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Muddy Puddles Pre-School

Ofsted: Good
(Apr 2025)
·
5.0(1 parent reviews) ·Ifield Community Centre, Ifield Drive, Crawley, RH11 0HD · West Sussex
Number of places
58 places
Age range
2–4 yrs
Last inspected
Apr 2025
Local authority
West Sussex

About this day nursery

Muddy Puddles Pre-School, established in 2017 as an independent entity after seven years under Willow Tree Preschool, is a registered charity operated by a dedicated team of highly qualified staff, including a manager and administrator, and supported by a parent committee. The preschool prioritises providing quality care and education for young children within term-time hours, operating Monday to Thursday from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM, and Fridays from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM.

Located in the Ifield Community Centre in Crawley, West Sussex, Muddy Puddles Pre-School is committed to adhering to the constitution set forth by the Pre-school Learning Alliance and the Charities Commission. They offer a session-based fee structure and actively participate in government funding schemes for eligible two, three, and four-year-olds.

What it's like

Children receive strong support in a nurturing and caring environment. Staff are passionate about their work and use their knowledge of families to help form the curriculum. Children are happy and secure, enthusiastically participating in routines and confidently approaching staff for help and to play games.

Charity-runTerm-time onlySession-based feesGovernment funding accepted

Pricing & funding

Charges are based on a flat rate per three-hour session. Parents can choose to pay per session attended or in advance for multiple sessions.

Funding accepted

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

Good to know

  • Sessions are 3 hours in duration.
  • Fees can be paid per session or in advance for multiple sessions.

Key facts

Opening hours

Monday - Thursday 8.30-2.30 and Fridays 8.30-11.30 (term time only)

Term time / All Year

Term Time

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Muddy Puddles Pre-School

Last inspected 24 April 2025

Overall effectiveness
Good

What it's like to attend

Children receive strong support in a nurturing and caring environment. Staff are passionate about their work and use their knowledge of families to help form the curriculum. Children are happy and secure, enthusiastically participating in routines and confidently approaching staff for help and to play games.

Inspector highlights

  • Children receive strong support in a nurturing and caring environment.
  • Leaders have designed a curriculum which builds on the children's interests and lived experiences.
  • There are good arrangements to help children prepare for their next steps in their educational journey.
  • The skilled and friendly staff significantly enhance children's learning and enjoyment.
  • Leaders and staff have a strong commitment to offering the best possible provision for children with SEND as well as those who need additional support.

Areas to develop

  • 1support staff to recognise when excessive background noise levels may impact on children's ability to hear during activities aimed at promoting their language.
Inspection #10398114 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

Support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is highly effective. Staff have created an environment where all children are integrated and included fully in play and activities, which significantly enhances the outcomes for these children. Leaders and staff have a strong commitment to offering the best possible provision for children with SEND as well as those who need additional support. Staff work closely with parents and relevant professionals to identify and meet children's individual needs.

Outdoor space

The children enthusiastically explore in the outdoor space, which is designed with resources to encourage them to follow their curiosity and play imaginatively. This supports children to develop confidence, communication and language and their understanding of the world. Children benefit from daily opportunities to be physically active with activities such as balancing, climbing and running which help develop their strength and coordination and teach them to manage risk.

Parent Reviews of Muddy Puddles Pre-School

5.0
(1)
Harriet Ferrier
2 years ago

Joining Muddy Puddles half way through the year was initially a worry, but very quickly my child settled in and was alot happier in this setting then his previous nursery. Carol and Michelle were always around for the technical questions, all the staff always greeting the children as they arrived for the day by name. Updates regularly given and also pictures too which was a great topic of conversation to be able to sit down and have. Highly recommend Muddy Puddles Nursery. Don't be put off that they are a 'packaway' nursery, this didn't effect my child at all.

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Inspection history

Date: October 2019

  • April 2025Good
  • October 2019Good

Frequently asked about Muddy Puddles Pre-School

About the setting

Muddy Puddles Pre-School registered in 2018 and operates from a community hall in Crawley, West Sussex. The pre-school is open during term time from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm each weekday, except for Friday when they are open from 8:30 am to 11:30 am. There are 13 staff, 6 of whom hold relevant childcare qualifications, and the manager holds a qualification at level 6. The pre-school receives funding to provide early education for children aged two, three, and four years.

URN
EY553346
Registered person
Muddy Puddles Pre-School CIO
Day care type
Full day care
Register
Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register
Establishment type
Childcare on non-domestic premises

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