Saltdean Preschool

At Saltdean Preschool's February 2024 inspection, play-dough pancake making led to real cooking: children's imaginative play became a shared practical activity. Based at St Nicholas Church Hall in Saltdean, Brighton, it has 30 places in total.

At its February 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated the preschool Good, judged safeguarding effective and found that children with special educational needs and/or disabilities made good progress with support from staff and other professionals. Children attending then were aged two to four.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning and care, covering development through play and planned experiences. In February 2024, activities connected children's interests with their next steps across seven areas of learning. The pancake example brought imaginative play into cooking together, giving children a practical way to extend an idea.

Language received close attention that month. Staff talked through play, repeated vocabulary and used conversations to introduce words such as desert and recipe. Enthusiastic storytelling added another route into language and early literacy.

There was room to strengthen children's thinking, however. In February 2024, adults sometimes moved on before children had enough time to answer questions or develop their ideas. The distinction matters: a busy programme needs space for children to work things out themselves.

In February 2024, children turned to staff for comfort, encouragement and shared play. Adults helped them handle disagreements and reinforced considerate behaviour. Training about feelings informed daily practice, helping children recognise emotions in themselves and others.

Support also involved collaboration. That month, staff used local referral routes and followed strategies from other professionals, while regular conversations kept parents informed about development. Children practised independence by managing outdoor clothing; in the reading area, reminders about moving large cushions helped connect safety with an immediate situation.

The address is St Nicholas Church Hall, Saltdean Vale, Saltdean, Brighton, BN2 8HA.

In February 2024, opening hours were 9am to 3pm from Monday to Wednesday and 9am to 1pm on Thursday and Friday, during term time. Those hours describe the operating week at that date, rather than a choice of bookable sessions.

At that time, the preschool received funding for free early education for children aged two, three and four. For families considering term-time attendance, the shorter Thursday and Friday opening windows are a practical point to weigh alongside the longer start to the week.

• Time to think. In February 2024, some adult questioning moved too quickly. Giving children longer to respond and pursue their ideas was an improvement priority.
• Online safety. In February 2024, planned learning did not address safe internet use at home. Adding this to the curriculum was another improvement priority.
• Attendance planning. The February 2024 timetable combined longer and shorter weekdays during term time. Which current booking pattern would fit your family's week?

Saltdean Preschool's February 2024 picture suits families drawn to interest-led play, practical activities and close communication with staff. Cooking, conversation and emotional support give that picture substance. Families considering term-time preschool care should weigh the weekday timetable alongside the two clear curriculum improvement priorities.