Little Horsted Nursery Review

An Early Years Village gives Little Horsted’s nursery its character: different rooms for different ages, indoor and outdoor learning space, and Forest School sessions within the grounds. The nursery belongs to Little Horsted Church of England Primary School, rather than operating as a separate setting.

Since September 2026, children have been able to join from their second birthday. The wider Village serves ages two to five; that is the Village’s age span, rather than a nursery-only age range. Its youngest children have their own space for learning and play, with changing facilities close to their activities.

Play and planned experiences shape the learning. A rolling curriculum develops alongside the children, with exploration and discovery used to build independence and curiosity. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework and Development Matters guide the curriculum. For parents, the practical emphasis is on children developing through activities, relationships and growing confidence, alongside their early learning.

Space matters here. Indoor provision is complemented by outdoor areas and Forest School, giving children opportunities to explore beyond their rooms. The separate area for two-year-olds also means the youngest children have a place designed around their stage of development.

In January 2023, Ofsted found that early-years activities developed children’s language and social skills, including practical number work that extended mathematical vocabulary. Nursery routines also included learning to wait for a turn and use individual carpet spaces. These are small but useful foundations for joining group activities and learning alongside other children.

A qualified teacher leads the Village, working with early-years practitioners qualified at Level 3. This brings teaching and care roles together within the provision, rather than treating learning and everyday support as separate concerns. Changing facilities are part of the youngest children’s own space.

For additional needs, the school’s SEND policy sets out a cycle of assessment, planning, action and review. Parents contribute to decisions, and support is reconsidered against agreed outcomes. The SEND coordinator works with staff, families and other agencies to organise individual provision. That gives families a defined process for discussing needs and reviewing the next steps.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet the applicable deadline. The school directs parents to East Sussex County Council for applications and admission procedures.

Preparation for a change of stage is a separate matter. The school’s SEND policy includes transition planning with families and agreement about which information should be shared. This supports continuity of care and learning; it does not create an admissions entitlement.

Opening hours are 8:40am to 3:30pm, Monday to Friday. Funded places are offered for two-year-olds, with further funding information directed to East Sussex Funded Childcare. Families should use the nursery’s fee information for current charges.

Nursery enquiries go to nurseryadmissions@littlehorsted.e-sussex.sch.uk or 01825 750380. Visits can be booked through these contacts, giving families a direct route to see the provision before applying. The nursery admissions page also provides a registration, booking and deposit form.