Cottis Preschool

At the July and September 2025 inspection, clay hedgehogs, shared books and visits from the fire brigade gave Cottis Preschool a recognisable character: practical play sat alongside experiences beyond the usual activities. Based at the Guide Hut on Trinity Road, Hassocks, it has capacity for 25 children.

Ofsted rated the provision Good following its July and September 2025 inspection, finding effective safeguarding and SEND support built around prompt referrals and individual learning plans. Children attending at that time were aged two to four. These are dated findings, rather than a description of today's attendance.

The early years foundation stage provides the framework for children's learning, development and care, with play activities spanning its seven areas of learning. In July and September 2025, planning drew on children's interests and what they needed to learn next. Assessment helped staff decide what to teach each child.

Physical learning had concrete forms. Children pressed small sticks into clay to make hedgehogs and worked with play dough, practising controlled hand movements. Access to the outdoor area gave them room for larger movements too.

Books connected preschool and home through a sharing arrangement. During the same inspection period, children participated in stories by handling pages and repeating words; staff narrated younger children's play and held longer conversations with older children. Community trips and visitors, including the fire brigade and people bringing hedgehogs, extended those experiences beyond the setting.

In July and September 2025, staff helped newcomers understand routines through conversation. Gentle reminders supported behaviour, while adults helped children work through small disagreements. A clapped rhythm gave children a clear signal to listen during group time.

Support for additional needs included collaboration with speech and language therapists and personalised learning targets. During that inspection period, parents and staff also exchanged information in both directions, connecting home and preschool rather than leaving communication as a one-way update.

The address is Guide Hut, Trinity Road, Hassocks, BN6 9UY. In July and September 2025, Cottis operated during term time and provided government-funded childcare for eligible children aged two to four. That funding statement concerns eligibility, not an entitlement for every family.

• Older children's independence. In July and September 2025, adults sometimes poured drinks, served snacks and prepared activity materials that older children could manage themselves. The improvement priority was to give children more opportunities to practise these skills. On a visit, look for children taking responsibility for manageable tasks.
• Attendance planning. The inspection-era offer was term-time provision. What attendance pattern and opening hours would apply to your child's booking now?

The provision observed in July and September 2025 suited families drawn to practical preschool learning, books shared with home and contact with the wider community. Its 2025 assessment gives a positive quality judgement, with a specific reservation: older children needed more chances to do things for themselves. That balance matters more than the grade alone.