Brading Church of England Controlled Primary School Nursery

Construction, nature exploration and storytelling give Antigua, Brading's preschool class, its character. Children can join from 2 years old, with learning based in an indoor classroom and an outdoor area. This is the school's own nursery provision, following the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).

Play provides the starting point. The nursery aims to build independence, communication and friendships through activities shaped around children's interests, alongside experiences planned by adults. For families, that means an introduction to school centred on exploration and relationships.

Building, painting and singing sit alongside investigating nature and listening to stories. Construction materials give children something tangible to experiment with; the outdoor learning area takes exploration beyond the classroom. Activities combine opportunities to make choices with adult guidance.

The EYFS approach connects these experiences to children's development: learning to communicate, becoming more independent, expressing ideas creatively and getting along with others. Antigua responds to children's interests while introducing unfamiliar ideas, so play has a learning purpose rather than simply filling the session.

Across EYFS, programmable toys add a practical introduction to computing. Fiction and factual books also help children explore how life has changed over time. These are concrete ways to connect curiosity with early understanding of the world.

In June 2025, Ofsted found that phonics routines started in early years and that children were learning to listen, share and wait for their turn. Those everyday habits matter alongside early reading: they help children participate in learning with others.

Getting to know individual children is part of Antigua's approach to care. The team aims to build reassuring relationships rather than treating children as an interchangeable group. Preschool staffing includes a teacher and learning support, giving the provision both teaching and support roles.

Tapestry is used across EYFS to track development and share progress with families. For children needing additional help, the school works with parents and outside agencies through a cycle of assessment, planning, action and review. In June 2025, support strategies for SEND were still inconsistent across the school; families should weigh that school-wide concern alongside its individual support arrangements.

Food brings practical responsibilities. Meals are ordered and paid for through SchoolMoney, and the school prohibits food containing nuts because of allergies. Children are encouraged to drink water during the day and bring a filled bottle that goes home for washing.

Attending Antigua does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route and meet the normal deadline. Choosing the nursery and applying for Reception are separate decisions; nursery attendance should not be treated as an offer of a future school place.

Funded places are offered to children who qualify for free funded hours. Additional hours and meals carry charges; contact the school for current charges. There are no charges for activities or non-food consumables.

The school operates breakfast care from 7:45am and after-school care ending at either 4pm or 5pm. Care extending to 6pm requires an advance booking with a regular commitment. Bookings use SchoolMoney and must be made beforehand.

For enquiries, contact the office on 01983 407217 or email admin@bradingcepri.iow.sch.uk. Visits can be arranged by telephone. The park and walk scheme uses the Wheatsheaf car park, with parking badges obtained from the office.

School context. A statutory closure notice applied from January to March 2025. This is a past event, relevant to families considering the school's recent circumstances.