First Steps, Worthing

Chalk letters on garden fences, signs exchanged between children and conversations about frogs give First Steps, Worthing a recognisable character in March 2023: learning through movement, communication and practical discovery. At its 27 March 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good and judged safeguarding effective.

Based at Worthing College, the nursery accepts children from birth to five years. The inspection also identified two weaknesses: staff supervision needed to address practitioners’ effectiveness more fully, and everyday routines sometimes distracted staff from extending children’s learning. Those points matter alongside the positive judgement.

In March 2023, children could choose resources independently and move between inside and outside. Bicycles, tricycles, crates and large construction blocks gave outdoor play a physical emphasis. Older children formed letters with chalk on fences and paths, then removed their marks with water and large brushes, combining early writing with bigger arm movements.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children’s learning, development and care. Here, the March 2023 activities translated that framework into practical experiences: younger children’s communication was an emphasis, while older children explored emotions, boundaries and rules.

Listening games involved identifying hidden objects by their sounds. Learning about frogs included recalling how they breathe and what makes them amphibians. Staff used children’s interests to plan activities, but their involvement was uneven: cleaning and other routines sometimes took attention away from helping children develop their ideas. Independent play and purposeful adult interaction both deserve attention when considering the day.

At the March 2023 inspection, Ofsted found that children with special educational needs and/or disabilities received effective support, with the SENCo working with outside professionals and reviewing plans with staff to help children progress.

In March 2023, children needing longer to settle were given that time. Staff also used signs during play and snacks, and some children signed to one another. This gave communication a practical role in understanding routines and interacting with friends, including for children learning English as an additional language.

Parents at that time understood their children’s learning and development, received policies when joining and felt able to raise concerns. Staff supervision included discussions about children’s development, but needed to give practitioners more opportunity to address issues affecting their own work.

The address is Worthing College, 1 Sanditon Way, Worthing, BN14 9FD. Opening hours are 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, across the year, with closures for bank holidays, Christmas to New Year and two INSET days.

In March 2023, the nursery received early years funding for children aged two, three and four. That is a dated participation fact rather than a promise of a particular funded attendance arrangement today.

• Adult involvement in play. In March 2023, routines sometimes interrupted staff’s support for learning. During a visit, ask how practitioners balance practical tasks with extending children’s play.
• Support for practitioners. March 2023 supervision concentrated on children’s development but needed more attention to staff effectiveness. Ask how supervision now helps practitioners improve their work.
• Your attendance and costs. With an all-year opening pattern and specified closures, ask which booked sessions and funded arrangements fit your week, and request a written quotation covering meals and consumables.

First Steps, Worthing suits families seeking an all-year nursery at Worthing College. Its March 2023 strengths included practical outdoor learning, communication through signs and coordinated SEND support. The same assessment makes consistent adult engagement and staff supervision useful priorities for a visit.