Ringmer Primary and Nursery School: Nursery Review

The Ringmer Reef brings nursery learning into a shared early years setting, with children's interests shaping play and language taking a leading role. Ringmer's nursery caters for children aged 2, 3 and 4. Children join from the term following their second birthday, with entry points in April, September and January.

Classroom placement reflects development as well as age. Preschool children may remain in the nursery room or learn beside Reception children in Angelfish, with parents involved in deciding the placement. This makes the classroom arrangement a conversation about the individual child.

We hold no published inspection grade for this nursery.

Play provides the starting point for learning. Staff use children's interests to shape activities within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), covering seven learning areas. The nursery gives priority to language and communication, physical development, and children's personal, emotional and social development. In everyday parent terms, the emphasis is on communicating, developing physical skills and learning about themselves and others.

Outdoor learning has a regular place: nursery children can use the Woodland area weekly. That gives exploration a setting beyond the nursery classroom. Parents can also accompany outings, both locally and farther afield, bringing families into this part of nursery life.

Early literacy connects with Monster Phonics, which spans nursery through Year 2 and links sounds with letters. Teachers can adjust the pace and revisit learning to suit children's needs. In 2026, the nursery is also participating in a Sussex Maths Hub case study investigating Mastering Number in Nursery, with a focus on subitising. These are named strands of learning alongside the nursery's emphasis on play, rather than evidence of a fixed timetable of formal lessons.

Starting nursery is staged. A home visit, opportunities to stay and play, and staggered starting arrangements are adapted to each child's developmental stage and age. Families therefore have several ways to build familiarity before the new routine takes shape.

Each child's key adult provides a progress summary and next steps three times a year, accompanied by an invitation to a parent consultation. Evidence Me carries moments of achievement from nursery, and parents can contribute photographs of achievements at home. Conversations at collection and drop-off offer another opportunity to exchange messages. The nest provides a separate meeting space for families and visiting professionals.

For children with additional needs, the nursery uses a cycle of assessment, planning, putting support into practice and reviewing its effect. Additional needs plans contain three targets in each cycle, and formal reviews happen at least three times annually with caregivers involved. Zones of Regulation begins in nursery, giving children language for understanding feelings and behaviour.

School meals are supplied through Chartwells. Its medical diet nutritionists support families dealing with allergies or food intolerances, providing a specific contact for dietary concerns.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee admission to Ringmer's Reception. Families must make a separate application through East Sussex County Council's online school admissions process and meet the deadline for their child's entry year. Treat that application as a separate task, even if your child already knows the school.

Learning alongside Reception in Angelfish gives some preschool children experience of a shared classroom before school entry. Nursery graduation also marks the move towards school. These experiences concern familiarity and celebration; they do not secure a Reception place.

Sunrise and Sunset clubs accept nursery children and provide wraparound care with staff familiar from the school day. Children can choose imaginative play, crafts, reading or games indoors and outside. For families needing care around nursery, this is a useful additional arrangement. Contact the school for current charges.

Nursery enquiries and requests for a place go to nursery@ringmerprimary.school. Visits can be arranged through the school. Ringmer Primary and Nursery School is on Harrisons Lane in Ringmer; the office can be reached on 01273 812463 or office@ringmerprimary.school.