Kilnwood Vale Primary School Nursery Review

Outdoor learning in almost any weather and separate rooms for younger and older nursery children give Kilnwood Vale's provision its character. The nursery belongs to Kilnwood Vale Primary School in Horsham, with one room for ages 2–3 and another for ages 3–4. That age-based organisation gives families a clear picture of where their child will spend the day.

Ofsted graded the school's early years provision Outstanding at the inspection on 5 and 6 December 2023. This judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.

Play and conversation shape the learning. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together seven areas, with speaking and listening, physical skills and emotional and social development taking priority in the nursery. Alongside these foundations come early literacy, mathematics, exploring the world and creative expression. Children have opportunities to choose activities, while adults also guide learning, indoors and outside.

Conversation has a practical purpose here. Adults respond to children's interests and extend what they say with fresh vocabulary. Stories, poems and rhymes give children more words to try out. Early phonics begins with listening for differences between sounds from the environment, music, voices and body percussion, alongside rhythm and rhyme. The emphasis is on learning to listen before moving further into reading.

At the December 2023 inspection, children picked their own stories in the book nook, then listened as adults read their choices aloud. In December 2023, nursery activities were carefully planned to prepare children for their next stage, and the youngest children understood routines for sharing, taking turns and clearing away. These everyday habits sit alongside the learning.

Outdoor activity continues in almost all weather, so it is part of the usual nursery experience. Sensory exploration and activities developing coordination support physical learning. Families should expect clothing for active play rather than clothes that need keeping pristine.

Parents can follow their child's progress through Tapestry, where adults record observations and use them to plan subsequent learning. This links what happens during the session with what families can see at home.

For children joining EYFS in September, induction includes home visits and conversations with parents about interests and needs. That gives staff information about the child before the start. Where additional support is needed, families begin by speaking to the class teacher; the SENDCo can advise, and an Inclusion Support Plan is developed with parents. Support follows a cycle of assessing needs, planning action, putting it into practice and reviewing its effect.

Lunch offers a choice: a healthy packed meal from home or a school lunch prepared by kitchen staff. Hot lunch carries a separate charge and is excluded from nursery fees. Ask the school for current charges when deciding which option suits your family.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place, and there is no automatic transfer. Attendance itself gives no priority under the 2026–2027 Reception criteria. Families must apply separately through their home local authority, following the normal application timetable. For September 2026 entry, the closing date was 15 January 2026; that deadline has passed.

Preparation and admission are separate matters. Nursery staff share knowledge about children and transition information with the school. For children with complex needs, parents and involved agencies take part in a transition review and agree a plan together. This helps the next team prepare for the child, but does not secure a place.

Term-time hours are 9am–3pm, Monday to Friday. Families can choose a full week or either half of the week: Monday and Tuesday plus Wednesday morning, or Wednesday afternoon plus Thursday and Friday. Wednesday's shorter sessions run 9am–12pm and 12pm–3pm respectively. These are fixed weekly patterns, so consider how they fit work and other childcare.

Universal funding provides 15 weekly hours from the term after a child's third birthday. Eligible working families may receive 30 hours, and some eligible two-year-olds can receive 15 hours through FEET/Disadvantage Funding. Paid places are also offered where funding eligibility does not cover attendance. Working-parent codes require reconfirmation every three months; failing to do this can result in private charges for sessions.

Since September 2026, uniform is a black sweatshirt, white polo or T-shirt and black jogging bottoms or leggings. Logos are optional. Shoes should have no laces; a waterproof coat and wellies support outdoor activity. Label clothing. Nursery enquiries go to nursery@kilnwoodvaleschool.org.