Lindens Pre-School Group

In July 2024, a willow den, garden insects and older children helping younger friends gave Lindens Pre-School Group its character. At its July 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated the provision Good, judged safeguarding effective and found that teaching supported children’s learning well.

Based at 39 Highdown Avenue, Worthing, BN13 1QL, the pre-school has 52 places in total. In July 2024, children attending were aged two to four, and the emphasis was on relationships, independence and learning outdoors.

In July 2024, the garden supplied concrete reasons to investigate and talk: children examined aphids in the willow den with magnifying glasses and recognised ladybird larvae. These were opportunities to connect new vocabulary with something children could see for themselves.

The early years foundation stage is the required framework for children’s learning, development and care. In July 2024, activities drew on children’s interests and what they were ready to learn next, making play purposeful rather than simply filling the day.

Small-group language activities gave children practice with letter sounds and pronunciation. Meanwhile, mixed-age play brought opportunities for older children to take responsibility and younger children to learn alongside them. A garden obstacle course gave turn-taking a practical purpose.

At the July 2024 inspection, Ofsted found that emotional support was a strength and that children with special educational needs and/or disabilities received prompt help, with staff, parents and visiting specialist teachers working together to support their progress.

In July 2024, staff responded readily when children wanted comfort and helped them build confidence with unfamiliar situations. Reminders about sharing and waiting supported friendships, while consistent routines helped children practise independence ahead of school.

Communication had useful starting points. In July 2024, parents received regular updates about learning, and older children used treasure baskets containing meaningful objects from home as prompts for conversation. However, involving parents more closely in learning at home remained the improvement priority. Information exchange and active participation are different things; families should weigh both.

The address is 39 Highdown Avenue, Worthing, BN13 1QL.

In July 2024, opening hours were 8.45am to 2.45pm on weekdays during school terms. That timetable placed the provision within the school day, making the fit with parents’ working hours an important practical consideration.

At that time, the pre-school accepted early-education funding for children aged two, three and four. This is a dated funding position, rather than a promise of a funded place for an individual child.

• Learning beyond pre-school. Closer parental involvement in children’s learning was the July 2024 improvement priority. Ask how families now take part in learning at home, beyond receiving updates.
• The school-day timetable. July 2024 opening hours ended at 2.45pm and followed school terms. Consider whether that pattern fits your family’s working day and holiday arrangements.

The provision described in July 2024 suited families drawn to mixed-age play, personal relationships and outdoor investigation. Its July 2024 practice gave those priorities substance: children explored insects, practised communication in small groups and learnt to manage shared activities. The timetable described at that inspection suited families whose childcare needs fitted a school-day, term-time pattern. The main reservation is specific: parent participation in learning needed further development.