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Carousel Nursery School in St Leonards-on-Sea

Ofsted: Outstanding
(Sept 2024)
·
4.3(4 parent reviews) ·1 Westmoreland Close, St Leonards-on-Sea, TN38 9LF · East Sussex
Number of places
45 places
Age range
0–4 yrs
Last inspected
Sept 2024
Local authority
East Sussex

About this day nursery

Carousel Nursery School, established over 25 years ago in St Leonards-on-Sea, offers a nurturing and flexible childcare environment for children from birth to five years. The nursery focuses on providing a "home from home" experience where children are encouraged to learn and grow at their own pace, with parents actively involved in the process.

They pride themselves on a consistent "Outstanding" OFSTED rating, underscoring their commitment to high-quality care and education. A distinctive feature is their comprehensive Forest School programme, led by a fully trained leader, which includes regular woodland visits and integrates outdoor learning into the daily curriculum.

Additionally, the nursery utilises an online learning journal, Tapestry, to keep parents informed about their child's developmental journey and daily activities. The professional and qualified team is dedicated to supporting each child's development, fostering confidence, happiness, and social skills.

Our ethos

Carousel Nursery School provides a home-from-home experience that fosters children's learning and growth at their own pace. A distinctive feature is their comprehensive Forest School programme integrating outdoor learning into the daily curriculum. They are committed to high-quality care and education, supporting each child's development, confidence, happiness, and social skills.

What it's like

Leaders have mastered the provision of a stimulating curriculum for all at this fun and exciting nursery. They consider what children already know and can do and enhance children's understanding by supporting them to use their knowledge and skills in their future experiences. Children's behaviour at this nursery is impeccable and they show an awareness of others around them, learning to take turns and consider the needs of their friends.

OFSTED OutstandingForest SchoolFlexible SessionsOnline Learning Journal (Tapestry)Healthy Eating Focus

Pricing & funding

Funding accepted

15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)15 hours — working parents (9 months–2 yrs)
  • Session (Under 3, 8-12 or 1-5, doesn't include meals)£43 / session
  • Session (Over 3, 8-12 or 1-5, doesn't include meals)£39 / session
  • Session (Under 3, 8-1 or 1-6)£49 / session
  • Session (Over 3, 8-1 or 1-6)£44 / session
  • Session (Under 3, 8-4)£66 / session

Key facts

Opening hours

Monday - Friday 8am-6pm (Closed at weekends)

Age range

Birth to 5 years

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Carousel Nursery School

Last inspected 20 September 2024

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

What it's like to attend

Leaders have mastered the provision of a stimulating curriculum for all at this fun and exciting nursery. They consider what children already know and can do and enhance children's understanding by supporting them to use their knowledge and skills in their future experiences. Children's behaviour at this nursery is impeccable and they show an awareness of others around them, learning to take turns and consider the needs of their friends.

Inspector highlights

  • The provider has a clear and ambitious vision for what it wants children to learn.
  • Staff know their key children exceptionally well and use this knowledge to build engaging activities.
  • Diversity and cultural differences are extensively welcomed and celebrated.
  • Staff provide highly effective support to children with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
  • Leaders ensure that staff feel well supported and meticulously monitor and appreciate their ongoing well-being.
Inspection #10363525 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

What parents say

Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection

Parents value the staff's expert support and guidance for their children and say that they feel completely involved in their children's time at the setting.

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

Staff provide highly effective support to children with special educational needs and/or disabilities and recognise those who may be vulnerable and need further support. Leaders work very closely with other professionals, such as speech and language therapists, and carefully allocate funding to ensure that children achieve to their fullest potential.

Outdoor space

Children take part in walks to the local environment, where they engage in growing their own food and flowers. The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning.

Parent Reviews of Carousel Nursery School

4.3
(4)
Robert
3 months ago

Carousel Nursery has provided outstanding care and support for our daughter from the age of one through to preschool. The team consistently demonstrated understanding, patience, and flexibility, supporting her as an individual with genuine care and thoughtfulness. We are especially grateful to Amber, whose leadership and commitment to inclusive, child-centred care are evident throughout the nursery. The additional support we received went above and beyond our expectations. We would highly recommend Carousel Nursery to everyone, but especially families seeking a supportive and understanding environment.

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Terri
6 years ago

My son has been at this nursery for 2 years, we have had the most amazing experience with all of the team. Words cannot explain how happy I am with all of the hard work they have put in to helping Tommy with all challenges and needs throughout his younger years. Tommy will be starting ‘big school’ this year and thanks to this nursery he is more than ready for it. Thank you so so much for being such an important part of Tommy’s life and preparing him for the next stage of his little life. You are all amazing. 😍🥰

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Polly Bayne
7 years ago

My daughter who is now 7 went to this nursery after pulling her from 2 others I wasn't happy with then my boy who has just moved over to big school went since 2 years old I cannot praise them enough the most caring and nurturing environment and Alfie left being able to count and write his own name xxx

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Roger Robinson
4 years ago

Not impressed that our Grandson comes out with Wet clothes pants trousers shirt socks and shoes plus wet hoodie, we end up having to wash all his clothes and completely redress him, system of keeping clothes separate is lacks as they always have to go and find his coat and Lunchbox and no record of spare clothes left with the nursery not very reassuring

Read on Google

Reviews from Google for Carousel Nursery School. See all on Google Maps

Inspection history

Date: February 2010

  • September 2024Outstanding
  • January 2020Outstanding
  • February 2014Outstanding
  • February 2010Outstanding

Frequently asked about Carousel Nursery School

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