Kiddie Capers Childcare, Merlin House

Language, movement and small acts of independence give Merlin House its character: babies carrying large soft toys, toddlers helping friends reach resources, and older children learning to manage risks outdoors. These were concrete features of nursery life in July 2024, rather than a curriculum described only in broad ambitions.

At its 22 July 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good, found safeguarding effective and recognised consistent learning support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities through work with parents and other agencies. Kiddie Capers Childcare, Merlin House accepts children from birth to five and has 50 places in total.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care. Here, the July 2024 curriculum gave language particular attention: songs and reading helped children become familiar with words, while objects offered babies a way to express choices before staff supplied the vocabulary.

Physical learning had a practical shape. In July 2024, older babies lifted and carried large soft toys, exercising coordination and core strength. Toddlers explored shaving foam through their senses. Babies also climbed across soft play equipment with staff supervising closely, giving them opportunities to test movement and judge manageable risks.

Older children regularly took part in forest school sessions in July 2024, learning how to stay safe outdoors. Visits to nearby parks and the train station extended experiences beyond the nursery; parents and visitors introduced occupations, cultural practices and traditions. These experiences connected learning with the world children could encounter around them.

In July 2024, key-person relationships included knowledge of children's interests and development, with information shared between families and agencies involved in their care. Parents received progress updates, and parents' evenings and events created opportunities to discuss learning.

For children learning English as an additional language, July 2024 practice included stories in their home language played on electronic devices when they were upset. Staff also learnt familiar words to help understand what children wanted to communicate. That gave settling support a concrete starting point: language children already knew.

At the July 2024 inspection, Ofsted identified uneven interaction quality where rooms lacked an effective balance between experienced and newer staff, and asked leaders to improve deployment and support. Warmth alone was not the issue; newer practitioners also needed better opportunities to learn from experienced colleagues.

Merlin House is at 6 Boltro Road, Haywards Heath, RH16 1BB. Opening hours are 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, with year-round operation and closures for bank holidays and Christmas.

In July 2024, the nursery received funding for early education for children aged two, three and four. This is a dated account of funding participation, rather than a current entitlement promise.

• Staff deployment. The July 2024 improvement action concerned the mix of experienced and newer practitioners within rooms. Ask how room teams now support consistent interactions and develop newer staff.
• Attendance planning. The nursery's opening window spans 7am to 6pm on weekdays. Which booking patterns and funded-hours arrangements would fit your family's intended attendance?

Merlin House suits families seeking year-round weekday childcare, with a July 2024 account that gives substance to language learning, physical exploration and experiences beyond the nursery. The Good judgement is balanced by a specific staffing-development concern. How room teams now work together is the most useful point to explore when considering it.