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Nursery at Boundstone Nursery 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
A tree-centred Atrium, a garden mud kitchen and the Rainbow Room give Boundstone its character: space to explore, with speech and language support integrated into nursery life. This local-authority maintained nursery school in Lancing serves children aged three to five. Core places begin in the term after a child's third birthday, with provision for typically up to 130 children.
The Special Support Centre (SSC) has 16 places for children referred with significant speech and language needs. It sits within the nursery, rather than operating as a separate play environment. Children can take part in nursery activities while receiving specialist input.
Free-flow play combines with time in colour groups, each with its own space. Yellow Group meets in The Atrium, where children also find areas for creative work, reading and home play. The Wing accommodates Red and Blue Groups, alongside the library, kitchen and places to rest. That gives the day both room for individual exploration and a smaller group to return to.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together learning and care: developing language, movement and relationships alongside early maths, literacy, creativity and understanding the world. Boundstone plans around children's interests and observations of their learning. A dedicated maths area lets children choose resources themselves; counting cups for snacks and playing shops connect mathematical ideas to familiar tasks.
Outside, grass and tarmac support different kinds of play. Children can use scooters, a tyre swing and monkey bars, or investigate sand, water and the mud kitchen. Storytelling and music have outdoor spaces too. The garden carries learning beyond a table or classroom.
Language runs through these experiences. Makaton signing, gestures and visual aids provide different ways to communicate; listening games and visits from the mobile library add opportunities to share books and take turns. In May 2023, children used storyboards, acted out stories and developed vocabulary through sandpit play. These are practical routes into speaking, listening and early literacy.
Specialist qualified teachers work with nursery nurses and assistants. The Key Carer system places children in Red, Yellow or Blue groups, with those adults serving as the family's principal contacts. Parents can discuss progress in meetings and share information that helps staff plan support.
Boundstone aims to arrange home visits before children start Nursery School wherever possible. SSC families are offered a home visit to support settling and build relationships with staff. For children needing additional help, Targeted Support Plans are developed with parents and reviewed regularly.
The Rainbow Room provides space for individual and small-group communication work. Two speech therapists work with SSC children three days a week, while specialist staff help children use those skills during play elsewhere in the nursery. This connects therapy with ordinary nursery experiences.
Food is also a chance to practise independence. In May 2023, children spread butter on crackers and toast and cut food at lunch. Adults sought children's permission before changing nappies or soiled clothes, supporting an early understanding of consent. The mindfulness project helped children explore feelings and manage their behaviour. Ofsted found safeguarding effective at the inspection on 4 May 2023.
Attending nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process.
For children with additional needs, Boundstone aims to arrange visits in both directions: children meet their new school team, and receiving staff meet them at nursery. A transition book may help explain unfamiliar people, rooms and routines. SSC children move to their allocated school or appropriate specialist provision; where required, a speech and language therapist visits during the first half-term to support settling.
Funding covers 15 hours weekly from the term after a child turns three, or 30 hours for eligible families, across 38 weeks. Provision is term-time only, with no holiday childcare and five INSET closure days each year.
Core mornings run Monday to Friday, 9am to noon; afternoons run 1pm to 4pm. Beginning-of-week and end-of-week patterns combine two longer days with a half-day, with lunch payable on the longer days. Eligible 30-hour families have a Monday-to-Friday, 9am-to-3pm pattern.
Breakfast runs 8am to 9am, lunch noon to 1pm, After School Club 3pm to 4pm and Tea Club 4pm to 5pm. These can be charged or funded depending on eligibility for the extended entitlement; additional bookings depend on availability. Contact the office for current charges and regular or occasional bookings. To arrange a show round, call 01903 276860; application forms follow a nursery visit.
Core places begin in the term after a child's third birthday. The nursery school's age range is three to five.
Yes. Core mornings run Monday to Friday from 9am to noon, and core afternoons from 1pm to 4pm. There are also beginning-of-week and end-of-week patterns.
No. Nursery School provision runs during term time across 38 weeks, with five INSET closure days each year.
The SSC combines nursery play with individual or small-group speech and language work in the Rainbow Room. A Speech and Language Therapist must refer a child for consideration for a place.
No. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place, and families must apply separately for Reception.
