Butterflies Nursery and Preschool

Shared stories, imaginative games and movement shaped children's experiences at Butterflies Nursery and Preschool in Crowborough in November 2024. At its November 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated it Good and judged safeguarding effective, with communication, creativity and relationships among its strengths.

The nursery accepts children aged 5 to 60 months and has 45 places in total. In November 2024, children used the church hall at United Church Crowborough and a garden for physical play.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care: here, the November 2024 activities included conversation, storytelling, art and movement. Babies played peekaboo with scarves and practised recognising body-part names, connecting playful interaction with early vocabulary.

Older children invented role-play stories, with staff helping them find objects to develop their ideas. Painting and printing introduced techniques while leaving room for individual expression. Writing implements were accessible, and children explored familiar stories both with adults and independently. These were different ways to practise expressing an idea, through speech, pictures or early writing.

Physical activity used both the garden and church hall in November 2024. Obstacle courses involved balancing, jumping and running; regular yoga sessions offered another way to practise controlled movement. Younger children had equipment supporting crawling, walking and climbing. Outings included local shops, and children also spent time with older community members, taking their experiences beyond the nursery itself.

At the November 2024 inspection, Ofsted found that caring interactions helped children feel secure, staff supported emotional understanding and cooperation, and learning activities catered for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. The practical examples matter: adults helped children negotiate with one another as well as take part in activities.

Parent communication in November 2024 included progress updates and borrowing bags containing books, toys and guidance for using them at home. That gave families something concrete to share with their child. Coffee mornings involved parents in nursery life, while guidance about choosing and applying to schools supported the next stage.

Handwashing before food was part of children's routines in November 2024. Active play also featured throughout the day, linking everyday care with opportunities to move.

The address is United Church Crowborough, Croft Road, Crowborough, TN6 1HA. Opening hours are 7.30am to 6pm on Monday to Thursday and 8am to 4pm on Friday. The nursery operates across the year, closing for bank holidays and Christmas. The shorter Friday window matters when matching childcare with working hours.

• Activity layout. In November 2024, some activities lacked sufficient clear space or suitable resource organisation, reducing what children could gain from them. During a visit, ask how staff now arrange space and materials before activities begin.
• Friday hours. Friday closes at 4pm, earlier than the other weekdays. Families needing later Friday care should weigh that difference carefully.
• Attendance arrangements. Which booking patterns can your family use within these opening hours?

The November 2024 picture of Butterflies would suit families who value conversation, creative play and physical activity, with practical links between nursery learning and home. Those dated examples give that judgement substance: story exploration, art techniques, movement and shared resources for parents. Activity layout remains the concrete improvement point to explore, and the Friday closing time is a clear practical consideration.