Early Explorers Childcare, Northbrook

Books to take home, a visiting book bus and hands-on mathematical puzzles give Northbrook a recognisable learning character. At its September 2025 inspection, Ofsted judged the provision Good, found safeguarding effective and recognised good progress supported by staff understanding each child's starting point.

Early Explorers Childcare, Northbrook has capacity for 45 children at Northbrook Barn Community Centre in Worthing. Children attending in September 2025 were aged one to four; that is the age range at that visit.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care. Here, the September 2025 examples included books, practical problem-solving and creative activities, giving children opportunities to develop language, mathematical understanding and self-expression.

Books were part of the day rather than confined to one activity. In September 2025, staff read with younger children, arranged frequent book bus visits and encouraged older children to borrow books for family reading. That connected nursery experiences with time at home.

Scales, puzzles and wooden boards gave mathematical ideas a physical form. Children explored balance and discussed dimensions while fitting pieces into boards. Younger children also experimented with paint, glue and tools. At the September 2025 inspection, Ofsted identified a need for staff to support imagination more consistently, because adults sometimes steered older children's artwork towards their own preferences.

In September 2025, affectionate staff relationships helped children who were settling, including comfort through cuddles. Clear expectations covered using equipment, tidying activities and walking indoors, making everyday routines understandable.

Mealtimes also carried learning: staff discussed children's food preferences, while explanations about handwashing connected hygiene with eating and toileting. These were practical conversations about looking after themselves.

Parents received updates about activities and development in September 2025, with invitations to discuss achievements. Dad's Day brought parents into activities, and workshops explored supporting learning and behaviour at home. Staff development included training about children with higher needs and regular supervision, giving practitioners opportunities to discuss their work.

The address is Northbrook Barn Community Centre, Squadron Drive, Worthing, BN13 3SL. In September 2025, opening hours were 9am to 3pm on weekdays, during term time.

At that date, the setting received funding for free early education for eligible children. Eligibility remains an important condition of that offer.

• Creative independence. The September 2025 improvement point concerned adults directing some older children's artwork. Families who value open-ended creative play should weigh that finding alongside the practical learning examples.
• Term-time organisation. The September 2025 opening pattern followed term time, with a weekday daytime window. That matters for families organising care around school holidays.
• Booking arrangements. What attendance patterns and funded-hours arrangements would apply to your child? Make this the practical question for a visit.

Northbrook merits consideration for families drawn to books, practical mathematics and opportunities to participate in their child's learning. Its September 2025 account offers concrete examples of all three. The creative-development improvement point adds a useful caution: engaging resources matter, but so does allowing children to decide how to use them.