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Nursery at St Nicolas & St Mary CofE 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.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 wildlife area, library and playing fields give Little Fishes a footprint beyond its nursery classroom. Part of St Nicolas & St Mary CofE Primary School in Shoreham-by-Sea, the nursery can use the school’s wider facilities, bringing different spaces into children’s early learning.
Little Fishes takes preschool children, including two-year-olds nearing their third birthday. Entry can be at the start of the autumn, spring or summer term, depending on spaces. This is a nursery within a primary school, with access to its grounds and shared learning spaces.
Families can choose a morning or afternoon session, or combine the two into a continuous day. That gives a practical choice between a shorter stretch at nursery and staying through from morning to afternoon.
The physical setting is the clearest distinguishing feature. Alongside playgrounds and fields, children have access to a wildlife area, giving outdoor learning more scope than the nursery classroom alone. Indoors, the library, ICT suite and halls extend the spaces available for learning. These are facilities the nursery can use, rather than a promise that each features in every session.
Reading also has a place in the youngest children’s experience. In December 2024, Ofsted described early-years children enjoying stories and reading corners designed for comfort. For a parent, that gives a concrete picture of books being part of the day, with somewhere to settle and listen.
For families seeking help with special educational needs or disabilities, the school’s SEND coordinator and assistant coordinator can be reached through the office. This provides a direct contact route for discussing a child’s needs.
West Sussex SENDIAS offers impartial advice to children with SEND and their parents or carers. The West Sussex Local Offer brings together information about local services for children with additional needs and their families. These provide useful support alongside conversations with the school.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Parents must make a separate school application, even when their child already attends Little Fishes.
For September 2027 entry, a nursery attendance criterion applies to children still attending Little Fishes who joined by the first week of the term beginning in January 2027. This is a conditional oversubscription criterion, not a secured place, so families should keep the nursery decision and Reception application separate.
The compulsory online County Admissions Form and the school’s Supplementary Information Form are due by 15 January 2027. Regular worshippers also need the Church Form returned by 4pm that day. Nursery attendance does not replace these steps.
Sessions run Monday to Friday: mornings are 8.50am to 11.50am and afternoons are noon to 3pm. Children taking both stay continuously from 8.50am to 3pm. The nursery recommends at least five sessions each week, rather than making that an absolute minimum.
Funded provision includes up to 15 hours across 38 weeks for all three- and four-year-olds, with an additional 15 hours for eligible working parents. Unfunded sessions are charged; contact the school for current charges. Late collection can also incur a charge, and sessions missed through illness or other absence are not refunded.
Session changes can be made termly, subject to spaces, with notice two weeks before term ends. Buggies can come into the Early Years playground for drop-off and collection, but cannot be accommodated in the nursery classroom. To enquire or book a nursery tour, email office@stnm.org.uk, call 01273 454470 or visit the school office.
The nursery takes preschool children, including two-year-olds approaching their third birthday. Starts are at the beginning of the autumn, spring or summer term, subject to availability.
Yes. Combining morning and afternoon sessions gives a continuous day from 8.50am to 3pm, Monday to Friday.
No. A separate application is required. For September 2027 entry, the nursery attendance criterion applies to children currently attending who joined no later than the first week of the term starting in January 2027.
Little Fishes has access to the library, ICT suite, halls, wildlife area, playing fields and playgrounds.
Email office@stnm.org.uk, telephone 01273 454470 or visit the school office to book.
