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Nursery at Chailey Heritage 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Complex disabilities shape the setting around Chailey Heritage School’s nursery provision. In North Chailey, the school sits within Chailey Heritage Foundation, a charity supporting children and young people with disabilities and their families. The school’s starting age is three. Its nursery forms part of that school provision.
The Foundation supports children with overlapping medical, physical and communication needs. For families considering an early start here, that specialist context is the defining feature: education belongs within an organisation whose work also includes care and therapeutic services.
Curriculum and sensory-learning responsibilities sit within one teaching leadership role. This gives parents a specific point of focus when discussing their child’s learning needs.
The school’s curriculum lead holds a master’s degree in Severe and/or Profound Multiple Learning Disability and contributed to developing the CHILD curriculum. This is useful context for parents weighing the educational expertise surrounding the nursery.
Beyond the classroom, the Foundation’s specialist services include Patchwork Farm, hydrotherapy, hippotherapy and rebound therapy. These are services across the wider organisation. Their presence gives the setting a physical and therapeutic dimension, while keeping the distinction between Foundation facilities and an individual nursery child’s programme clear.
Music and communication also have named responsibilities within the school team. A Music and Makaton Lead teaches across the school, organises choirs using singing and Makaton, and trains colleagues in inclusive communication. Communication therefore has a place in shared musical activity as well as specialist teaching roles.
Specialist teachers work alongside education assistants and lunchtime assistants. Across the school, additional teaching roles cover vision impairment and multi-sensory impairment, with the latter including training for colleagues. For parents, this identifies the disciplines within the wider team supporting children’s access to learning.
The Foundation regards safety, listening and respect for each child as fundamental rights. Its aims also include helping children feel positive about themselves, develop and maintain their health. These principles give families a clear account of the organisation’s care priorities.
Food belongs to the school’s daily arrangements. The school menu for the week commencing 13 July 2026 included fish fingers and vegetable burgers, alongside vegetables and dessert, fruit or yoghurt. These are past menu examples, rather than a promise about today’s meals.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Nursery and Reception admission are separate processes: families apply again through the normal route and meet the relevant deadline. Treat the decision about nursery care and the decision about the next school placement separately when planning your child’s education.
School enquiries can go through the Foundation’s contact form by selecting School enquiry, or by telephone on 01825 724 444. A visit can also be booked, giving families a practical first step towards considering the setting.
For autumn 2026, the school’s half-term runs from 26 to 30 October. Term ends on 18 December 2026 at 2pm. Those school calendar dates matter when arranging family routines and transport around breaks and the final day of term.
Yes. It is nursery provision within Chailey Heritage School in North Chailey.
The wider school team includes roles for curriculum and sensory learners, vision impairment, multi-sensory impairment, and Music and Makaton.
No. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place, and families must apply separately for Reception.
Select School enquiry on the Foundation’s contact form or call 01825 724 444. Visit booking is also available.
The school’s autumn half-term runs from 26 to 30 October 2026.
