Newick Pre-school

Inspection of Newick Pre-school The Old Reading Room, Church Road, Newick, LEWES, East Sussex BN8 4JX

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Overall effectiveness Outstanding

The quality of education Outstanding Behaviour and attitudes Outstanding Personal development Outstanding Leadership and management Outstanding Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Outstanding

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The provision is outstanding

Children thrive in this inclusive and nurturing setting. They feel safe, supported and eager to learn. Strong relationships with parents are built from the start, and regular communication ensures a shared approach to children's development. The setting also values links with the wider community. For example, children visit a local care home, take part in seasonal events like Bonfire Night, and welcome visitors such as doctors and nurses during themed activities. These experiences deepen children's understanding of the world and help them develop a strong sense of belonging and readiness for school.

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The provision is outstanding

Children make excellent progress from their starting points. Staff have high expectations for all children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). For example, additional funding is used to employ an additional staff member to ensure that the environment is fully inclusive. Children make rapid progress in their learning and development that ensures they are superbly prepared for the next stages in their learning.

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The provision is outstanding

The setting demonstrates a strong commitment to preparing children for school. Staff place a clear emphasis on building key skills such as resilience, independence, speech and language, self-regulation and confidence, foundations that underpin their flexible, child-centred curriculum. Planning is both responsive and reflective. There is a balance of free play and structured learning activities, all tailored to support individual interests and developmental needs.

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The provision is outstanding

Children behave exceptionally well. They display wonderful social skills and impeccable behaviour. They follow routines, play cooperatively and support each other. They know the pre-school rules and helped to create them, which gives them a sense of ownership and responsibility. Children show a genuine love of learning. Staff model respectful behaviour and kindness. As a result, children are polite, considerate and extremely friendly.

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need to do better?

n Staff believe in every child's potential and never place limits on what children can achieve. They provide plenty of opportunities for children to challenge themselves and learn at their own pace. Outdoors, children explore physical activities that help them assess and manage risks safely. Indoors, they enjoy a rich variety of thoughtfully chosen resources that enhance their learning and spark imagination. n Staff support speech and language effectively. They use intervention programmes through play, songs and stories. Each week, they introduce a new Makaton sign to support all children, not just those with SEND. Staff talk with

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need to do better?

27 June 2025 children throughout the day, asking thoughtful questions and describing what they see. They give children time to think and respond. Staff make excellent use of advice and support from other professionals, such as a speech and language therapist, to implement strategies that support all children's development. This helps children communicate confidently, grow their vocabulary and express themselves in different ways. n The curriculum is child-led and thoughtfully planned to build on what children know and can do. Staff broaden children's interests through an ambitious, secure and sequential curriculum tailored to their needs. They support learning with real-life experiences, such as collecting mint leaves from the allotment to make potions, making learning purposeful and memorable. Topics connect to real events like Chinese New Year and Diwali. n Leaders are inspirational. They have a clear and ambitious vision for children

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need to do better?

that is fully understood and implemented by all staff. Leaders are experienced, hands-on and committed to inclusion. They have a secure understanding of the needs of children with SEND and work exceptionally well with other professionals. Referrals are made swiftly to secure funding for children to have access to specialist support. Staff work closely to implement targeted interventions that ensure that excellent progress is made across the curriculum. n Leaders mentor staff, hold weekly meetings and keep communication open. Training is regular and focused on what staff need. Leaders have created a passionate and dedicated staff team. They lead by example and encourage staff to reflect, learn and keep improving. As a result, staff feel confident and supported and consistently provide high-quality care and education. n Staff help children manage their emotions using calm voices, visuals and verbal pre-warnings. For example, when children find a transition difficult, staff gently

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need to do better?

remind them of the change and support them through it. This consistent approach helps children feel secure, show kindness and make thoughtful choices during play and daily routines. n Parents feel exceptionally valued. They appreciate how staff support their children with care and understanding, give personalised support, spot needs early, and work closely with families to help every child progress. They overwhelmingly share positive feedback about the effective support with speech, language, coordination, confidence and school readiness. Staff build extremely strong bonds with children, know their needs well and give regular updates. As a result, parents feel involved, listened to and welcomed.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

There is an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 109467 Local authority East Sussex Inspection number 10398856 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Sessional day care

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inspection

Total number of places 23 Number of children on roll 37

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Name of registered person

Newick Pre-School and After School Club Committee

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reference number

Telephone number 07788 603633 Date of previous inspection 12 November 2019

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Information about this early years setting

Newick Pre-school, established in 1969 and registered with Ofsted in 2001, is located in Newick, East Sussex. It operates during school term times, Monday to Friday, from 9am to 3pm. The setting is staffed by a team of eight qualified practitioners, all holding relevant early years qualifications at level 2 or above. This includes two staff members with level 6 qualifications and qualified teacher status. The pre-school offers funded early education places for children aged two, three and four years.

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Inspection activities

n At the start of the inspection, the manager and inspector participated in a learning walk to explore staff's intentions for children's learning and how they implement the curriculum. n The inspector and the manager conducted a joint observation to assess how teaching is evaluated. n Children spoke with the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector talked to staff at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n The inspector held a meeting with the manager to discuss the leadership and management of the pre-school. n The inspector reviewed key documentation, including first-aid certificates and Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks. n The inspector took account of the views of parents by speaking with some of

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Inspection activities

them during the inspection and reading written testimonials.

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Inspection activities

We carried out this inspection under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of provision that is registered on the Early Years Register. The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children's learning, development and care, known as the early years foundation stage.

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Inspection activities

27 June 2025 regulates and inspects to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children's services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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