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Nursery at Wivelsfield 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Play leads the learning at Wivelsfield Wrens: children explore their own ideas, while adults join in to introduce skills and extend their thinking. This is Wivelsfield Primary School’s nursery provision in Wivelsfield Green, with an early years approach that uses both indoor and outdoor learning.
A consultation proposes changing the nursery to governor-run community provision. Under that proposal, it would remain integrated with the school’s Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), with school-employed staff and headteacher leadership. These are proposed arrangements, rather than a confirmed change.
The EYFS approach gives play a clear purpose. Children have opportunities to investigate, concentrate and persevere, with adults responding to their interests rather than simply directing each activity. In parent terms, learning includes trying an idea, seeing what happens and deciding what to try next. Adults introduce new vocabulary explicitly, helping children put their discoveries into words.
The nursery skills progression makes that approach concrete. Children explore natural materials through their senses, investigate how things work and grow plants from seed. Looking after plants brings care for living things into practical learning. Talking about materials and the changes they notice gives children something specific to describe and discuss.
Creative work includes mixing colours, drawing increasingly detailed pictures and building imaginary places with construction materials. Small-world play develops into stories using dolls or animal figures. Music includes remembering songs and experimenting with instruments to express ideas and feelings. Together, these activities give children different ways to communicate, through speech, pictures, construction and sound.
Support for additional needs includes parents in decisions. The school’s SEND policy covers its nursery and describes an assess, plan, do, review process, with individual targets checked at least three times a year once a child joins the SEN register. That gives families repeated opportunities to discuss whether support needs adjusting.
Possible adaptations include visual timetables, different equipment, individual or group support and extra time to process information. The SENCO works with the Speech and Language Support Service, CLASS and the County Psychological Service. Support is planned around the child’s needs; those examples are possibilities rather than a package every child receives.
For families considering a place for a child with SEND, the initial step is a telephone call to arrange a visit with the SENCO or headteacher. Physical access is also relevant: the school’s main building has wheelchair access and an accessible toilet with changing facilities and a shower.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place, and Wrens children receive no admissions preference. Families must apply separately through East Sussex County Council’s normal admissions process and meet the deadline for their entry year. The school directs parents to the East Sussex Admissions Portal. Choose the nursery for the early years experience itself, while treating the Reception application as a separate decision.
The school office is the contact route for nursery enquiries: office@wivelsfield.e-sussex.sch.uk or 01444 471393. The school address is South Road, Wivelsfield Green, East Sussex, RH17 7QN. For SEND discussions, initial contact also goes through the office, which connects families with the relevant staff member.
No. Nursery attendance gives no preference for Reception admission. Apply separately through East Sussex County Council’s normal process.
The early years approach centres on play, with adults joining children’s activities to develop thinking, vocabulary and skills indoors and outdoors.
The nursery progression includes colour mixing, drawing, construction, small-world storytelling, singing and playing instruments.
Contact the school office. Families considering a place for a child with SEND are invited to arrange an initial visit with the SENCO or headteacher.
Email office@wivelsfield.e-sussex.sch.uk or telephone 01444 471393.
