Meadows Nursery School

Inspection of Meadows Nursery School 1 Rotherfield Avenue, Eastbourne, East Sussex BN23 8JZ

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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 Good

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The provision is outstanding

Leaders have developed a clear and ambitious approach to learning that is firmly embedded across all age groups. Staff show a strong understanding of each child's next steps and individual needs. As a result, support is consistent and all children, including those with special educational needs and/ or disabilities (SEND), make meaningful and sustained progress. Staff thoughtfully create a rich and engaging environment that responds to a wide range of needs. This helps children to thrive emotionally, socially and in their learning. Enrichment opportunities are targeted and the use of funding ensures inclusive access to meaningful learning. For instance, children with complex medical needs benefit from a well-resourced sensory room.

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The provision is outstanding

Staff create captivating experiences that spark excitement and deepen learning. For example, a dinosaur rescue activity captivates children's attention as they excitedly wait to learn what happens next. Staff help children deepen their learning effectively by meaningfully building on what they already know. For example, after sharing a story about a worm, children took part in a related activity. This sparks scientific exploration. Children built habitats together and enthusiastically shared ideas with respect and joyful energy. Staff are highly responsive to children's interests. They ask skilful questions to help children think critically and solve problems. For example, a shared tower-building activity led to thoughtful design changes. Outdoors, children work together to build a snail shelter with sensitive adult support. For the youngest children, schematic play has been a key focus and is now embedded within the setting. Babies enjoy exploring and learn in a space

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The provision is outstanding

that sparks curiosity and keeps them interested.

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The provision is outstanding

Staff consistently promote children's self-care and independence, resulting in confident, capable learners. Young children independently wipe their faces after painting. Toddlers proudly make their own bowls using play dough and take ownership of the process. Children's behaviour is exemplary. Staff gently and consistently support children to understand the setting's expectations and to respect one another. They skilfully scaffold communication, helping children express feelings and collaborate to solve problems.

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need to do better?

n Leaders have a clear, ambitious vision for helping children to thrive. They regularly reflect on what is working well and seek ways to improve. Their approach to learning is firmly embedded and well organised across the setting. This builds a strong foundation for all children. It helps them gain the experiences, knowledge and support they need for a great start in life and to achieve the best outcomes.

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need to do better?

26 September 2025 n Leaders ensure that staff are extremely well supported and any concerns are dealt with quickly. They use staff's skills to develop the setting effectively and meet children's needs. Staff develop their professional skills, with leaders guiding their improvement and growth. This supports them to extend their knowledge, teaching skills and interactions over time. All staff confidently know their roles and responsibilities. The leadership team makes sure this knowledge is up to date and used every day. n Children with SEND receive consistently high levels of support across the setting. Staff quickly and effectively identify any concerns and take appropriate action. The team works closely with external agencies to help children achieve positive outcomes. Staff are carefully positioned to meet each child's individual needs. They use shared strategies to provide consistent, high-quality support. As a

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need to do better?

result, children with SEND make strong and sustained progress. n Staff have created an exciting environment where children can be curious, explore and confidently try new things. Activities and interactions are thoughtfully planned to spark children's interest and imagination. This helps children to be highly motivated, eager to join in and fully engaged all day. n Staff are highly skilled in helping children develop their thinking and communication skills. They use a mix of strategies, such as simple sign language, open-ended questions and shared conversations. This encourages children to think deeply and problem-solve effectively. Children grow their vocabulary and learn new words and ideas. n Leaders and staff know all the children very well and are exceptionally nurturing. They confidently understand each child's needs, background, progress and personal situation. They use this information to create highly effective

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need to do better?

interactions and experiences. This allows all children to feel safe, secure and confident in who they are. n Staff consistently promote children's independence. They create a highly warm and supportive environment where children feel safe to take risks. This helps all children, even the youngest, to build confidence and resilience. Through this approach, children develop the skills to manage their own self-care effectively. n Staff consistently and gently remind children of the rules. This supports exemplary behaviour across the setting. Staff listen to children effectively and help them understand their feelings. This enables children to develop their emotional awareness confidently. n Children are highly supported to respect themselves and others. Staff do this by helping children listen to one another and share their ideas. This thoughtful approach builds a strong foundation for empathy and respect. It guides children

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need to do better?

to recognise and value the needs and feelings of those around them.

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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 EY436921 Local authority East Sussex Inspection number 10407331 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 100 Number of children on roll 159 Name of registered person Nurseries for Children Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 01323741811 Date of previous inspection 6 January 2020

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Information about this early years setting

Meadows Nursery School registered in 2011. It is situated in Eastbourne, East Sussex, and is open each weekday from 7:30am to 6pm, all year round. The nursery receives funding for the free early education of eligible children. A team of 23 staff work with the children. Of these, one holds qualified teacher status, two hold Level 4 qualifications, 11 hold Level 3 qualifications, and two hold Level 2 qualifications.

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Inspection activities

n The manager and inspector completed a learning walk together and discussed the early years curriculum and what they want children to learn. n The manager and inspector completed a joint observation. n The inspector spoke with staff and interacted with the children. n Parents shared their views about the setting with the inspector. n The inspector observed interactions between staff and the children. n The inspector had a leadership and management discussion with the leadership team.

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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

26 September 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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