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Amberley Nursery

Ofsted: Good
(Apr 2022)
·9 Buckhurst Road, Bexhill-on-Sea, TN40 1QF · East Sussex
Number of places
45 places
Age range
0–4 yrs
Last inspected
Apr 2022
Local authority
East Sussex

About this day nursery

Located in Bexhill-on-Sea, Amberley Nursery and Forest School has been providing early years education since 2001. The nursery caters to children from birth to 5 years old within a warm and friendly home-like environment.

They boast spacious rooms adorned with colourful seasonal displays, fostering independent learning through play. A standout feature is their expansive outdoor area, designed to stimulate various senses and offer diverse learning opportunities, including a tree house, a sensory area, and an eco-garden.

Embracing a free-flow system, children can explore both indoor and outdoor spaces freely, engaging in self-chosen activities supported by experienced staff within the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. Amberley Nursery also proudly operates as a Forest School since 2012, offering children adventurous outdoor learning experiences in the local Highwoods.

The nursery prioritises strong parent partnerships, recognising parents as vital co-educators in a child's development. They are registered with Ofsted, achieving a "Good in every area" rating in their April 2022 inspection.

Conveniently situated, the nursery is just a 5-minute walk from Bexhill-on-Sea's mainline station and town centre.

Our ethos

Amberley Nursery and Forest School focuses on "independent learning through play" in a "warm and friendly home-like environment", with children able to "explore both indoor and outdoor spaces freely, engaging in self-chosen activities". They also operate as a Forest School, offering "adventurous outdoor learning experiences" and prioritise "strong parent partnerships, recognising parents as vital co-educators".

What it's like

Children of all ages and abilities settle well and are happy at the nursery. They excitedly engage in challenging activities that staff carefully plan for them. All children develop good social skills and understand what is expected of them, leading to polite and well-behaved conduct.

Forest SchoolLarge outdoor spaceFree-flow systemOfsted rated "Good"

Pricing & funding

Fees are structured around mixed funded and paid sessions, alongside completely free funded-only sessions. Sessions are split by age groups (0-3 years and 3-5 years), with standard sessions containing specific unfunded hours. Optional consumables and events are offered on an opt-in or opt-out basis for funded children.

Funding accepted

15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)Tax-Free Childcare
  • Morning session (unfunded) for 0-3 years (08:30 – 09:30)£18.50 / session
  • Morning session (unfunded) for 3-5 years (08:30 – 09:30)£21.00 / session
  • Afternoon session (unfunded) for 0-3 years (16:30 – 17:30)£18.50 / session
  • Afternoon session (unfunded) for 3-5 years (16:30 – 17:30)£21.00 / session
  • Full day session (unfunded portion) for 0-3 years (08:30 – 09:30 and 16:30 – 17:30)£18.50 / session

Good to know

  • Sessions are divided by age groups: 0-3 years and 3-5 years.
  • Morning and afternoon sessions contain dedicated unfunded hours combined with funded hours.
  • Funded-only afternoon sessions are completely free, and no paid sessions can be added to them.
  • Funded-only children can opt in or out of charges for snacks, nappies, wipes, and digital reporting systems.
  • Paid events such as parents' meetings and school leavers' parties are optional for funded-only children.

Key facts

Opening hours

Monday to Friday all year round. Sessions are from 8am until 6pm.

Age range

0-5 years

Term time / All Year

All Year

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Amberley Nursery

Last inspected 13 April 2022

Safeguarding effective
Overall effectiveness
Good
Quality of education
Good
Behaviour and attitudes
Good
Personal development
Good
Leadership and management
Good

What it's like to attend

Children of all ages and abilities settle well and are happy at the nursery. They excitedly engage in challenging activities that staff carefully plan for them. All children develop good social skills and understand what is expected of them, leading to polite and well-behaved conduct.

Inspector highlights

  • Children of all ages and abilities settle well and are happy at the nursery.
  • Children develop a good understanding of the benefits of healthy eating by growing their own produce.
  • All children have a positive attitude towards their learning, and staff support all children to make good progress, including those who speak English as an additional language.
  • Managers closely monitor the quality of education and care, providing constructive feedback and ensuring staff attend regular training.
  • Staff help children to develop a good understanding of the similarities and differences of people's experiences and different communities.

Areas to develop

  • 1support staff to fully understand the importance of ensuring that children consistently follow good hygiene routines
  • 2encourage children to complete tasks they are capable of and to be more independent.
Inspection #10228285 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

Staff use additional funding effectively to meet the individual learning needs of children. For instance, they have purchased physical play equipment to help them gain confidence in moving their bodies in different ways and building their core strength.

Outdoor space

During outdoor activities, older children use real tools to whittle wood and enjoy pond dipping activities where they excitedly find newts. Children of all ages develop good physical skills; younger children confidently use slides and crawl through tunnels, while older children use challenging equipment like climbing walls and cargo nets.

Inspection history

Date: March 2005

  • May 2022Good
  • April 2022Good
  • December 2016Good
  • December 2016Good
  • January 2013Good
  • November 2012Good
  • June 2010Good
  • June 2010Good
  • May 2007Good
  • March 2005Requires improvement

Frequently asked about Amberley Nursery

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This listing has been compiled from official Ofsted records, the nursery's own website, details provided directly by the nursery where available, and other trusted public sources. We regularly review and update listings to keep the information as accurate as possible. Learn more