The FMS Inspection Score is FindMySchool's proprietary analysis based on official Ofsted and ISI inspection reports. It converts ratings into a standardised 1–10 scale for fair comparison across all schools in England.
Disclaimer: The FMS Inspection Score is an independent analysis by FindMySchool. It is not endorsed by or affiliated with Ofsted or ISI. Always refer to the official Ofsted or ISI report for the full picture of a school’s inspection outcome.
Nursery at Cradle Hill 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
A separate nursery building gives Cradle Hill’s youngest children their own base within the primary school site. The single-storey provision is reached by gentle slopes, a useful physical detail for families considering access. Cradle Hill Pre-School Nursery opened in September 2022 and welcomes children aged two to four.
The nursery admission limit is 26, with no more than four two-year-olds attending a session. An EYFS lead oversees the provision, with a qualified nursery team providing the day-to-day care.
Morning, afternoon and full-day bookings give families three ways to arrange the nursery day. A morning includes a snack; afternoon and full-day children bring lunch from home. Those routines matter when choosing which session suits a child.
The early years curriculum starts a planned sequence of learning: staff identify what children should learn and the order in which to introduce it. In July 2023, Ofsted found that nursery learning opportunities helped children tackle problems and persist through difficulties. That gives the learning environment a purpose beyond keeping children occupied. The same inspection required more consistent implementation of curriculum changes across the school; that improvement action was school-wide.
Maths Champion Status adds a named focus on developing mathematical learning. The nursery has also received the Halo Award for its work on health and wellbeing, linking the provision with Healthy Active Little Ones (HALO).
Each child has a Key Worker who works closely with them and meets parents at consultations twice a year. Families can pass messages through a familiar staff member, who shares them with the Key Worker where needed. Parents can also arrange a longer conversation through the office. There is a clear route for everyday concerns.
Morning snacks are currently provided free, although the nursery reserves the option to change that charge with notice. A packed lunch is required for afternoon or full-day attendance. Breakfast during the early extension must be booked ahead and paid for termly; the final afternoon extension includes a healthy snack.
SEND support uses Pupil Passports and, for more complex needs, Additional Needs Plans. Parents participate in the planning process at least three times each academic year, making support something families help shape and review. The school and nursery’s SEN information report also identifies a Sensory Room, Sensory Circuits and Jump Ahead sessions as support resources.
Nursery staff can administer medicine with parental medical consent forms. Safeguarding follows the school’s procedures, and nursery children learn about safe play, using equipment and social interactions.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Parents must make a separate application through the normal school admissions process, with the school directing online applicants to East Sussex County Council. Treat that application as a separate task from booking nursery sessions.
Preparation for the move includes opportunities to attend sessions before Reception starts, during the summer term. Children with higher needs can have additional transition meetings involving parents, nursery and foundation staff, the SENCO and, where necessary, the Early Years’ Service. These arrangements support the change of setting; they do not secure admission.
Opening hours are 8am to 4pm, Monday to Friday in term time. Since April 2026, funded sessions run from 8.30am to 11.30am, 11.30am to 2.30pm, or 8.30am to 2.30pm for a full day. Paid extensions cover 8am to 8.30am and the period from 2.30pm to 4pm.
Eligible funded hours can be used within the core sessions. The booking patterns include five morning or afternoon sessions for 15 hours, two full days plus a morning or afternoon for 15 hours, or five full days for 30 hours. The nursery policy states that the 30-hour funded offer is not intended to cover meals, consumables, additional hours or activities. Ask the school for current charges.
Sessions require advance booking, and families using government funding must submit parental declarations before their child starts. Nursery term dates can differ from the main school’s, so use the nursery calendar when planning childcare. Uniform is optional. Contact nursery@cradlehill.e-sussex.sch.uk to enquire or book a tour; admission forms go to the school office by email or as a paper copy.
Cradle Hill Pre-School Nursery welcomes children aged two to four.
Morning sessions run from 8.30am to 11.30am, afternoons from 11.30am to 2.30pm, and full days from 8.30am to 2.30pm. Paid extensions allow attendance between 8am and 4pm.
No. Parents must apply separately for school admission through the normal process, with online applications directed to East Sussex County Council.
Children attending an afternoon session or a full day must bring a packed lunch. A morning snack is currently provided free.
Every child has a Key Worker. Parents can pass on messages through staff, attend consultations twice annually or arrange a further meeting through the office.
