Kimmy's

In January 2025, comforting cuddles for babies and pretend noodles for older children illustrated Kimmy's combination of personal care and learning through play. Its home is Hillcrest Community Centre in Newhaven, and it has capacity for 33 children.

At the January 2025 inspection, Ofsted rated Kimmy's Good overall. Children attending then were aged 0 to 4. The strongest practical detail was the attention to individual children, with activities shaped around their interests and staff planning what each child would learn next.

In January 2025, Kimmy's occupied two rooms within the community centre. Its early years foundation stage framework brings learning, development and care together: play, conversation and everyday interactions contribute to children's learning.

During that month, younger children joined familiar songs and rhymes, supported by staff using gestures and expressive language. Conversations introduced older children to new vocabulary. Learning about Chinese New Year included using chopsticks to lift pretend noodles, giving children a playful way to revisit the topic.

Staff planned next steps for individual children and reinforced them together. There were also two clear weaknesses in teaching: questions sometimes came too quickly for children to formulate answers, and group activities lost some children's attention when staff were occupied with routine jobs. These are useful points to explore when considering how the day works now.

At its January 2025 inspection, Ofsted found strong support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and effective safeguarding arrangements. Staff made prompt referrals to outside agencies, guided parents and used accessible visual cues that children could use to communicate what they needed.

In January 2025, babies received cuddles, while older children approached familiar adults with ideas or requests for help. Staff sought children's permission before wiping their noses. That small example gives substance to respectful care.

Consistent, gentle reminders helped children understand behaviour and emotions. Staff supervision addressed their wellbeing, and training supported continued development. Families also received help through different stages of their children's development.

Kimmy's is based at Hillcrest Community Centre, Bay Vue Road, Newhaven, BN9 9LH.

In January 2025, opening hours ran from 7.15am until 5.30pm on weekdays, throughout the year. At that time, the nursery received early education funding for children aged nine months to four years.

• Time to answer. In January 2025, rapid questioning sometimes left children insufficient thinking time. Ask how staff now allow children to develop and share their own answers.
• Adult support during group activities. Routine jobs drew staff away from some group learning in January 2025. Discuss how these activities are organised now to keep children involved.
• Planning attendance. The January 2025 opening window stretched from early morning into late afternoon, with funded education also in use. Which booking pattern and funding arrangement would fit your child's week?

Kimmy's suits families who value individual attention, practical play and help with children's communication and emotions. The January 2025 picture combines warm adult relationships with thoughtful planning for each child. The decision should also weigh the two teaching improvements: giving children thinking time and keeping adults engaged during group activities.