The Nest in Laughton, part of Ripe Nursery School

Family photo books, songs woven through routines and outings to the village shop gave this Laughton setting a recognisable character in April 2026. At its April 2026 inspection, Ofsted judged all six assessed areas to be Strong standard and safeguarding standards to be met, with rapid progress for children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

Based at Laughton Village Hall, the nursery has 24 places in total. Children attending in April 2026 were aged 1 to 2; that is a snapshot of those attending then.

The early years foundation stage provides the framework for children's learning and care: play, conversation and everyday routines help children develop communication, movement and independence. In April 2026, activities gave these foundations a practical shape. Children handled dough in the outdoor kitchen, explored ice containing herbs and took turns in the soft-play ball pit. These offered different ways to investigate textures and practise sharing.

Language threaded through play. In April 2026, staff named objects, added vocabulary and reshaped children's words into clearer speech; songs and stories also marked changes between activities. Counting worms and woodlice beneath a garden log brought mathematics into an immediate, tangible experience.

Regular field walks and visits to parks and the village shop extended children's experiences beyond the room in April 2026. Climbing and balancing added opportunities to practise movement.

In April 2026, relationships with families began through home visits and flexible settling sessions, with weekly journal updates online and meetings each term continuing the conversation. That gave parents several ways to share routines and discuss development.

Family photographs and personal photo books were part of the room in April 2026, alongside natural materials, gentle lighting and quiet music. Familiar images gave children something personal to share with staff. Everyday independence included handwashing and learning to use a fork.

At the April 2026 inspection, Ofsted found effective systems for identifying additional needs, with signing, individual support when needed and advice from occupational therapists and community nurses, as well as speech and language professionals. This was support built around observations and discussion with families rather than a single standard response.

The address is Laughton Village Hall, Church Lane, Laughton, Lewes, BN8 6AH. In April 2026, opening hours were 8am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday. These describe the opening window at that time.

• Young-child provision. Children attending in April 2026 were aged 1 to 2. What ages and attendance arrangements would suit your child now?
• Settling together. Home visits and flexible settling sessions formed part of the April 2026 approach. A visit is an opportunity to discuss how these would accommodate your child's routines.
• Further ambition. The April 2026 next step was to sustain high standards while seeking a greater impact for disadvantaged children, children with SEND, those with experience of children's social care and others facing barriers. This matters when weighing how support responds to an individual child's circumstances.

The April 2026 picture suits families who value close communication, sensory play and everyday experiences beyond the nursery room. Its clearest strengths lie in the combination of family relationships and practical learning: photo books connect home with nursery, while garden exploration turns curiosity into conversation and counting.