White Meadows Primary Academy Nursery

In July 2022, swimming started in Nursery at White Meadows Primary Academy. The school's on-site pool gave this provision a distinctive physical feature: learning to swim formed part of children's earliest school experience, alongside the start of learning to read. These activities give parents a concrete picture of the nursery day at that time.

The nursery sits within the primary academy in Wick, Littlehampton. In July 2022, its curriculum formed the starting point of a learning sequence extending through the school. That connection matters educationally, but it should be kept separate from the question of securing a Reception place.

In July 2022, the pool provided a concrete example of learning beyond the classroom. Children began swimming when they joined Nursery, giving physical learning a specific setting and purpose. Swimming was therefore part of the nursery experience at that time, rather than an activity associated only with later school years.

Reading also began at Nursery entry in July 2022. In July 2022, the curriculum introduced children to reading from the outset, so their early education included both physical activity and the beginnings of literacy. The useful distinction is that reading was already part of Nursery learning, rather than something reserved for the next stage.

Curriculum planning connected Nursery learning with what followed in later years. In July 2022, leaders had organised the knowledge and skills children would encounter in sequence, beginning in Nursery. This gave the provision an educational role within the school at that time: early learning was the beginning of a planned progression, alongside the practical experience of using the pool.

Consistency of additional support. Across the school in July 2022, leaders identified emerging needs, involved specialists and prepared individual support plans. However, staff did not consistently put those plans into practice, leaving some pupils without the help they needed. This was a school-wide concern, rather than a finding specific to Nursery, but it is relevant context for families considering the academy's support arrangements.

Checking learning. Assessment in subjects beyond reading and mathematics also needed attention across the school in July 2022. Staff could not reliably identify gaps in pupils' knowledge. Again, this concern was not identified specifically as a nursery finding; it should not be presented as a separate judgement on nursery provision.

Attending this nursery does not guarantee a Reception place at White Meadows Primary Academy. Nursery admission and Reception admission are separate processes: families must apply again through the normal Reception admissions route by the applicable deadline.

The curriculum connection described above concerns learning. It does not establish an admissions advantage, and families should keep educational continuity separate from the allocation of a school place.

The academy's address is Whitelea Road, Wick, Littlehampton, BN17 7JL. Its telephone number is 01903731774.