Little Farlington Nursery at Farlington School

Full days and care across 51 weeks give Little Farlington its practical character. Farlington School's nursery takes children from six months until school age at Strood Park, Horsham. Its four development stages are Discoverers, Explorers, Adventurers and Pioneers. Moving between them depends on a child's development, so birthdays do not automatically trigger a change of group.

Discoverers covers babies aged six months to one year, while Explorers is for children aged one to two. Adventurers starts at two years and Pioneers covers the pre-Reception year. These stages provide a framework for grouping children while allowing movement to reflect individual development.

Learning plans draw on each child's interests and the key person's observations and assessments. Targeted interventions address gaps in learning. Parents contribute observations from home through Tapestry, the online learning journal, giving staff another perspective on what a child enjoys and can do.

The nursery occupies ground-level accommodation, with slopes connecting it to the garden and an accessible toilet equipped for changing. Children can use all outdoor areas. Picture prompts and visual timetables help explain routines, with multilingual posters and a display board supporting children learning English as an additional language. These are concrete ways of making the day easier to understand.

Settling begins with introductory sessions and meetings about a child's individual needs. All About Me books capture likes and dislikes; home visits can also be arranged when staff consider that a child would benefit. Equipment and referrals can be organised before entry where needed, allowing support to begin with the child rather than follow later.

A key person observes development and talks regularly with parents about progress. Parent consultations provide further discussion, while Tapestry lets families ask questions and add their own observations. The Manager or Deputy Manager is available daily for concerns.

Additional needs involve the nursery SENDCo, with Individual Plans and one-page profiles shared with parents and staff and updated regularly. With parental consent, referrals can involve Portage, Occupational Therapy or Speech & Language Therapy. Targeted Setting Support can advise on individual support. For medical needs, a Health Care Plan is prepared with parents and relevant agencies, identifying any staff training required.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Confirm Reception entry arrangements directly with the school's admissions team; the nursery booking should never be treated as securing the next place.

Transition support is a separate matter. Reception teachers are encouraged to visit for story time. For children going on to Farlington School, the nursery key person or SENDCo shares relevant information with the school SENDCo, helping the receiving team understand their learning needs.

Sessions are full days, running from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. Children must attend at least two sessions, increasing to three in their pre-Reception year. That minimum matters when planning a weekly childcare pattern.

Although care runs across 51 weeks, closures include Christmas to New Year, bank holidays and five staff training days. Early drop-off starts at 7.30am by advance arrangement and carries an extra charge. Some external trips and visiting activities may also cost extra, with advance notification. Contact the school for current charges.

For nursery enquiries, email nursery@farlingtonschool.com or call 01403 254967.