The Old School House Montessori Nursery, Lewes

A nature field beside the nursery gives this Lewes setting a memorable centre of gravity: in September 2023, children explored birds, insects and the cycles of plant growth. Small discoveries became material for conversation and learning.

At its September 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Outstanding and found exceptional progress, including in communication, language and literacy. The setting accepts children aged 6 to 60 months and has 48 places in total. The nursery occupies The Old School House on De Montfort Road in Lewes, BN7 1SP.

In September 2023, learning moved between close observation and practical experimentation. Children investigated beneath logs, discussed how a mouse might eat an acorn and used scales in the mud kitchen to compare parts of plants. Mathematical ideas grew out of questions children were already asking.

The early years foundation stage provides the framework for children's learning, development and care. In September 2023, its everyday expression included stories, physical challenges and opportunities to explore independently. Puppets and a theatre helped quieter children join conversations; climbing equipment supported younger children's movement, while older children built obstacle courses.

Community experiences that September included library walks and a castle visit linked to exploring buildings. Yoga added another physical activity. Children also arranged flowers for display and explored different foods through a pretend café. These examples connected language, movement and imaginative play with tangible experiences.

At the September 2023 inspection, Ofsted found effective safeguarding, close relationships through the key-person system and strong communication with parents about children's care and development. That combination matters: emotional security and useful information for families were considered together.

In September 2023, staff used their knowledge of each child to plan next steps, with training and reflection supporting their teaching. Staff also reported feeling supported in their work and wellbeing. Children treated one another kindly; one explained traffic signals to a friend during play.

Everyday independence included serving food, clearing plates and pouring drinks that September. Conversations covered dental care and exercise, and children sleeping during the day were carefully supervised. Parents received ideas for activities at home, giving learning a connection beyond nursery hours.

Opening hours are 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. The nursery operates across the year, closing on bank holidays and for one week at Christmas. That Christmas closure needs a place in family childcare planning.

In September 2023, the nursery received funding for children aged three and four. This is a dated funding position rather than a promise about a family's entitlement.

• Attendance planning. The weekday opening window runs from 8am to 6pm, with a Christmas closure. Which booking patterns and funded-hours arrangements would fit your family's week?
• Outdoor learning. The nature field and mud kitchen were substantial parts of children's experiences in September 2023. Families who value practical exploration have concrete examples to weigh alongside the nursery's inspection judgement.

This setting merits consideration for families drawn to nature exploration, practical independence and language-rich play. Its September 2023 judgement gives those interests substantial inspection backing, with examples extending from puppetry to weighing plants. The weekday opening window may suit working families, provided their attendance arrangements fit and they can plan around the Christmas closure.