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Nursery at St Philip's Catholic 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Listening and speaking provide the starting point for early reading at St Philip's nursery in Uckfield. Children join from age three, becoming part of the Catholic primary school's own provision. The emphasis is on developing the language children need to take part in learning.
Ofsted graded the school's early years provision Good at its inspection on 29 and 30 April 2025. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.
Early reading begins with communication. In April 2025, nursery children enjoyed activities developing their speech and listening, giving them practice in the skills that precede reading. The school's phonics programme is Twinkl, providing a named framework for its approach to teaching sounds.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings learning and care together for children under five. Its seven learning areas include movement, language and emotional development alongside early literacy, number, creativity and understanding the world. For parents, this means early education encompasses learning to communicate, manage feelings and coordinate movements as well as recognising numbers and making marks.
Play, exploration and persistence are central to the EYFS framework explained by the school. Children develop ideas, try approaches and make connections. These are ways of learning, rather than simply activities to complete. In April 2025, engagement and concentration were strong from nursery onwards, and positive behaviour began with the youngest children.
Curriculum development. The April 2025 inspection also identified a school-wide weakness in the sequencing and assessment of a couple of foundation subjects. Learning did not consistently extend earlier understanding. This is a wider curriculum concern, rather than a finding specific to nursery activities.
Additional support can begin whenever a child needs different provision. The school's inclusion offer covers children requiring extra help at any stage, giving families a route to discuss needs as they emerge. Its SENCo / Inclusion Lead can be contacted through the office.
Safeguarding concerns also go through the office to the designated safeguarding team. Staff receive regular safeguarding training. Operation Encompass, run by Sussex Police, alerts the school's safeguarding lead after domestic abuse incidents involving children, so support can begin promptly.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and gives no attendance-based priority under the school's 2027-2028 admission arrangements. Families must make a separate application through their home local authority. For September 2027 entry, the deadline is 15 January 2027. A Supplementary Information Form is also requested for applicants using faith criteria 1, 2 or 4, with supporting documents returned to the school by that date.
Transition support is a separate matter. The school's 2023-2024 SEND information describes liaison between the receiving teacher and nurseries about children's needs, plus discussions with parents about resources and support. This helps staff prepare for the child; it does not affect allocation of a place.
Contact the school office on 01825 762032 or email office@stphilips.e-sussex.sch.uk for nursery enquiries. The school is on High Street, New Town, Uckfield. School visits can be arranged through the office, giving parents an opportunity to discuss the provision directly with staff.
The nursery welcomes children from age three.
Early years provision was graded Good at the inspection on 29 and 30 April 2025. This is a school early years judgement, not a separate nursery rating.
No. The 2027-2028 arrangements require a separate application to the home local authority and give no priority for nursery attendance.
The deadline is 15 January 2027. Applicants using faith criteria 1, 2 or 4 are also requested to return the school's Supplementary Information Form and supporting documents by that date.
Contact the school office on 01825 762032 or office@stphilips.e-sussex.sch.uk. School visits can also be arranged through the office.
