Muddy Boots Snowdrop Cottage

An allotment, community tree planting and stories recorded in children's home languages give Muddy Boots Snowdrop Cottage its character. In February 2023, these experiences connected practical exploration with children's families and the world beyond the nursery.

Ofsted rated the nursery Outstanding on 10 February 2023. It has capacity for 24 children aged three to five at Memorial Hall, Bexhill Road, Ninfield.

In February 2023, children grew vegetables in an allotment and planted trees alongside local residents. These were tangible ways to explore nature: children could take part in growing things rather than only hearing about them.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care, bringing these together in their day. In February 2023, staff arranged learning to build on what children already knew, then introduce further challenges. Children constructed models outdoors with peas and sticks, explored recycled building materials and chose art resources independently. Making something involved decisions about materials and how to use them.

Reading threaded through the setting in February 2023, with stories and opportunities to explore books. Families contributed their languages and heritage, and recordings of children's stories in their home languages were shared with other families. This gave family language a place in nursery life.

At the February 2023 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective, support for children with SEND exceptionally strong, and progress in language, reading and mathematics exceptional. Staff training supported individual needs; recruitment checks, daily premises assessments and staff supervision formed part of the safeguarding arrangements.

Settling support in February 2023 included meeting children at home and going on walks together. Communication helped parents support learning at home, giving the relationship a practical purpose beyond exchanging news.

Independence was practised in small tasks in February 2023: children served snacks with tongs, cleared away and helped friends put on wellies. They also recognised one another's dietary needs. Staff played alongside children and helped them work out how to attach materials when making capes, supporting ideas rather than simply supplying the answer.

The address is Memorial Hall, Bexhill Road, Ninfield, TN33 9EE. In February 2023, the nursery operated from Snowdrop Cottage adjoining the hall.

Opening hours in February 2023 were Tuesday to Friday, 8am to 5.30pm, across 46 weeks of the year. At that time, the nursery received funding for free early education for children aged two, three and four. Those historical funding ages are separate from the current three-to-five age range.

• Attendance and costs. Which current attendance patterns, funded arrangements and charges would apply to your child's proposed booking?
• Settling beyond the nursery. Home meetings and shared walks were part of settling support in February 2023. At a visit, discuss how settling would be arranged for your child.
• Outdoor learning. The February 2023 experiences included vegetable growing and community tree planting. Explore how outdoor experiences fit into a child's day now.

For families with children aged three to five who value practical nature experiences, language and growing independence, Snowdrop Cottage merits consideration. Its February 2023 account combines vegetable growing, family-language stories and everyday responsibility with an Outstanding judgement. That is a strong dated foundation for assessing whether its approach fits your child.