Ducklings Nursery at Harlands Community Primary & Nursery School

A large garden, a workshop and freedom to move between outdoor play and indoor learning give Ducklings its character. Children join from age two, within Harlands Community Primary & Nursery School in Uckfield. This is nursery life within a shared Foundation Stage unit: younger children can play alongside Reception children and use the same spaces.

The nursery has its own classroom, kitchen and activity space, with access to the school library and hall. Those connections give children more places to explore than their classroom alone. The team comprises an Early Years Lead and nursery assistants.

Play drives the approach. Ducklings says it follows children's interests while helping them take their next learning steps. Children choose their activities and can switch between the garden and indoor spaces. Across the Foundation Stage unit, two classrooms sit alongside a workshop and communal space, giving play room to spread.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) approach emphasises communication and children's social and emotional development. In parent language, that means learning to express ideas, cooperate and build relationships through play. Extended play gives children time to pursue an idea rather than immediately move to another task.

Early literacy starts with listening. In October 2024, nursery children explored environmental sounds and, when ready, sounds within words; stories helped develop their interest in reading. Nursery writing activities include making an imagined shopping list, attempting their name and forming letters. These are practical beginnings, connected to things children recognise.

Outdoor learning reaches beyond the garden. Nursery children have the opportunity to join a nine-week Forest School programme, and the Foundation Stage uses woodland within the school grounds. Physical activities also use the hall, playground, field and fitness trail. That gives movement several different settings across the nursery experience.

Settling receives adult attention. The October 2024 inspection found that early years staff helped children settle carefully, with established routines supporting the start of school life. Toilet training need not be complete before joining: staff support children at different stages of developing this independence.

For additional needs, the school's approach involves parents in decisions about support, with the class teacher and SENCO working together when progress prompts concern. Support needs. In October 2024, the school-wide inspection identified inconsistent curriculum adaptation for pupils with SEND, sometimes introducing harder work before earlier learning was secure. Families should discuss how their child's learning will be paced and adapted.

Food is part of the optional extended day for children aged three and over. Breakfast Club provides fruit, cereals and toast; a full After School Club session includes a light tea. School dinners are supplied by Chartwells, whose medical diet team supports families dealing with allergies or food intolerances.

Sharing the garden and communal spaces with Reception children makes the next classroom community familiar. This everyday contact is a practical transition feature, separate from admission.

Attending Ducklings does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admission process. Harlands follows East Sussex County Council's admission arrangements, with an online application route. Treat the nursery booking and the Reception application as separate decisions.

Bookings run during term time. Morning sessions are 8.45am to 11.45am, lunch runs from 11.45am to 12.15pm, and afternoons from 12.15pm to 3.15pm. Families can combine funded and paid sessions flexibly, subject to availability.

Children become eligible for 15 funded hours each week from the funding period following their third birthday. Some families qualify for another 15 hours, while some children qualify for 15 hours from the funding period after turning two. Funding forms are completed each term. Contact the school for current charges.

From age three, Breakfast Club starts at 7.30am and After School Club can extend care until 5.30pm. Both use Arbor and require booking 24 hours ahead; later requests need office confirmation. Breakfast staff take children to class. Children attending After School Club should be collected promptly at the end of their booked club session.

Nursery enquiries go to nursery@harlands.e-sussex.sch.uk. To arrange a look around, call 01825 764244.