Hellingly Preschool

A helicopter landing on a neighbouring field and children creating their own storybooks give Hellingly Preschool a memorable character. These were learning experiences in May 2026, linking conversation, curiosity and creative expression to things children could experience directly.

At its May 2026 inspection, Ofsted judged achievement, behaviour and routines, welfare and wellbeing, curriculum and teaching, inclusion, and leadership and governance Exceptional, with safeguarding standards met. These are separate area judgements rather than an overall grade.

Hellingly Preschool has 54 places in total. In May 2026, the children attending were aged 2 to 4.

In May 2026, learning connected experiments with children's recollections: children remembered a volcano activity and explained its processes using scientific vocabulary. Creating and displaying their own storybooks gave them another way to develop language and share ideas with friends.

The early years foundation stage sets requirements for children's learning, development and care; here, the May 2026 examples included learning through experiments, imaginative play and storytelling. In the role-play kitchen, younger children used an oven timer while making pretend cakes, bringing number sequences into their play. Staff extended activities through conversations timed to children's interests.

Outdoor resources supported physical activity. A visit to a church to hear its organist also gave children an experience to remember and discuss. These examples connect learning with both practical experiences and conversation, rather than treating them as separate parts of the day.

At the May 2026 inspection, Ofsted found that personalised care helped children settle and gain confidence, while children with SEND or speech and language needs made substantial progress. The practical mechanisms behind that judgement matter for families.

In May 2026, key persons recognised when children needed emotional reassurance and adapted their response to the individual. Staff assessed care and learning needs from the start, then put individual plans into action. Training covered alternative communication and support for additional health needs; funding also supported specialist training and extra staff.

Snack time included trying unfamiliar flavours and textures, with mango chutney and home-made sushi among children's favourites. Children also discussed dental cavities and how to prevent them, connecting healthy routines with explanations they could understand.

Social events for parents were adapted to families' needs. Leaders worked directly with children as well as supporting staff development, keeping their management role connected to daily practice.

Hellingly Preschool is at Hellingly Hall, North Street, Hellingly, Hailsham, BN27 4DS. In May 2026, its opening hours were 8am to 4pm, Monday to Friday. That is a dated opening window, rather than a description of bookable sessions.

• Attendance arrangements. The May 2026 opening window ran from 8am to 4pm on weekdays. Which booking pattern would fit your family's routine?
• Individual support. In May 2026, individual plans, alternative communication training and additional staffing supported children's differing needs. When visiting, discuss how those arrangements would apply to your child.

Hellingly Preschool suits families who value learning through practical experiences and care organised around individual needs. The May 2026 examples are persuasive: story-making, scientific conversation and number play sat alongside personalised reassurance and specialist support. Its strongest case is that combination of learning and care, with the attendance arrangement a separate decision for each family.