Nutley Preschool Playgroup

Numbers hidden in a sand tray and insects discovered outdoors give a concrete picture of learning at Nutley Preschool Playgroup in June 2022: children explored, talked and shared their discoveries. At its 7 June 2022 inspection, Ofsted rated the setting Good and judged safeguarding effective.

Based at Nutley War Memorial Hall, the playgroup has capacity for 20 children aged 24 to 60 months. Its term-time calendar makes the holiday pattern an important part of a family's childcare decision.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care, bringing play and early learning together. In June 2022, staff shaped activities around children's interests, including searching for insects outdoors and learning how to care for them. The outside space provided opportunities for exploration as well as shared play.

Stories and rhymes featured regularly that June, alongside opportunities to make marks, recognise letters and explore sounds. Staff used questions to invite children's ideas and build conversation. Finding concealed numbers in the sand tray gave early number learning a practical setting rather than leaving it as an abstract exercise.

Celebrations included Christmas and Chinese New Year in June 2022's account of the setting, while children shared words from languages spoken at home. These offered starting points for learning about other people, although broader cultural understanding remained an area for development.

In June 2022, staff listened closely to children and helped them share toys and take turns. Children chose snacks and play activities for themselves, giving them opportunities to practise making decisions during ordinary routines.

Communication also extended beyond the playgroup that month. Staff kept parents informed about children's activities and shared information with the local primary school before children moved on. This connected everyday learning with preparation for the next stage, rather than treating school readiness as a separate activity.

Nutley War Memorial Hall is on High Street, Nutley, Uckfield, TN22 3NE. Opening hours are 8am to 4pm, Monday to Friday, during term time; the setting closes for school holidays.

In June 2022, the playgroup received funding for early education for children aged two, three and four. That is a dated funding position, rather than a promise of a particular entitlement today.

• Teaching development. In June 2022, staff development needed sharper direction so teaching could provide fresh challenges. Ask how current training translates into activities that stretch children.
• Understanding other communities. June 2022's improvement priorities included extending children's appreciation of different cultures and people. This matters for families seeking more than occasional celebrations.
• Term-time planning. The playgroup closes during school holidays. At a visit, discuss which attendance arrangement would fit your child's routine within its weekday opening hours.

Nutley Preschool Playgroup suits families seeking term-time childcare in a village hall setting. Its June 2022 picture was strongest in interest-led play, conversation and everyday independence. The teaching-development and cultural-learning priorities deserve attention alongside those strengths when deciding whether it fits your child.