4+ Nursery Class

In February 2024, children at 4+ Nursery Class climbed and balanced in a forest area, rode bikes down a ramp and learnt through practical activities involving lemons. The nursery has capacity for 22 children in total and shares a site with East Wittering County Primary School. At its February 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good and judged its safeguarding arrangements effective.

Children attending in February 2024 were aged two to four. The strongest practical thread was learning through activity, with communication woven into play rather than confined to group sessions.

In February 2024, children explored indoors and outside, built towers and rode bikes down a ramp. In the forest area, climbing and balancing also became opportunities to learn about size and position. Physical play had a learning purpose.

The early years foundation stage provides the framework for children's learning, development and care: here, the February 2024 examples included practising speech, movement and mathematical ideas through play. Cutting cooked spaghetti helped children develop physical skills; those ready for a further challenge moved on to paper. Squeezing lemons gave staff another practical opportunity to demonstrate a skill and explain what children were doing.

Group learning was less consistent. In February 2024, singing and stories did not hold every child's attention: younger children drifted away, disrupting older children's concentration. Making these activities work for different learning needs was an improvement priority.

At the February 2024 inspection, Ofsted found that staff knew children well, supported their learning and responded effectively to their emotional needs. Children sought comfort from adults, while staff helped them recognise feelings and practise taking turns.

In February 2024, health learning included brushing model teeth and washing hands before eating. Adults ate alongside children, demonstrating table manners and social skills. These were concrete ways of connecting explanations with everyday habits.

Independence needed more attention. In February 2024, adults sometimes completed tasks too quickly instead of giving children a chance to attempt them. For families, the relevant distinction is between offering help and allowing time to practise personal care.

The address is East Wittering County Primary School, Stocks Lane, East Wittering, Chichester, PO20 8NH. In February 2024, opening hours were 9am to 3pm each weekday, during school terms; the nursery also provided funded early education for children aged two, three and four.

Being based at the primary school does not guarantee a Reception place.

• Group activities. Engagement across different ages was an improvement priority in February 2024. During a visit, ask how singing and story sessions now accommodate younger and older children.
• Doing things independently. Staff sometimes intervened before children could try tasks themselves in February 2024. Ask how personal-care routines now give children time to practise.
• Attendance arrangements. The February 2024 timetable followed school terms. Ask which current booking pattern fits your family's week.

4+ Nursery Class suits families drawn to practical play, outdoor movement and an emphasis on communication. Its February 2024 picture combines attentive care with clear work to do on group engagement and independence. The school-site setting is useful context, but Reception admission remains a separate decision.