Poohs Nursery School

Puppet storytelling, energetic outdoor play and children taking charge of everyday tasks give Poohs Nursery School its character in the February 2023 account. Based at St. Phillips Church Hall in Eastbourne, it has capacity for 40 children.

At its February 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Outstanding, finding an ambitious education, strong communication progress, effective support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, and effective safeguarding. Children attending then were aged 1 to 4. That age range describes the children at that visit, rather than an admission rule.

In February 2023, children chose activities around their interests, with books and puppets giving them opportunities to develop stories and talk through emotions. Retelling The Three Little Pigs prompted discussion about the characters supporting one another. An interactive storybook also encouraged children to contribute objects, practise taking turns and extend their vocabulary.

The early years foundation stage sets expectations for children's learning, development and care. Here, the February 2023 examples show that framework through play, conversation, movement and practical independence: children fetched paint, prepared tables for lunch and managed handwashing themselves. These ordinary tasks gave them opportunities to practise doing things independently.

Physical activity had a clear place in February 2023. Children chased staff outdoors, changed direction while moving and joined a daily workout; breathing exercises introduced a quieter counterpoint. Parents also visited to talk about food and clothing from their cultures, connecting learning with the families children knew.

At the February 2023 inspection, Ofsted found that staff recognised additional needs promptly, collaborated with parents and professionals, and understood how to recognise safeguarding risks and obtain outside help for families. This linked support within the nursery with specialist help beyond it.

In February 2023, staff gathered information about children before they started and continued building that understanding afterwards. Families received home-learning suggestions and guidance on healthy packed lunches, giving them practical ways to carry learning and care into home life.

Staff development also supported that work in February 2023. Speech and language training addressed communication, while leaders demonstrated how to run small intervention groups. A staff wellbeing ambassador provided someone colleagues could talk to.

The address is St. Phillips Church Hall, St Philips Place, Eastbourne, BN22 8LW.

In February 2023, opening hours were 8.45am to 4.15pm on weekdays, during term time. The nursery received funding for early education for two-, three- and four-year-olds at that date. These are historical operating details, so they should inform questions about attendance rather than serve as a present-day booking plan.

• Term-time attendance. The February 2023 opening pattern followed school terms. What are the current accepted ages, attendance patterns and funded-hours arrangements, including responsibility for food and consumables?
• An older quality benchmark. The Outstanding judgement dates to February 2023. During a visit, look for how today's story activities, outdoor movement and practical tasks give children opportunities to talk, participate and act independently.

Poohs has a compelling February 2023 account of learning through conversation, movement and everyday responsibility. It will appeal to families who value those experiences and are considering term-time childcare. The strongest decision value lies in the concrete examples: puppets prompting discussion, children organising practical tasks, and staff connecting support with home life. Use that dated picture alongside a visit to assess the nursery today.