Our Lady of Sion School Nursery Review

Exploration gives ImpresSION Nursery its identity. Our Lady of Sion School aims to build children’s curiosity through relationships with adults who recognise their interests and plan learning around them. The emphasis is personal: getting to know the child comes before deciding how to extend their learning.

For children aged 3–4, this is the nursery provision within an independent school in Worthing. Children can join from their third birthday. Early Years shares the Westbrooke site with the Junior School, while the nursery occupies a spacious building with bright, airy interiors. That gives its youngest children a distinct physical setting within the wider school.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) shapes learning here. In parent language, that means developing movement, conversation and relationships alongside early reading, number skills, creativity and understanding the world. ImpresSION adds the school’s emphasis on discovery, with learning planned around individual children rather than a single route for the group.

Play, exploration and active learning are central to the approach. Children are also encouraged to develop ideas and think critically. The nursery aims to extend an emerging interest through extra questions and challenges, giving curiosity somewhere to go rather than treating it as a passing distraction.

There is dated evidence behind the individual approach. In November 2023, ISI judged children’s progress to be good relative to where they began. Assessment helped staff identify the support each child needed, while teaching assistants helped deliver learning tailored to individuals. For parents, the useful distinction is the connection between observing a child and changing the teaching they receive.

Two settling sessions let children explore the nursery and meet staff before an offer is made. These are also part of the admission decision: places depend on how children settle and engage. Familiarisation therefore serves both the child and the school’s assessment of whether the setting suits them.

Learning Support works with nursery staff, helping teachers understand children’s learning differences and choose suitable strategies. Parents contribute to that work through the Learning Support Coordinator, creating a link between support at home and support in the nursery.

In November 2023, early years risk checks were thorough and staff had appropriate safeguarding training. Children were well cared for, with inclusion supported in daily practice. Kindness, respect and equality were reinforced during the day, making social learning part of everyday nursery life.

Nursery children receive priority for Reception places, but attendance does not guarantee a place. Reception has a separate admission decision, based on introductory visits and a discussion with parents; there is no formal entrance assessment at this stage. Families should contact the Admissions Registrar to confirm the Reception process; nursery priority does not guarantee a place.

Term-time sessions run from 8am to 5pm. Families can book a full day, a morning from 8am to 12:30pm, or an afternoon from 12:30pm to 5pm. Additional hours depend on availability, so the booked pattern matters when planning childcare.

West Sussex County Council’s Early Years Free Entitlement funding can be used across booked sessions. Session charges and an hourly charging structure also apply; contact the Bursar at bursar@sionschool.org.uk for current charges and funding details.

To start an enquiry, use the Admissions Enquiry form or contact the Admissions Registrar. Personal tours and Open Days provide opportunities to meet staff and discuss a child’s needs before joining.