Creative Minds Preschool, Shoreham

A mud kitchen, climbing frame and minibeast hunts give Creative Minds Preschool, Shoreham a practical, outdoor character. In March 2026, children investigated the garden, experimented with tools and shared books: a day built around doing things for themselves.

At its 13 March 2026 inspection, Ofsted judged achievement, behaviour and routines, welfare and wellbeing, curriculum and teaching, inclusion, and leadership and governance to meet the expected standard, with safeguarding standards met. Communication and language teaching needed greater consistency. That is the central consideration alongside the outdoor provision.

The preschool has 27 places in total. Children attending in March 2026 were aged 2 to 4.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for learning, development and care, with play providing opportunities to practise language, movement and early mathematics. In March 2026, children sorted coloured bears, explored size through bubbles and persisted with play dough tools. These activities gave abstract ideas a physical form.

Outside that March, bikes and tricycles supported movement, while the climbing frame offered opportunities to judge manageable risks. The mud kitchen encouraged pretend cooking, and children used microscopes during minibeast hunts. Books and quiet spaces were available outdoors as well as inside, allowing active play and quieter moments to coexist.

Language teaching was less consistent. In March 2026, staff sometimes moved on before children had time to think or answer, reducing opportunities for questions and discussion. The next steps called for stronger knowledge of language support and more precisely targeted staff learning about teaching and child development.

At the March 2026 inspection, Ofsted found that key-person relationships supported children's security, parent communication was effective, and work with families and external professionals helped children with SEND, although early language interventions were inconsistent and recent staff training had yet to become fully established in practice.

Daily care that March included sensitive help with toileting and opportunities for children to wash their hands independently. Mealtimes were sociable and calm, with nutritious food and snacks. Younger children could spend time with their key person when they needed help managing their feelings.

Families also received information about screen safety. Support extended to transitions into the preschool and onwards to another setting or school, connecting everyday communication with the changes children would face next.

The address is St. Peters Catholic Primary School, Sullington Way, Shoreham-by-sea, BN43 6PJ. In March 2026, opening hours were 8.45am to 3.15pm, Monday to Friday.

• Time to talk. In March 2026, children did not consistently receive enough thinking time during conversations. Ask how practitioners now give children space to respond and develop their ideas.
• Training into practice. The March 2026 findings called for more targeted professional learning, including stronger language support. Ask what has changed in everyday teaching and early intervention.
• The preschool day. The March 2026 opening window was 8.45am to 3.15pm. Which attendance arrangements and settling pattern would fit your child and family routine?

Creative Minds Preschool, Shoreham suits families who value outdoor exploration and practical play, with an inspection-era day that combined physical activity, books and early mathematics. The March 2026 findings give families a clear priority for discussion: how consistently staff now support children's communication, especially when additional help is needed.