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Nursery at Lancing College Preparatory School At Hove
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
French songs, counting games and a school day finishing at 15.30 give Lancing Prep Hove’s Pre-School a clear early education character. This is the nursery provision within Lancing College Preparatory School at Hove, on The Droveway, rather than a separate day nursery. Children can start after their third birthday, before Reception, and the class belongs to the school’s Pre-Prep department.
At the November 2025 ISI inspection, the Pre-School had 16 children in a single class. That is a dated class roll, rather than a measure of available places. Qualified teachers teach the children, with teaching assistants supporting the younger groups: the staffing model combines classroom teaching with additional adult help.
The day has a recognisable rhythm. Classroom time starts at 9.00, followed by a morning play break between 10.00 and 10.20. Lunch begins at 11.45; children return to class at 13.10, with another play break from 14.30 to 14.50 before the 15.30 finish. These breaks punctuate the learning rather than leaving play until the end.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together early literacy, number learning and personal development. In November 2025, early years activities included counting collections of objects, spotting gaps in number sequences and listening to stories connected with classroom topics. Stories build vocabulary; number activities give children something concrete to count and discuss. Planning also follows children’s interests, with encouragement to attempt unfamiliar experiences and accept mistakes as part of learning.
French begins in the early years through games and songs, with scrapbooks helping children revisit their learning. It gives language learning a practical starting point. The November 2025 findings described an engaging early years curriculum, with activities helping children progress towards the early learning goals.
Settling can be gradual. The Pre-School works with parents as children adjust, and attendance can build up through flexible session progression. Each child’s form teacher carries pastoral responsibility and serves as the principal contact for parents, giving families a clear person to approach.
Lunch is included in termly fees, and snacks are included too. There are no facilities for afternoon naps, so the full day needs to suit a child who can manage without that sleep. Children must be dry before starting and confident with the toilet; staff can help with occasional accidents or intimate care when a child is unwell.
In November 2025, early years staff helped children practise sharing and turn-taking, using positive instructions to support social confidence. Checks covered supervision ratios and secure medicine storage. These are practical care safeguards alongside the learning programme.
Support needs. Children with mild SEND can be admitted where the learning enhancement department can meet their needs and enable curriculum access. Significant emotional and behavioural difficulties cannot be supported. Families must give written details of known needs during registration or admission, so suitability can be considered before a child starts.
The school’s own continuation arrangement is explicit: children who join its Pre-School move into Reception without a fresh application. Families choosing this independent provision therefore have a different process from a separate application for a new Reception entrant. This establishes continuation without reapplying; it should not be read as a statement about oversubscription priority.
For 2026–2027, the attendance patterns are five full days, 8.30–15.30, or five half days, 8.30–13.00. Extra morning sessions run 8.30–13.00 and extra afternoons 12.00–15.30. Gradual session progression provides flexibility when introducing attendance.
Funding covers the equivalent of up to 15 hours each week during term time. Consumables and additional services fall outside funded EYFS hours and attract charges linked to sessions and eligible weeks. The school’s 2025–2026 funding arrangements exclude the Extended Free Entitlement. Contact the school for current charges.
Bring children to the entrance hall; the Hove Park Road gates also provide a morning route across the school field. Parking nearby can be difficult, so allow time. Full uniform is required, and fittings at the Lancing College shop are by appointment. Enquiries can go to 01273 503452, while families can request a private tour through the visit form.
Children may join after their third birthday, before Reception.
For 2026–2027, five full days run 8.30–15.30 and five half days run 8.30–13.00. Extra morning and afternoon sessions are offered, with flexibility to build attendance gradually.
Lunch and snacks are included in fees. The Pre-School has no facilities for afternoon naps.
The school provides continuation from its Pre-School into Reception without reapplying. This does not establish a separate oversubscription priority criterion.
The school offers the equivalent of up to 15 funded hours per week, term-time only. Consumables and additional services are charged separately from funded EYFS hours; contact the school for current charges.
