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Nursery at Nexus Foundation Special 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Assessment defined the nursery's purpose at the June 2023 inspection. At Nexus Foundation Special School in Tonbridge, nursery provision focused on screening children and assessing their needs, helping establish what support they might need next. It sits within a special school designated for children with profound, severe and complex needs.
In June 2023, nursery children were mainly aged three or older, although the school could admit children from two. Ofsted judged the school's early years provision Good at its inspection on 20 and 21 June 2023. That judgement covers early years within the school.
At the June 2023 inspection, nursery attendance followed an assessment pattern. In June 2023, children usually came for three sessions each week across two terms. A review after six weeks considered whether an education, health and care needs assessment should be requested. For families, this gives the placement a defined decision point as well as time for assessment.
Across Nexus, the approach to behaviour combines PROACT-SCIPr-UK principles with practice informed by trauma and specialist autism training. Staff receive training in the programme, and the Behaviour Team coaches class teams. Nexus aims to understand what behaviour communicates and reduce stress, an approach relevant to children whose needs may be expressed through actions.
The school adapts its surroundings using visual cues, predictable routines, spaces suited to sensory needs and structured transitions. These adjustments aim to make activities easier to anticipate. Its Life Skills Framework also gives each pupil an individual independence target: dressing, toileting and eating or drinking are among the skills it addresses. Everyday care can therefore be part of learning.
Individual Behaviour Support Plans are developed with families and professionals; a Sensory Regulation Plan is added where appropriate. This creates a way to bring knowledge from home into school support, rather than treating behaviour separately from communication or physical needs.
Family support extends beyond the classroom. The Student and Family Support and Liaison team helps connect families with medical services, therapies, social care and transport support. Home visits and opportunities for families to meet are also part of its work. For parents managing several services, that offers a point of contact across practical concerns.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Admissions and referrals go through the Area Education Office's Special Educational Needs Department, in consultation with Nexus; the route applies across year groups.
For children with an education, health and care plan, the local authority arranges school provision. Placement depends on suitability for the child's needs, compatibility with other pupils' education and efficient use of local authority resources. Treat the nursery assessment and the next school placement as separate decisions.
Visits can be arranged by appointment, with an informal discussion and a building tour led by a senior leadership team member. Contact the school office on 01732 771384 or office@nexusschool.org.uk to make an enquiry.
Early years uniform includes a purple Nexus jumper or cardigan. A white polo can be plain or carry the logo; bottoms include dark grey trousers, skirts or shorts, or dark grey or black joggers. Label clothing to help prevent mix-ups. PMG Schoolwear supplies uniform.
At the June 2023 inspection, the nursery focused on screening children and assessing their needs. A review after six weeks considered whether to request an education, health and care needs assessment.
In June 2023, children were predominantly three or older, although the school was registered to admit children from two.
In June 2023, children generally attended three sessions per week over two terms.
No. Admissions and referrals are handled by the Area Education Office's Special Educational Needs Department in consultation with Nexus.
Yes. Visits are by appointment and include an informal discussion and a tour led by a senior leadership team member. Contact 01732 771384 or office@nexusschool.org.uk.
