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Stepping Stones Playschool

Ofsted: Good
(Jul 2025)
·
5.0(6 Google reviews) ·Gossops Green Community Primary, Kidborough Road, Crawley, RH11 8HW · West Sussex
Number of places
52 places
Age range
2–4 yrs
Last inspected
Jul 2025
Local authority
West Sussex

About this day nursery

Stepping Stones Playschool, registered with Ofsted in 2007, operates from Gossops Green Community Primary School in Crawley, West Sussex, providing a nurturing environment for children aged two to four. The playschool is open during term time, offering flexible hours from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm Monday to Thursday, and 8:30 am to 12:30 pm on Fridays.

With a dedicated team of 11 staff, including nine with appropriate early years qualifications, the setting supports children in developing independence and essential skills. The playschool prioritises outdoor play, allowing children to build physical dexterity and confidence through activities like climbing and balancing.

Children also learn about personal hygiene and sun safety, fostering healthy habits. The playschool effectively uses a key-person system and in-the-moment planning to tailor activities to children's interests, ensuring all, including those with SEND, make good progress.

Staff encourage early writing skills through various mark-making opportunities and foster communication skills by engaging children in conversations about their experiences. Strong partnerships with parents and local schools ensure seamless transitions for the children, and leaders support staff through ongoing training and professional development.

The setting received a "Good" rating in its latest Ofsted inspection on July 10, 2025.

What it's like

Staff are friendly and welcoming as children arrive, and children know their routines well. They confidently engage in activities and develop their independence. There are plentiful opportunities for outdoor play, where children develop physical dexterity and learn to take appropriate risks. Children also learn about healthy habits and good hygiene practices.

Confident childrenIndependent playOutdoor learning focusStrong parent partnerships

Pricing & funding

Funding accepted

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

Key facts

Opening hours

Monday to Thursday: 8:30am - 3:00pm, Friday: 8:30am - 12:30pm

Term time / All Year

Term_time_only

Registered with Ofsted

2007

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Stepping Stones Playschool

Last inspected 10 July 2025

Overall effectiveness
Good

What it's like to attend

Staff are friendly and welcoming as children arrive, and children know their routines well. They confidently engage in activities and develop their independence. There are plentiful opportunities for outdoor play, where children develop physical dexterity and learn to take appropriate risks. Children also learn about healthy habits and good hygiene practices.

Inspector highlights

  • Staff are friendly and welcoming, and children know their routines well.
  • Children demonstrate high levels of focus and develop independence.
  • Opportunities for outdoor play are plentiful, developing good physical dexterity.
  • Children learn how to be healthy, with staff teaching good hygiene practices and sun safety.
  • The key-person system is embedded well, leading to good progress for all children, including those with SEND.
  • Staff provide an environment that motivates children to develop early writing skills.
  • Children demonstrate excellent communication skills.
  • Partnerships with parents and local schools are highly effective, ensuring smooth transitions.

Areas to develop

  • 1Strengthen strategies for children to share their own thoughts and ideas.
  • 2Support staff to help children understand how their behaviour impacts others so that they begin to resolve conflicts independently.
Inspection #10408326 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

The key-person system is embedded well, supporting all children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), to make good progress.

Outdoor space

Outdoor play opportunities are plentiful, allowing children to develop physical dexterity through climbing and balancing. Staff encourage appropriate risk-taking, building children's confidence and resilience.

Google Reviews of Stepping Stones Playschool

5.0
(6 Google reviews)
Carolyn Nansubuga
5 years ago

We had just moved to the UK. My twin girls did not speak any English at all but the team at Stepping stones played a big role in transitioning the girls to the UK in general. Highly recommended.

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Alina Rowland
5 years ago

Both of my children really love this playschool and I'd definitely recommend it to anyone. Staff are so friendly and setting is really nice.

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sarah smith
6 years ago

Brilliant setting for all ages of children. Lovely staff. Cater to all needs, if its dietary or mobility.

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Dom Langowski
7 years ago

Our children loved it here and really flourished, staff are amazing, would highly recommend. Thank you for all your hard work.

Read on Google

Reviews from Google for Stepping Stones Playschool. See all on Google Maps

Inspection history

Date: November 2008

  • July 2025Good
  • January 2020Good
  • December 2015Good
  • November 2008Outstanding

Frequently asked about Stepping Stones Playschool

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