Sunshine Day Nursery

Toy frogs lifted with tweezers, family photographs made into books and babies practising their first climbing movements give Sunshine Day Nursery a recognisable character. In March 2023, these small, purposeful experiences sat alongside opportunities for children to manage everyday tasks themselves.

At its 23 March 2023 inspection, Ofsted judged the nursery Good overall, with effective safeguarding and positive findings about support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). The setting has capacity for 67 children aged 3 to 60 months, on the East Surrey Hospital site in Redhill.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care: play, conversation and practical activity contribute to their development. In March 2023, babies practised pulling themselves upright and moving through small spaces, while preschool children used tweezers to transfer toy frogs onto a lily pad. These were concrete opportunities to practise movement, coordination and persistence.

Language featured in different forms. In March 2023, babies joined in rhymes, while older children experimented with pipes to change how quickly toy cars travelled. Group discussions gave children opportunities to talk about their families. Outside, children crawled, balanced, climbed and took turns with a play car.

Adult-organised groups also covered counting, the calendar and weather. In March 2023, some children lost interest in these groups, and explanations did not consistently make the purpose of activities clear. More precise adaptation and clearer instructions were the two improvement priorities. They matter because participation should extend beyond the children who readily engage.

At the March 2023 inspection, Ofsted found that the key-person arrangements helped children form secure relationships, that emotional wellbeing was well supported and that the special educational needs coordinator worked effectively with families and external agencies. The Colour Monster book gave children a way to name feelings and consider other people's emotions.

In March 2023, staff used familiar words from children's home languages and invited families to contribute photographs for individual All about me books. Parents received detailed feedback after sessions. Together, these practices connected nursery life with each child's home experience.

Independence had practical expression in March 2023: babies fed themselves with spoons, and older children prepared snacks and poured drinks. Children also helped distribute lunch items. Meals included fruit and vegetables, and outdoor exercise was part of the day.

The address is East Surrey Hospital, Canada Avenue, Redhill, RH1 5RH. Opening hours are 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, across the year, with bank holiday closures.

In March 2023, the nursery accepted early education funding for two-, three- and four-year-olds. That is a dated funding position rather than a guarantee of an individual child's entitlement.

• Engagement in group activities. The March 2023 improvement priorities concerned adapting activities and explaining their purpose. During a visit, ask how staff now involve children who lose interest in organised groups.
• Care across the age range. Children aged 3 to 60 months are accepted. Ask how settling and daily routines are arranged for your child's stage.

Sunshine suits families seeking weekday care on the East Surrey Hospital site, with an opening window spanning early morning to early evening. In March 2023, children practised everyday tasks independently and families contributed photographs to individual All about me books. The useful counterweight is specific: group activities needed better adaptation and explanation.