Jenny Wren Nursery School

Sand timers for turn-taking and a cardboard tunnel with a child-devised traffic system give Jenny Wren Nursery School its character. In February 2026, children used these simple resources to negotiate play together. This is a small setting at Emmanuel Church in Eastbourne, with capacity for 16 children.

At its February 2026 inspection, Ofsted judged behaviour and routines, welfare, inclusion, and leadership to be Strong standard, with achievement and curriculum and teaching at Expected standard, and safeguarding standards met. Children attending that month were aged three to four.

In February 2026, the early years foundation stage provided the framework for learning and care: play developed language, early mathematics, independence and social skills. Children measured a cardboard box with tape measures, while games connecting letters with sounds introduced early word formation. Familiar objects became tools for learning.

Children also helped decide where resources belonged. Knowing where to find scissors and writing materials enabled them to choose what they needed themselves, giving their ideas a practical place in the day.

The garden added space for digging, balancing and wheeled play. Its mud kitchen encouraged making and sharing, while regular outings to shops, parks and the library extended experiences beyond the nursery. Further development of opportunities for physical activity remained part of the garden plans.

At the February 2026 inspection, Ofsted found that the key-person arrangements gave children reassurance, individual settling plans built trust with families, and tailored teaching supported children with special educational needs and/or disabilities to achieve well.

In February 2026, staff and parents agreed consistent ways to respond to difficulties affecting a child's wellbeing. Children could talk about their feelings and seek comfort from familiar adults. Signing and visual prompts supported communication, including for children learning English as an additional language.

Families contributed to assessments, and other professionals helped with decisions about the next stage of education. Parents received updates about learning and invitations to regular events. Everyday independence mattered too: children helped prepare snacks and practised putting on shoes and coats.

The address is Emmanuel Church, Upperton Road, Eastbourne, BN21 1LQ. In February 2026, opening hours were Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 2pm. These are dated opening hours rather than a choice of bookable sessions.

The 16 places are the nursery's total capacity, not the size of a particular room or the number attending together.

• Teaching development. In February 2026, further staff development was needed to make teaching consistently effective. A visit is an opportunity to discuss how training has changed day-to-day activities.
• Garden provision. The February 2026 garden supported digging, balancing and wheeled play, with further physical-development opportunities planned. Ask to see how that work has progressed.
• Attendance arrangements. The February 2026 opening window ended at 2pm. Which booking patterns and attendance commitments would apply to your child?

Jenny Wren merits consideration for families who value children's independence, cooperative play and close communication with familiar staff. Its February 2026 picture is strongest in care, inclusion and routines; teaching development remains the balancing consideration. The small overall capacity and practical learning examples give families concrete points to weigh.