Annan School Kindergarten Review

Bread-making, water play and a garden children can move into freely give Annan’s Kindergarten its practical character. This is the nursery within Annan School, an independent school near Uckfield, for children aged two to four. Its Froebelian approach puts children’s interests and hands-on exploration at the centre of learning.

Kindergarten has its own building and garden. Accessible growing beds add a concrete feature to the outdoor provision: nature is something children can work with, as well as look at. Families can choose part-time or full-time attendance.

A morning runs from 9am to 1pm, with afternoon attendance added as needed. Learning moves between the building and garden rather than staying confined to a classroom. Staff follow children’s responses when planning activities, making room for an interest to develop rather than requiring everyone to complete an identical task.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) takes practical form through play, conversation and relationships. Froebelian learning sits alongside it. At the ISI inspection of 5 to 7 December 2023, early-years staff developed vocabulary through purposeful conversation and connected indoor activities with natural materials outside. Most early-years children were developing well for their age.

Stories can become experiments. In November 2023, The Smeds and the Smoos inspired Kindergarten children to combine blue and red water, then try different proportions at the water tray. That connects listening to a story with testing an idea. During the same month, children took turns mixing bubble ingredients and helped prepare vegetable soup, including peeling and chopping.

Trips include the library, the local garden centre and Children’s Forest, while East Sussex Music School provides weekly music sessions. These add experiences beyond the immediate play spaces, although families using funded-only hours can opt out of the enhanced activities.

Settling starts before attendance. Children have stay-and-play sessions to become familiar with other children and staff, and a Kindergarten team member visits them at home. This gives the team a chance to know the child in familiar surroundings before the nursery routine begins.

In December 2023, early-years children formed close bonds with their key person, supported by staff’s knowledge of them through their parents. That adult helped children express needs and handle feelings. Children learning English were encouraged to use their home language too, supporting confidence while their English developed.

Snack preparation is part of the day: children make muesli, bread and smoothies, with water, milk or oat milk to drink. Optional cooked lunches are available, and families receiving funded entitlement can supply their own packed lunch, fruit and snack in line with healthy-eating requirements. Food choices therefore sit alongside the funding decision.

SEND support involves the Learning and Development Coordinator and class staff, with support plans reviewed at least termly and parents involved. SEN support carries no charge for children receiving Early Years funding. Admission depends on the school being able to meet the child’s needs with reasonable adjustments. In July 2024, safeguarding arrangements covered early-years children effectively, with a designated early-years safeguarding practitioner.

Kindergarten attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. For a Reception application, the school’s route involves a parent visit, an application form and a child’s trial visit; an offer depends on the school’s admission criteria and available space. Discuss progression into Reception with the school before accepting a Kindergarten place.

There is also a longer commitment to consider. Kindergarten entry is normally offered on the basis of staying through the primary phase. A family planning to leave after Kindergarten may receive a place at the principal’s discretion, depending on their circumstances.

Kindergarten operates Monday to Friday during school terms. Breakfast Club starts at 8am, and afternoon collection can be arranged between 3pm and 5pm. Together these allow an 8am-to-5pm day, useful when working hours extend beyond the morning session.

The universal 15-hour entitlement starts in the term after a child’s third birthday. Eligible working families can access up to 30 funded hours for children aged two, three or four. Morning funding covers 10am to 1pm; additional afternoon funded hours require advance booking. Funded-only attendance is possible within the designated times. Extra hours, optional food and enhanced activities have separate charges; contact the school for current charges.

Book a personal tour through the visit enquiry form. Collection is from the Kindergarten gate, and children are released only to authorised adults, with identification requested when the collector is unfamiliar to staff.