Little Castle Nursery

In January 2026, soft lighting, natural materials and stories acted out with puppets gave Little Castle Nursery a recognisable character. This Eastbourne setting has 32 places in total, with an emphasis on everyday independence running through its January 2026 observations.

At its January 2026 inspection, Ofsted awarded Strong standard judgements for achievement, behaviour and routines, welfare and wellbeing, curriculum and teaching, inclusion, and leadership and governance. These are area judgements rather than an overall grade. Children attending then were aged 1 to 4.

In January 2026, the early years foundation stage shaped learning through play, conversation and practical tasks, building children's communication, movement and independence. Staff revisited familiar books and used The three little pigs with props and puppets: storytelling gave children reasons to explain ideas and practise language.

Learning extended into ordinary routines. Adults introduced descriptive words while children played, and brought counting into songs and stories. Activities were adjusted through different levels of challenge and tools such as adapted scissors, helping children participate and develop their fine motor skills.

Physical experiences included balance beams, water play and construction. Children also prepared snacks and picked strawberries they had grown in summer. Outings took them to shops, pet stores, parks and the beach, extending learning beyond the hall. Quiet spaces and subdued lighting offered a calmer alternative to active play.

At the January 2026 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding standards met, rapid progress including for disadvantaged children and those with SEND, and support that responded promptly to individual needs. The practical detail matters: needs were recognised from settling-in, support plans were revisited, and external professionals contributed to targeted help.

In January 2026, staff responded to babies' signals and adjusted routines accordingly. Older children sought reassurance from adults, while picture cues and boards showing the next activity helped make changes predictable. Conversations with parents and observations informed care, connecting what happened at home with nursery routines.

Staff training responded to children's needs, and supervision and flexibility around family commitments supported the team. Preparation for school included coordination between families, nursery and school, rather than simply practising isolated skills.

Little Castle Nursery is based at St. Andrews Parish Hall, behind 360 Seaside, Eastbourne, BN22 7RY. Its capacity is 32 children; that whole-setting figure is separate from the number attending on any particular day.

In January 2026, opening hours were 7.45am to 4pm, Monday to Friday. These describe the operating window at that time, rather than a particular booking pattern.

• Attendance arrangements. The January 2026 opening window ended at 4pm. Which booking patterns and hours would cover your family's week now?
• Individual support. January 2026 practice included reviewed support plans and advice from external professionals. Families with additional needs should discuss how those mechanisms would apply to their child.
• The next improvement priority. In January 2026, leaders were tasked with extending the impact of their work for disadvantaged children, children with SEND and those with experience of social care. This keeps the next stage of improvement centred on children who need additional support.

Little Castle Nursery merits consideration by families who value calm surroundings, practical independence and learning woven into play. Its January 2026 strengths were illustrated by concrete actions: adapting scissors, making routines predictable and using stories to develop conversation. The strongest decision value lies in those details, alongside the clear priority to deepen the benefits for children needing extra support.