Polegate Primary School Nursery Review

Stories, songs and counting minibeasts give Polegate’s youngest children a concrete start to learning. The nursery belongs to Polegate Primary School on Oakleaf Drive and caters for children aged two and three. It puts early learning within a primary school setting, with morning, afternoon and all-day sessions providing distinct choices for families.

Ofsted’s inspection on 13 and 14 May 2025 described early years as giving children a strong foundation for subsequent learning. The useful detail is what children were doing: enjoying language from the start of nursery, concentrating on activities and showing consideration towards one another.

Language starts with listening and joining in. Stories sit alongside singing and rhymes from the beginning of nursery, giving children repeated opportunities to become familiar with spoken language before later reading. These are regular experiences, rather than occasional events.

Counting has a practical context too. In May 2025, early-years children counted minibeasts confidently, helped by staff. For parents, that is a useful picture of learning through something children can count, with an adult supporting their understanding. Personal and social learning also forms part of the early-years experience: children sustained their attention and developed habits of caring for others.

The nursery has its own place in school events. A Nursery Assembly appeared in the June 2026 calendar, while July 2025 included Nursery Graduation garden parties. These give the nursery year moments of shared participation and celebration alongside everyday learning.

In May 2025, support for children’s social and personal development was a particular early-years strength. Children’s concentration and consideration for each other matter alongside counting and language: they help children take part in learning with their peers.

For additional needs, the school’s inclusion arrangements bring together a SENCO, an assistant and SEND administration support. Parents can contact the team at sen@polegate.e-sussex.sch.uk. The school’s approach uses an Assess, Plan, Do, Review cycle, with parents involved in reviewing support and agreeing the next steps.

Physical care has practical provision across the school site. Nappy-changing facilities, accessible toilets and disability-changing facilities are available, and a lift provides access to areas on more than one floor. Families with access needs are asked to raise them when their child joins, so those needs can inform arrangements.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal school admissions process and meet the applicable deadline. East Sussex County Council manages Polegate’s school admissions; its Admissions and Transport team can discuss applications and answer detailed questions.

Preparation for the change is a separate matter. The school’s early-years transition arrangements include a teacher visiting children at home or nursery and opportunities to join activities before Reception starts. Where a child has substantial additional needs, meetings can involve parents, nursery staff, EYFS staff, the SENCO and the Early Years’ Service. That gives adults an opportunity to share what the child needs before the move.

Morning sessions run from 8.45am to 11.45am, afternoons from 12.15pm to 3.15pm, and all-day sessions from 8.45am to 3.15pm. The different finishing times are useful when matching nursery attendance to family routines.

For general enquiries, contact the school office at office@polegate.e-sussex.sch.uk or telephone 01323 482404. The school is on Oakleaf Drive, Polegate, BN26 6PT. Prospective parents can make an appointment to visit the school during the school day, giving families a direct opportunity to discuss the setting.