Parsonage Farm Day Nursery

Castle-building, toy cars pushed through paint and a steep outdoor mound shaped daily life at Parsonage Farm Day Nursery in June 2022. At its June 2022 inspection, Ofsted rated it Outstanding, finding carefully planned learning, strong communication skills and considerate behaviour.

Based in Ticehurst, the nursery has 56 places in total for children aged 3 to 60 months. The strongest picture of daily life comes from June 2022: practical exploration, imaginative play and close relationships with staff.

In June 2022, babies experimented by rolling toy cars through paint, while older children recreated Bodiam Castle with planks and bricks. These were activities with room for children to try ideas themselves. During pretend play, older children listened to each other's suggestions and developed shared stories.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care. Here, the June 2022 curriculum connected activities to children's interests and individual needs: drawing became an opportunity to describe ideas, and construction play prompted children to explain their plans.

Outdoor experiences in June 2022 included low stilts, a steep mound for climbing and sliding, and digging, water and paint activities. Ballet and yoga added opportunities to practise movement. Visits from local police and fire officers introduced children to different jobs, while resources represented different cultures and languages. The combination gave children physical challenges alongside experiences that widened their understanding of other people.

At the June 2022 inspection, Ofsted found effective safeguarding, strong emotional relationships with staff and persistent work by leaders to obtain additional help for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

In June 2022, babies' care followed their individual routines, helping connect nursery care with their own needs. Staff made family photograph books for babies and younger children to enjoy. Family photographs brought familiar faces into their book-sharing experiences.

Communication also worked in both directions in June 2022: parents exchanged information with staff and supported learning at home. Children practised managing their personal care, and staff connected healthy eating and exercise with looking after themselves.

The address is Parsonage Day Nursery, Church Street, Ticehurst, Wadhurst, TN5 7DL. 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.

In June 2022, the nursery received funding for early education for children aged two, three and four. That is a dated participation statement, rather than a promise about a family's entitlement today.

• Attendance planning. The opening window runs from 8am to 6pm on weekdays, with bank-holiday and Christmas closures. Which booking patterns and funded-hours arrangements would fit your family's week?
• Outdoor challenge. In June 2022, children used low stilts and climbed a steep mound. On a visit, explore how these activities are adapted for your child's stage of movement and confidence.

Parsonage Farm suits families seeking care across the year and an emphasis on practical exploration. Its June 2022 picture combines construction, imaginative play and physical challenge with individual baby routines. The Outstanding judgement is a substantial strength, but it belongs to that dated inspection; it should be read alongside the nursery's current arrangements when making a decision.