Business Details
Meridian Community Primary School & Nursery: Learning For Life
Established in Peacehaven, East Sussex, our school provides a nurturing educational environment for children aged 2 to 11. We combine countryside and coastal resources to deliver a dynamic curriculum, supported by two large playgrounds, a playing field, and a dedicated Forest School area. Our recent Ofsted rating of GOOD with OUTSTANDING features in 'Behaviour & Attitudes' and 'Personal Development' reflects our commitment to excellence. We prioritise holistic learning through structured academic programmes and unique 'Learning Powers' initiatives. Our two-form entry system accommodates sixteen classes, ensuring personalised attention across all key stages.The school maintains transparent statutory compliance while fostering community engagement through parent partnerships and extracurricular activities. Our staff team combines specialist expertise with ongoing professional development to maintain educational standards. We operate extended hours for early drop-off and provide clear communication channels through year-group email addresses. Regular safeguarding protocols and SEN support demonstrate our commitment to child welfare. The school actively prepares families for transitions through induction programmes and detailed admissions guidance.
Services
Nursery Education
Primary School Curriculum
Forest School Programme
Special Educational Needs Support
After-School Clubs
Highlights and features
- We offer Forest School access and coastal learning environments for experiential education.
- Our Ofsted 2024 report highlighted OUTSTANDING features in Behaviour & Attitudes.
- We maintain small class sizes with two-form entry across sixteen classes.
- Our curriculum integrates 'Learning Powers' for holistic skill development.
- We provide structured transition support from nursery through Year 6.
What people say
Excellent staff
Safe environment
Good communication
Engaging curriculum
Strong leadership
Services
Nursery Education
Our nursery provision serves children aged 2-4 years with structured early learning. The programme focuses on foundational skills through play-based activities and outdoor exploration. Staff maintain a 1:8 adult-child ratio to ensure individual attention and safety.
Primary School Curriculum
We deliver the national curriculum through Reception to Year 6 classes. Our two-form entry system ensures consistent teaching quality across sixteen classrooms. Subject specialists support music, PE, and modern foreign languages instruction.
Forest School Programme
The dedicated Forest School area enables regular outdoor education sessions. Children develop practical skills through nature-based activities that complement classroom learning. Sessions promote teamwork, resilience, and environmental awareness.
Special Educational Needs Support
Our SENCO coordinates tailored support for children with additional needs. The team implements individual education plans while maintaining inclusion in mainstream classes. Regular parent consultations ensure consistent home-school collaboration.
After-School Clubs
We offer a range of after-school activities including sports, arts, and academic enrichment. Clubs operate Monday-Friday until 4:30pm, providing supervised engagement that extends learning beyond regular school hours.
People
Claire Westcott
Headteacher
Claire leads our school with 18 years of primary education experience. She oversees curriculum development and staff training while maintaining regular classroom contact. Her leadership focuses on inclusive education and community partnerships.
Toni Gambetta
Office Administrator
Toni manages daily school operations with 12 years in educational administration. She coordinates parent communications and visitor services while maintaining statutory compliance. Available Monday-Friday 8:15am-4:00pm.
Gaydree Wrigley
School Business Manager
Gaydree oversees financial operations and facility management. She implements budget controls while ensuring safe school environments. Her team maintains infrastructure to support educational activities.
Lucy Newth
SENCO
Lucy coordinates special educational needs provision with qualified teacher status. She develops individual learning plans and supports staff training. Available for parental consultations by appointment.
Matt Doody
Deputy DSL
Matt oversees child protection procedures as designated safeguarding lead. He coordinates staff training and maintains safeguarding records. Available for concerns Monday-Friday during school hours.
Questions
What are the school's admission criteria?
We follow East Sussex County Council's admissions policy. Applications must be submitted by 15 January 2026 for September 2026 entry.
How does the Forest School programme work?
Children access our dedicated outdoor learning space weekly. Sessions develop practical skills through nature-based activities aligned with curriculum objectives.
What SEN support is available?
Our SENCO coordinates individualised learning plans. We provide specialist resources while maintaining inclusion in mainstream classes with 1:1 support when needed.
What are the school hours?
Nursery: 9:10am-3:10pm. Reception-Year 6: 8:45am-3:15pm. Office hours: Monday-Friday 8:15am-4:00pm.
How does the school handle safeguarding?
We maintain four designated safeguarding leads. All staff complete annual child protection training. Concerns can be reported directly to the DSL team.
