Teddy Wilf's Nursery School

A caterpillar's development can become a question worth pursuing here. In February 2024, children explored small creatures through books, outdoor searches and dough modelling, with staff using their curiosity to shape learning. Time to investigate mattered: play continued for extended stretches rather than being repeatedly interrupted.

Ofsted rated Teddy Wilf's Nursery School Good at its 23 February 2024 inspection. Based at St. Wilfred's Church Community Hall in Chichester, it has 26 places for children aged 24 to 59 months.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care, bringing play and everyday learning together. In February 2024, managers and practitioners had shaped a curriculum around the skills they wanted children to develop, with feeling comfortable and ready to learn taking precedence.

Communication had practical uses. Visual cues helped children put together a request for breakfast, while adults introduced vocabulary during play. Outdoors, children practised balance, climbing and running; indoors, board games gave them opportunities to cooperate. Practitioners also drew quieter children into activities through suggestions matched to their interests.

Group teaching was less consistent. In February 2024, enthusiastic singing by older children sometimes interrupted younger children's story listening. Activities needed better planning around differing attention spans and learning needs.

At the February 2024 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and SEND support highly effective, with individual learning plans and additional funding used to help children progress. These are dated judgements about care and support.

In February 2024, puppets helped children talk about feelings, giving emotions a concrete starting point for conversation. Communication with families began during children's early days and worked in both directions, connecting home and nursery care.

Managers also maintained links with external professionals. Staff had visited a local school supporting children with SEND and brought communication strategies back into their practice. One weakness concerned independence: adults sometimes took over straightforward tasks children could have attempted themselves.

The address is St. Wilfred's Church Community Hall, Durnford Close, Chichester, PO19 3AG.

In February 2024, opening hours were 8.45am to 11.45am on Tuesday and Thursday, and 8.45am to 3.15pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, during school terms. At that time, the nursery received funding for free early education for children aged two, three and four. That timetable describes the inspection period.

• Group activities. In February 2024, mixed-age singing and stories sometimes competed for children's attention. Younger children's ability to listen is an important consideration.
• Independence. In February 2024, staff sometimes completed manageable tasks for children. Opportunities to try things themselves deserve attention alongside adult support.
• Attendance and funding. The February 2024 timetable combined shorter and longer opening days during school terms. What attendance pattern and funded-hours arrangement would apply to your child now?

Teddy Wilf's suits families who value learning shaped by children's interests, practical communication and links between home and nursery. The February 2024 picture combines sustained play with individual support. Its two improvement priorities are useful decision points: group activities should accommodate different learners, and adult help should leave children room to attempt everyday tasks.