Sunshine Nursery

A cricket pavilion in Sutherland Memorial Park gives Sunshine Nursery a recognisable setting, while its capacity of 16 children keeps the whole nursery small. It accepts children aged 24 to 60 months. That capacity is a whole-setting figure, rather than a daily group size.

At its September 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good and found safeguarding effective. The account of children’s daily lives included growing vegetables, choosing stories and washing their plates after snacks: practical experiences alongside play.

In September 2024, children could decide what to play with and where to play. Vegetable growing and helping with grocery shopping connected their activities to the food they ate. These were opportunities to participate in everyday tasks, rather than simply watch adults do them.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children’s learning, development and care, with play providing opportunities to practise communication, independence and new skills. In September 2024, staff built on children’s existing understanding: a child familiar with full and empty containers could try filling one halfway with rice. Toy-car play also introduced words for position, including behind and on top.

Books had a place in the day too. Children chose a favourite story to share, while a comfortable sofa provided space to enjoy books with staff. Outdoor play offered a more active counterpart.

In September 2024, children chose snacks, collected their lunch boxes and put on coats, with staff nearby to help. Washing their own plates gave them another manageable responsibility. For parents, these examples show what practising independence looked like in ordinary routines.

Staff knew children well and planned learning around their individual needs, including those of children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Cooperative play and expressing needs were central to that work.

The September 2024 inspection also identified two improvements: staff needed to position themselves more effectively so children received encouragement to join activities, and to improve interactions, including allowing children more time to think and answer. These concerns matter because adult attention and conversational space affect how fully children participate.

Sunshine Nursery’s address is Cricket Pavilion, Sutherland Memorial Park, Burpham Lane, Guildford, GU4 7LP. It opens Monday to Friday, 9am to 3pm, during term time and closes for school holidays. Families need arrangements that fit both the afternoon finish and the holiday breaks.

In September 2024, the nursery received early-education funding. That is a dated account of participation, rather than a promise of a funded place.

• Term-time timetable. The 3pm finish and school-holiday closures are significant for working families. Consider how these fit the rest of your childcare arrangements.
• Adult interaction. September 2024 improvement points concerned staff positioning and giving children time to respond. During a visit, ask how staff now encourage participation and extend conversations.

Sunshine Nursery suits families seeking term-time care within a 9am-to-3pm opening window, in a setting with capacity for 16 children. Its September 2024 account gives concrete examples of practical independence, shared reading and outdoor activity. The interaction concerns deserve attention alongside that positive picture when deciding whether its daily approach fits your child.