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Dolphins Pre School

Ofsted: Outstanding
(Jun 2025)
·
5.0(12 Google reviews) ·The Pavilion, Nevill Playing Fields, Hove, BN3 7QD · Brighton and Hove
Number of places
30 places
Age range
2–4 yrs
Last inspected
Jun 2025
Local authority
Brighton and Hove

About this early years setting

Dolphins Pre-school, established in 1960, is a family-run establishment in Hove, dedicated to providing a nurturing and stimulating environment for children aged 2-5 years. The pre-school emphasises a philosophy of "caring and sharing," where play is recognised as a fundamental right for children's development.

They aim to seamlessly transition children from home to primary school by fostering self-discipline and self-esteem within a respectful and encouraging atmosphere. Dolphins Pre-school prides itself on its Ofsted-outstanding rating, highlighting its dedicated staff and dynamic curriculum that ignites children's curiosity.

The facility features a large, secure south-facing garden and offers a free-flow indoor/outdoor learning environment. They integrate both adult-led and child-initiated activities to support a structured yet stimulating curriculum.

Conveniently located adjacent to Aldrington CofE Primary School, Dolphins Pre-school also offers connections to local childminders and an after-school club for extended hours and holiday care.

Our ethos

Dolphins Pre-school's philosophy centres on "caring and sharing," viewing play as essential for development. They foster self-discipline and self-esteem in a respectful environment, aiming for a smooth transition to primary school. The pre-school offers a dynamic curriculum that sparks curiosity through a mix of adult-led and child-initiated activities in a free-flow indoor/outdoor setting.

What it's like

The support and care that children receive is exceptional and they flourish at the pre-school. Staff are attuned to the needs of all children and work incredibly hard to provide a stimulating, bespoke curriculum that covers all areas of learning. The environment is calm and well-managed, leading to children demonstrating deep levels of engagement and rapid progress in their learning and development.

Ofsted OutstandingFamily-run since 1960Term-time onlyLarge secure gardenMusic sessions

Pricing & funding

Funding accepted

15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)
Pricing on request

This nursery doesn't publish its fees online. Contact them directly for an up-to-date price list and availability.

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Key facts

Waitlist

Bookings now being accepted for commencement in 2026/27.

Opening hours

Term-time 8.45am- 3.00pm

Age range

2-5s

Term time / All Year

Term Time

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Dolphins Pre School

Last inspected 18 June 2025

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

The support and care that children receive is exceptional and they flourish at the pre-school. Staff are attuned to the needs of all children and work incredibly hard to provide a stimulating, bespoke curriculum that covers all areas of learning. The environment is calm and well-managed, leading to children demonstrating deep levels of engagement and rapid progress in their learning and development.

Inspector highlights

  • Children flourish at the pre-school due to exceptional support and care, and a stimulating, bespoke curriculum.
  • Leaders and staff work closely with outside professionals, ensuring all children, including those with SEND, receive necessary support.
  • Staff-led activities are implemented extremely well, leading to impressive skills in maths, literacy, and science.
  • Children develop an excellent understanding of what it means to be fit and healthy, participating in a 'Daily Mile' and learning about good oral health.
  • Children are extremely confident and independent in the pre-school environment, with adult intervention rarely needed to manage behaviour.
Inspection #10399293 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

What parents say

Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection

Parents mention that the pre-school has overwhelmingly and positively affected their lives and the lives of their children.

They feedback that their children are extremely well-prepared for school.

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

Children who have special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are given appropriate support which helps them to make excellent progress in their learning and development. Leaders and staff work closely with outside professionals to ensure all children, including children with SEND, receive the support they need.

Outdoor space

Children develop an excellent understanding of what it means to be fit and healthy. Staff have developed a unique programme of exercise which involves a 'Daily Mile' before lunch. Children and staff take part in this enjoyable daily exercise around the adjoining sports field.

Google Reviews of Dolphins Pre School

5.0
(12 Google reviews)
Stephanie Alexandra
7 months ago

I was recommended Dolphins by a few friends who said nothing but amazing things. I went a viewed and knew it was the right place for us! First term in and my daughter is thriving, all staff are loving, kind and genuine. I settled my daughter in at ease and saw how kind the children&staff were to each other. Dolphins really is a place of safe, fun, love and joy the staff really care.

Read on Google
Hannah Rudd
a year ago

Amazing pre-school, our son went there for one school year and transformed from a shy, quiet child who didn't like playing with other children into a confident child with lots of friends who is now looking forward to starting school. The staff care about the children so much, and the children all seem to really love the staff. Our eldest son went to another local nursery, but wish that we had sent him to Dolphins, they are at another level from other nurseries. Would highly recommend going there for a visit and you will see how happy and content the children who go there are.

Read on Google
Lindsey Blackburn
a year ago

Both myself and my brother attended Dolphins over 30 years ago. After visiting the setting, I knew it was the right choice for my daughter too. This beautiful family business has supported and nurtured my child for the past 2 years and she really has blossomed. The staff, teaching and facilities are exceptional. Highly recommend!

Read on Google
Laura Lurcock
2 years ago

Our two youngest children have loved their time at Dolphins - it is such a happy and caring preschool. The staff and the manager are brilliant and our kids skipped so excitedly into their Dolphins days and came out full of stories afterwards. They each made wonderful friends there and had such a smooth transition to Reception class - we are very grateful to the Dolphins team and would recommend them to anyone!

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Katie Rogers
2 years ago

Dolphins is an absolutely brilliant preschool. Every member of staff is wonderful and our daughter is so happy here, she runs in each morning without looking back. Our daughter has made so much progress in all areas and we feel that we are very well supported to improve her learning at home.

Read on Google

Reviews from Google for Dolphins Pre School. See all on Google Maps

Inspection history

Date: July 2005

  • July 2025Outstanding
  • June 2025Outstanding
  • December 2019Outstanding
  • November 2019Outstanding
  • January 2016Outstanding
  • January 2016Outstanding
  • April 2011Outstanding
  • March 2011Outstanding
  • December 2007Good
  • July 2005Requires improvement

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