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Sunbeams Pre-School

Ofsted: Good
(Sept 2024)
·
5.0(1 parent reviews) ·The Annexe, School Lane, Chichester, PO20 1LA · West Sussex
Number of places
24 places
Age range
2–4 yrs
Last inspected
Sept 2024
Local authority
West Sussex

About this day nursery

Sunbeams Pre-School, located in Chichester, PO20 1LA, offers a nurturing and stimulating environment where children under statutory school age can flourish. Established in 2000, this charity-run preschool is managed by a voluntary committee and a dedicated childcare team, and is registered with Ofsted.

The curriculum is specially tailored to enhance development through engaging activities, focusing on early learning in both academic and social skills. Sunbeams is committed to providing individual care and attention, maintaining a high adult-to-child ratio, and assigning each child a personal key person.

They champion creative arts through music, dance, and visual arts, and provide tailored support for children with special needs. Parents are encouraged to be involved in their child’s progress and the group's activities, ensuring a collaborative approach to early childhood education.

The preschool operates during term time for 38 weeks a year, with flexible hours between 8:45 am and 3:30 pm, offering a minimum session length of 3 hours. Sunbeams aims to provide an accessible and affordable preschool experience, accepting various free early education entitlements.

Our ethos

Sunbeams Pre-School is committed to providing individual care and attention, focusing on enhancing development through engaging activities and creative arts. They champion a collaborative approach with parents and offer tailored support for children with special needs.

What it's like

Children settle quickly and happily greet their friends, feeling comfortable and secure in their surroundings. They build strong relationships with staff, going to them for cuddles and reassurance. Staff are involved in children's play, engaging them in imaginative games and creative activities.

Charity-runIndividualised careCreative arts focusSpecial needs support

Pricing & funding

Fees are charged at a flat hourly rate for all sessions. The nursery does not charge any additional consumables or lunch fees, requiring parents to provide a packed lunch. Government funding is accepted for eligible two and three-year-olds up to 30 hours per week, with additional hours billed separately.

Funding accepted

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

Good to know

  • No consumables or lunch fees are charged; parents or carers must provide their own lunchbox.
  • Invoices are payable one month in advance.
  • Government funding is accepted up to a maximum of 30 hours per week, subject to eligibility.
  • Hours used over the funded allocation are invoiced.

Key facts

Opening hours

Monday - Friday, 8:45 am - 3:30 pm, 38 weeks of the year (term time only)

Staff

1 adult to 4 children for 2-3 year olds, 1 adult to 8 children for 3-5 year olds

Age range

2-5 years

Term time / All Year

Term Time

Session types

Sessional

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Sunbeams Pre-School

Last inspected 24 September 2024 · Nicola Houston

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 settle quickly and happily greet their friends, feeling comfortable and secure in their surroundings. They build strong relationships with staff, going to them for cuddles and reassurance. Staff are involved in children's play, engaging them in imaginative games and creative activities.

Inspector highlights

  • Staff support communication development well, engaging children in exciting games and enhancing their conversational and vocabulary skills.
  • Children listen attentively to books and stories, with staff engaging them through animated and enthusiastic reading, fostering a love of reading.
  • Leaders develop a balanced and well-sequenced curriculum, and staff understand how to support children's learning, especially in mathematics.
  • Independence skills are regularly supported by staff, encouraging children to put away items and practice self-care routines.
  • Leaders ensure all children have full access to early years education entitlement and act quickly to provide additional support and make necessary referrals for children with individual needs.

Areas to develop

  • 1share more detailed information about children's progress and future learning with parents
  • 2build on the opportunities available for staff to access further training to support their professional development
Inspection #10363802 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

Where staff identify that children need additional support with their learning, leaders act quickly to work with parents and make any necessary referrals. They also work closely with professionals such as physiotherapists, to meet children's individual needs.

Outdoor space

In the garden, children collect equipment such as pencils, paper and clipboards. They enjoy a hunt together and look for different insects and plants, with staff engaging and motivating them, offering magnifying glasses to help with their hunt.

Parent Reviews of Sunbeams Pre-School

5.0
(1)
Harriet Mears
10 years ago

My daughter loved every minute of her 2 years at Sunbeams Pre-School, and having done both a Montessori setting, and a pre-school, she really had the skills she needed to start "big school" when the time came. They are learning constantly, without even realising. There is a real sense of community, the children are lovely and the staff really care. The fact that the staff turnover is so low is a testament to the nursery. I wouldn't hesitate is sending a child there again. Well done Sunbeams.

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Inspection history

Date: July 2006

  • October 2024Good
  • September 2024Good
  • January 2019Good
  • January 2019Good
  • June 2016Good
  • May 2016Good
  • July 2015Requires improvement
  • July 2009Good
  • June 2009Good
  • July 2006Requires improvement

Frequently asked about Sunbeams Pre-School

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