Ladybirds Nursery School

Snail hunts and animated storytelling give Ladybirds Nursery School its character in the July 2024 account of daily life. Based at Fourth Littlehampton Scouts, Linden Park, Littlehampton, BN17 7BH, it has capacity for 30 children. The secure outdoor play area provides a concrete setting for exploring living things.

At its 5 July 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good, found that children made good progress, judged safeguarding effective and recognised effective support for children with SEND and those learning English as an additional language. Children attending that July were aged two to four.

The early years foundation stage sets expectations for children's learning, development and care: here, the July 2024 examples included learning through stories, sensory play and outdoor exploration. Staff used their knowledge of each child's existing skills to decide what to introduce next.

In July 2024, The Very Hungry Caterpillar prompted children to remember words and anticipate what happened next. Shaving foam and cornflakes became pretend ice creams, with staff introducing addition and subtraction through the activity. These examples connected language and early mathematics to play children wanted to pursue.

Outside that July, children searched for snails and slugs and discussed possible hiding places. Staff's questions extended the exploration. Children also chose their own activities, giving them opportunities to practise independence alongside organised learning.

In July 2024, relationships with staff were trusting, and children practised sharing, taking turns and talking about feelings. Praise helped encourage participation. Discussions with parents, observations and assessments informed individual next steps, while regular communication kept families involved in their children's development.

At the July 2024 inspection, Ofsted found that the special educational needs coordinator worked with families and professionals on personalised strategies and achievable targets, monitored progress closely and arranged prompt referrals for additional help. This gave individual support a practical structure.

That July, staff also drew on other professionals' advice to develop their practice, and described receiving personal and professional support from leaders.

The nursery's address is Fourth Littlehampton Scouts, Linden Park, Littlehampton, BN17 7BH.

In July 2024, opening hours were 9am to 3.30pm on weekdays during school terms. At that time, the nursery received early-education funding for two-, three- and four-year-olds. These are dated operating details, rather than a current booking commitment.

• Adult-led activities. In July 2024, some activities lasted beyond children's attention spans, and insufficient materials sometimes prevented everyone interested from participating. Improving their planning and delivery was the required next step. Ask how activities now keep children involved and accommodate those wanting to join.
• Attendance fit. The July 2024 timetable followed school terms and ended at 3.30pm. For families planning care around work, the parent-relevant question is which current attendance arrangements fit their week.

Ladybirds suits families drawn to play-based learning, outdoor exploration and close communication about children's development. Its July 2024 strengths were concrete: storytelling, sensory mathematics and individual support. The limitation was equally specific, with adult-led activities needing better pacing and sufficient materials. Families considering a school-term routine have a useful dated starting point, while current attendance arrangements need to match their practical needs.