Springfield Infant School and Nursery, Worthing Review 2026: Outstanding early years and a confident start to learning

As an infant school, Springfield does not sit within the standard Key Stage 2 outcomes framework used to rank primary schools at age 11, and for this review does not include published KS2 measures or an England rank. That means the fairest way to judge academic performance is through curriculum evidence, early reading practice, and external evaluation of quality, rather than headline test statistics.

On that basis, the latest inspection provides strong reassurance. The January 2025 inspection graded quality of education as Outstanding, with the report describing an ambitious, well-sequenced curriculum delivered with strong expertise across the school, and early mathematics as an area of particular strength.

If you are comparing local schools and want a data-led shortlist, FindMySchool’s local comparison tools remain useful, but for an infant setting like this, families should put extra weight on curriculum quality, phonics, and transition support into Year 3, as these are the most relevant indicators at this phase.

Teaching strength here is described in unusually concrete terms for an infant setting. The inspection report points to precise curriculum detail, including specific vocabulary and knowledge that pupils build over time, with assessment systems (including the school’s “Pen Portraits”) used to plan next steps and deepen understanding.

Early reading is a clear priority. The inspection report describes expert delivery of the phonics programme starting in early years, regular reading at home and school, and quick, effective extra support for pupils who struggle to read fluently, alongside careful matching of books to reading ability.

There is also evidence of a broad curriculum beyond core literacy and numeracy, even at this young age. Inspectors reference confident pupil understanding of topics spanning history, art and religious education, and cite examples such as learning about explorers and Nelson Mandela.

For parents, the practical implication is that Springfield appears to emphasise knowledge-building and language development early, which usually suits children who respond well to clear routines and structured teaching, including those who benefit from predictable classroom expectations.

Because Springfield is an infant school, the main transition point is into junior education at the end of Year 2. Most families will be planning for a Year 3 move into a local junior or primary school, depending on how schooling is organised locally and how West Sussex manages linked or catchment arrangements in your specific area.

Springfield’s published admissions information is explicit that it serves parts of Broadwater and East Worthing, so families often consider their longer-term primary pathway alongside Reception entry.

A sensible approach is to map the likely Year 3 options early, then work backwards. If your preferred junior pathway is highly distance-sensitive, it can be worth using FindMySchool’s Map Search to check how your home address sits against likely criteria over time, not only for Reception but for the next stage as well.

Reception admissions are coordinated by West Sussex, rather than handled directly by the school. Springfield’s admissions page directs parents to apply via West Sussex County Council, and notes the school cannot exceed its planned admission number for each year group.

Demand looks strong. In the latest recorded entry round, there were 124 applications for 45 offers for the main entry route, and the results classifies the school as oversubscribed, with 2.76 applications per place. Where a school sits at this level of demand, priority categories and proximity usually matter a lot, even if the school is welcoming and encourages visits.

For September 2026 Reception entry across West Sussex, applications opened in October 2025 and the published deadline was 15 January 2026, with the process handled through the county.

For Nursery, the process is different. The nursery accepts children from age three, offers morning or afternoon sessions during term time, and asks families to apply via the school office. Nursery fees and any funded-hour details should be taken from the nursery prospectus and the school’s official guidance, as these can change and depend on eligibility.

Pastoral care at infant level often shows up in small operational choices, and inspection evidence suggests Springfield takes this seriously. The report describes warmth and care from staff, with pupils knowing adults are available if they need support or have a worry, and with behaviour support framed around helping children identify and communicate emotions.

The school’s approach to inclusion also reads as proactive rather than reactive. Inspectors describe quick identification of pupils who may need additional help and staff training that enables effective adaptation of activities, with pupils with special educational needs and disabilities achieving particularly well within the curriculum.

This matters for parents because it suggests support systems are not siloed, they are embedded in day-to-day teaching and routines. For many children, especially those new to group settings, that consistency can be the difference between coping and thriving in the first years of school.

Springfield makes enrichment feel age-appropriate rather than bolt-on. Inspection evidence references a wide range of opportunities, including clubs such as karate, yoga and virtual games, and a Year 2 visit to Chichester Theatre that sparked interest in orchestral instruments.

The school website also highlights structured opportunities beyond lessons. There is a Breakfast Club on weekday mornings during term time, open from 8am, and the clubs section signposts after-school activities and a Running Club.

Curriculum enrichment has named features too. The school lists Bushcraft as part of its wider offer, drawing on Forest School ideas, and also references activities such as yoga, eco-focused initiatives, and music lessons in its extra-curricular overview.

For families, the implication is simple: this is not only about early phonics. There is a deliberate attempt to build curiosity and confidence through experiences that feel substantial, even for very young pupils.

The school day is clearly set out. Gates open from 8.45am, registration is at 8.55am, and the school day ends at 3.00pm, with pick-up from 2.50pm.

Breakfast Club operates from 8am for families who need an earlier drop-off, and the clubs pages indicate after-school activities, although any wraparound provision beyond clubs should be checked directly with the school, as after-school arrangements can vary by term.

Lunch is structured by year group, and the school day page notes that pupils are entitled to a free hot lunch, with alternatives for packed lunches.

• A popular local choice. With 2.76 applications per place in the latest recorded entry round, competition is real. Families should read the West Sussex oversubscription criteria carefully and be realistic about how distance and priority groups may affect outcomes.

• Infant phase only. The school runs from Nursery to Year 2, so a Year 3 move is built into your plan from the start. It is worth mapping likely junior pathways early, especially if siblings or proximity are important to your longer-term choices.

• Nursery entry is separate. Nursery admissions are handled directly by the school and operate on a sessions model during term time, which can be ideal for some families but may not match all working patterns.

• Clubs can change by term. After-school activities are published as schedules and may vary across the year; if consistent wraparound is essential, confirm arrangements and availability early.

Springfield Infant School and Nursery reads as a high-expectation infant setting that pairs warmth with clear routines, strong early reading practice, and a genuinely ambitious curriculum for young children. The Outstanding inspection grades across all judgement areas add credibility, particularly for families prioritising early years quality and calm, consistent behaviour expectations.

Who it suits: families in and around East Worthing and Broadwater who want a structured, confident start from Nursery or Reception, and who are comfortable planning ahead for a Year 3 transition. The limiting factor is not the offer, it is admission competition.