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Nursery at Rye Community 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Sensory zones, outdoor exploration and an enquiry-led approach give Starfish Pre-school its character. This is Rye Community Primary School’s own nursery, sharing the school site and giving children access to facilities across both the school and college. Familiarity with a bigger educational setting starts through everyday experiences.
Starfish aims to build independence by following children’s interests and encouraging them to investigate questions. Its funding arrangements include provision for eligible two-year-olds and children aged three and four. Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Good at the inspection of 28 February and 1 March 2023. That judgement covers early years within the school rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Independent play opens the day, followed by a welcome and register. Squiggle Wiggle, adult-led learning, snacks and stories punctuate further periods when children choose their own activities. Lunch separates the morning and afternoon routines; later, carpet time and another snack lead towards preparing to go home. Children have both shared activities and time to pursue their interests.
The enquiry-based curriculum encourages children to raise questions, try ideas and investigate answers through practical activities. Indoor learning areas and sensory zones support that approach, alongside opportunities to explore nature. Outside, children practise climbing, jumping and running, with access to the outdoor area throughout the day. Clothing and footwear therefore need to work for active play.
In February and March 2023, children in early years followed established routines and cooperated successfully inside and outdoors. They also showed enthusiasm for shared stories. These findings give parents a concrete picture of how routines, social learning and books featured in the early years experience at that time.
Classdojo connects home and nursery: staff share experiences and forthcoming events, while parents can message the team directly. Families can also contribute activities from home, giving children familiar experiences to talk about and helping staff understand their lives beyond nursery.
Lunch can be brought from home or supplied as a school meal. For children taking lunch during an afternoon session, the session needs to begin at 11:30am. Chartwells handles school-meal billing through ParentPay, separately from nursery fees. Fruit and vegetables feature among the snacks offered in both parts of the day, and milk is free until a child’s fifth birthday.
Starfish describes an inclusive approach that takes account of individual interests and needs. Its staff work with Reception colleagues on the same site, giving children opportunities to get to know adults involved in the next stage.
Attending Starfish does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process. Choosing nursery provision and obtaining a school place are separate decisions.
The practical transition work is more tangible: Reception staff spend time with children in the pre-school, and teams plan learning together with continuity as their aim. Children also become familiar with the school’s layout and routines. These experiences can make the next stage feel more familiar; they do not secure admission.
The nursery day runs from 8:30am to 3:15pm. Morning, afternoon and full-day sessions are offered. Eligible two- and three-year-old funded hours can be used within the 8:30am to 2:30pm window. For eligible three- and four-year-olds, the offer of 30 funded hours excludes lunch sessions. Families should obtain current charges from the school. Nursery fee payments use SCOPAY.
Uniform is optional. Choices include a navy Starfish polo or a plain navy top, with practical clothes suited to outdoor activity. Velcro footwear is suggested to support independence; sandals and Crocs are discouraged for climbing and foot protection.
Visits can be arranged by calling 01797 222 825. The school office also handles enquiries by email at office@ryeprimary.co.uk or through its contact form.
No. Nursery attendance does not guarantee admission, and families must apply separately for Reception through the normal admissions process.
The day begins at 8:30am and ends at 3:15pm. Morning, afternoon and full-day sessions are offered.
Eligible two- and three-year-old funding can be used between 8:30am and 2:30pm. Eligible three- and four-year-olds can access the 30-hour offer, which excludes lunch sessions.
Uniform is optional. A navy Starfish polo or plain navy top is suggested, alongside practical clothing and footwear suitable for outdoor play.
Classdojo carries updates, events and direct messages with nursery staff. Parents can also share activities their children have enjoyed at home.
