Greenfields School Nursery Review

Wooded slopes, a garden and children choosing their own learning materials shaped the March 2024 picture of Greenfields’ nursery. This is the preschool provision within Greenfields School in Forest Row, with entry from age two. In March 2024, the early years occupied a separate building beside the school’s woodland, giving the youngest children a distinct base within the wider school.

Morning sessions, afternoons and full days are bookable. That gives families a choice of attendance patterns within a nursery day running from 9am to 3pm.

Choice has a practical role here. In March 2024, nursery children selected objects and equipment to follow their interests, while planned learning used the neighbouring garden and wooded slopes. Outdoor space was part of the learning environment, rather than simply somewhere to take a break.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the framework for children’s learning and development. In everyday terms, the March 2024 picture included building language, number understanding and physical skills, alongside learning to share equipment and include other children in play. Adults gave children room to resolve problems together, stepping in when needed. Those small decisions give children practice in cooperation.

Study Technology adds a distinctive teaching approach. At nursery age, adults apply it: they explain unfamiliar vocabulary, use pictures and real objects where possible, and check understanding before introducing the next step. Children do not have to manage the method themselves. ISI’s March 2024 inspection found that early years staff explained language skilfully and checked children’s understanding carefully, supporting confidence in learning.

Settling is arranged around the child. Parents agree a settling period with the manager that can continue for as long as the child needs. The Preschool Manager holds a Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Childcare, providing a named qualification behind the management role.

Behaviour support uses discussion, distraction and encouragement. If a child repeatedly hurts others, staff record incidents and involve parents; a Play Plan or individual education plan may follow with SENCO involvement. Temporary exclusion, and ultimately permanent exclusion, remain possible if interventions do not protect other children.

For children with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND), support can include individual help, recorded reviews and advice from external specialists, including speech therapy. Acceptance depends on whether the preschool’s resources can meet the child’s needs, so inclusion carries a practical condition.

Safeguarding. In March 2024, safeguarding requirements were unmet, including the early years requirement concerning referrals about children’s welfare. At the December 2024 monitoring inspection, ISI found the relevant standards considered were met, including EYFS safeguarding requirements; staff had a new recording system and the safeguarding team held regular reviews.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Treat Reception as a separate application and agree the application arrangements with the school’s Admissions Team before making plans for the next stage. Choosing preschool sessions should be a decision about the nursery experience itself, rather than an assumption that the next place is secured.

The booking choice is morning, afternoon or full-day attendance within the 9am to 3pm opening hours. Families can pay for preschool sessions or combine funded sessions with additional paid hours, subject to spaces in the weekly schedule.

Funding-only attendance carries no obligation to pay, and there are no top-up fees. Additional hours or services are charged separately; chargeable activities have an opt-out arrangement. A registration fee applies when parents pay for sessions. Ask the school for current charges when planning the attendance pattern.

Start an enquiry through the Parent/Guardian Contact Form. The Admissions Team follows up, and a preschool visit introduces families to the manager or deputy. This gives parents a direct conversation with the team responsible for the nursery.