day a combination of personal development and first steps towards reading and number, rather than treating learning as just letters and counting.
At the inspection on 23 and 24 May 2023, early years reading, number work and independence were clear strengths. Books surrounded children, and nursery staff introduced reading immediately. Children began recognising letter sounds, with early years phonics taught by trained practitioners. Number learning extended outdoors as well as into organised teaching; children developed confidence counting in both directions between zero and 10.
Resources were within children's reach in the early years learning environment. That matters for independence: children could obtain what they needed instead of depending on an adult for each task.
In May 2023, familiar routines and attentive adults helped the youngest children settle and become confident quickly. This is a useful strength for families facing a child's first separation from home.
Additional needs have a nursery-specific point of contact. The nursery SEND lead works with the SENCo and colleagues to arrange support for Little Owls children. Across the school's support system, Individual Learning Plans identify personal targets and provision, with termly reviews involving parents. Families can contribute their observations and discuss whether support needs to change.
Physical access has concrete provision too: the nursery's ramp and accessible toilet support children who need adjustments. For safeguarding concerns, the team includes a deputy designated safeguarding lead specifically for the nursery.
Attending Little Owls does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through West Sussex County Council's school admissions route. For entry in September 2027, the application deadline is in January 2027. Keep this application separate from nursery booking.
Transition support is a different matter. Little Owls and Reception staff work together to prepare children for the move, with SENCo involvement where needed. Children are invited to spend time in their next classroom before starting school, and parent information meetings provide an opportunity to ask questions. These arrangements help children become familiar with the next stage; they do not secure admission.
Nursery enquiries go directly to nursery@handcross.w-sussex.sch.uk or 01444 715111. Booking and financial enquiries have a separate contact: bursar@handcross.w-sussex.sch.uk or 01444 715100.
The nursery uniform combines a maroon logo polo shirt and sweatshirt with maroon elasticated jogging bottoms or black leggings. Spare clothes for accidents can be ordinary clothing, making it easier to keep a change ready.
Little Owls welcomes children from two years old.
The EYFS framework gives particular attention to communication, physical development, feelings and relationships, alongside early literacy, maths, creativity and understanding the world.
A nursery SEND lead works with the school's SENCo and other staff to support children in Little Owls.
No. Families apply separately through West Sussex County Council school admissions. For September 2027 entry, the deadline is in January 2027.
For general enquiries, use nursery@handcross.w-sussex.sch.uk or 01444 715111. For booking and financial enquiries, use bursar@handcross.w-sussex.sch.uk or 01444 715100.
