The FMS Inspection Score is FindMySchool's proprietary analysis based on official Ofsted and ISI inspection reports. It converts ratings into a standardised 1–10 scale for fair comparison across all schools in England.
Disclaimer: The FMS Inspection Score is an independent analysis by FindMySchool. It is not endorsed by or affiliated with Ofsted or ISI. Always refer to the official Ofsted or ISI report for the full picture of a school’s inspection outcome.
Nursery at River Beach Primary 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Three session patterns give River Beach’s nursery a clear term-time rhythm: mornings, afternoons or an all-day option. This is the school’s own nursery in Littlehampton, taking children from the term following their third birthday until they move to primary school. Capacity is a maximum of 48 places.
Early years provision was graded Good at the Ofsted inspection on 25 and 26 February 2025. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision rather than a separately inspected nursery. There is an important qualification: language development and concentration needed more carefully sequenced support.
For children taking 15 funded hours, the week comprises five three-hour sessions, either in the morning or afternoon. The all-day pattern includes lunchtime. Parents indicate their preferred sessions on the application form; preferences are accommodated subject to availability.
Learning begins with foundations for later reading. Nursery children are introduced to skills that prepare them for Read Write Inc, rather than being described as undertaking the full taught phonics programme. That distinction matters at this age: preparation comes before formal instruction.
Creative work also starts early. Children in the Early Years Foundation Stage explore materials and different media, while music provision extends from Nursery onwards. These give children ways to experiment and express themselves alongside developing language.
In February 2025, some early years teaching was less consistent than other parts of the curriculum. Language and attention. Support did not reliably extend children’s existing understanding and concentration. Families should weigh this specific concern alongside the Good early years judgement, because these skills affect how children participate in learning.
Settling begins before the first full session. Families offered a nursery place receive induction information covering taster sessions and starting dates. Teachers also work closely with parents when children enter Nursery; where a child has SEND, the Inclusion Leader meets the family and relevant agencies. This creates an opportunity to share needs before attendance begins.
The nursery team includes key workers and an assistant. For additional needs, the school uses Assess, Plan, Do and Review: support is planned with parents, put into practice and reconsidered as the child’s needs become clearer. Individual Learning Plans are reviewed each term, giving families a recurring opportunity to contribute.
Physical access across the school includes ramps, adapted toilets and a lift to the first floor. Individual access requirements can be discussed with the school, allowing families to consider their child’s needs alongside these concrete features.
A nursery place does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through West Sussex County Council and meet the local authority’s published deadline.
For 2027–28 entry, nursery attendance confers no Reception priority. Allocation instead follows criteria covering needs, care status, siblings, staff children and catchment, with distance used to resolve oversubscription within categories. Familiarity with the school and entitlement to a place are separate questions.
Morning sessions run from 8.30am to 11.30am; afternoons run from 12.15pm to 3.15pm. The all-day session is 8.30am to 2.30pm, including lunchtime. The nursery offers eight 30-hour Extended Free Entitlement places, term time only; the application requires an eligibility code for this option.
Session preferences are considered subject to availability. Regular attendance. Falling below 80% triggers a process that may lead to withdrawal of the nursery place, so accepting a place carries an attendance expectation.
To arrange a visit, telephone 01903 725500 or email office@riverbeachprimary.co.uk. Nursery applications can be made from age two for entry after the third birthday.
Children are eligible from the term after their third birthday. Applications can be made from age two.
Mornings are 8.30am–11.30am, afternoons 12.15pm–3.15pm, and the all-day session 8.30am–2.30pm, including lunchtime.
There are 15-hour funded arrangements comprising five morning or five afternoon sessions each week during term time. Eight 30-hour Extended Free Entitlement places are also offered during term time, with an eligibility code required on the application.
No. Reception requires a separate application through West Sussex County Council. Nursery attendance gives no priority under the 2027–28 arrangements.
Families receiving an offer are sent induction information, including taster sessions and start dates. Teachers liaise with parents when children join Nursery, and the Inclusion Leader meets parents and relevant agencies where a child has SEND.
