Meridian Community Primary School and Nursery: Nursery Review

Stories, small-group phonics and construction play give Meridian’s nursery its educational character. Children aged 2 to 4 have a purpose-built building attached to the primary school in Peacehaven, with capacity for 30 children in each session. This is nursery education organised around a school-length day, with fixed attendance patterns rather than ad-hoc booking.

Ofsted judged early years provision Good at the inspection on 11 and 12 June 2024. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision; it is not a separate nursery rating.

Play and adult teaching share the day. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines activities led by children with individual teaching, small groups and whole-class learning. Its seven learning areas put movement, language and social development alongside early maths, literacy, creativity and finding out about the world. For parents, that means learning includes conversation and play as well as direct instruction.

Circle time gives children opportunities to discuss feelings and relationships, while planned talk time develops listening and speaking. Reading starts with familiar rhymes and stories. Nursery children begin phonics in small groups when they are ready, using Letters and Sounds; Phonics Play can also be accessed at home. The June 2024 findings describe the youngest children participating in favourite stories and rhymes, then exploring letter sounds as their readiness develops.

Practical materials make the curriculum tangible. Book areas have comfortable soft seating, while sand, water and role-play provide contexts for exploring mathematical ideas. Magnifying glasses and specimen dishes support investigation. Construction with Lego and mobilo gives children something to plan, build and discuss, linking making with language and cooperation.

Outside, children select equipment and explore movement within safety rules. The outdoor area supports physical development, including balance and control. Indoors, painting, collage and clay give children ways to express ideas and revise what they make. These are concrete choices within the EYFS day, rather than learning confined to a table.

Checking learning. The June 2024 inspection also identified a school-wide need for more accurate checks of understanding in some subjects, so children needing extra help are recognised sooner. This concern should be read at school level rather than treated as a nursery-specific finding.

A qualified teacher leads the nursery, supported by teaching assistants. Each child has an allocated Key Worker, and this allocation is discussed with parents when the child starts. That gives families an identified member of the nursery team from the outset.

Lunch is part of the morning session. Families can send a packed lunch or buy a hot meal cooked in the school kitchen; lunchtime supervision carries a separate charge. Parents supply nappies, wipes and nappy sacks, with replacement charges applying if requested supplies are not brought in.

For concerns about additional learning needs, the first step is an appointment with the class teacher. The school office can then arrange a discussion with the SEND coordination team if concerns remain. Communication also includes the Meridian APP, accessed through School Jotter 3, which brings together newsletters, calendar information and alerts.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate school application through East Sussex County Council, and another child’s priority can affect the outcome. Treat nursery registration and Reception admission as two distinct decisions.

For September 2026 entry, the application deadline was 15 January 2026. That was the deadline for that past admissions cycle, not a forthcoming application date.

The 30-hour pattern runs Monday to Friday, 9.10am to 3.10pm. Two 15-hour patterns divide the week: Monday and Tuesday full days plus Wednesday morning, or Wednesday afternoon plus Thursday and Friday full days. Morning sessions finish at 12.10pm; afternoon sessions begin then. A charged Early Bird session runs from 8.40am to 9.10am. Ad-hoc days outside the set hours are not offered.

The nursery lists up to 15 funded hours for three-year-olds, with the starting term determined by their birthday, and funding for eligible two-year-olds. Funded hours may be shared between settings; extra paid hours depend on availability. Ask the school for current charges, including administration, meals and lunchtime supervision.

For an application and information pack, contact the School Office on 01273 584212 or email nursadmin@meridian.e-sussex.sch.uk. Nursery places are allocated in registration order, with East Sussex oversubscription criteria used when same-day forms compete for limited places.