Nursery Advice
Claim Your Nursery

The Friendly Fish Nursery

Ofsted: Good
(Sept 2024)
·
1.0(1 parent reviews) ·5 Selborne Place, Selborne Road, Littlehampton, BN17 5NH · West Sussex
Number of places
61 places
Age range
0–5 yrs
Last inspected
Sept 2024
Local authority
West Sussex

About this day nursery

The Friendly Fish Day Nursery, established in September 2018, is a private nursery and Beach School in Littlehampton, accommodating children from birth to five years old, with extended care for those up to eight. Operating 51 weeks a year, Monday to Friday, from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, the nursery is housed in a converted four-story building near the seafront.

The location offers convenient access to parks, schools, public transport, and parking. A distinctive feature is its Beach School programme, led by trained staff, which provides unique outdoor learning experiences.

This initiative aims to foster curiosity, exploration, and teamwork, promoting holistic development through interaction with the natural environment. The nursery prides itself on a safe, stimulating atmosphere, emphasising nurturing care and education.

The team, led by Nursery Manager Deborah Thorp, is dedicated to supporting children's independence and confidence, encouraging them to make their own choices and express their thoughts and feelings.

Our ethos

The Friendly Fish Day Nursery embraces a Beach School approach, fostering holistic development through unique outdoor learning experiences that encourage curiosity, exploration, and teamwork. They are committed to nurturing children's independence and confidence by supporting them in making their own choices and expressing themselves.

What it's like

Children settle quickly in the nursery, where there is a clear community atmosphere. The kind and caring staff team makes good use of local amenities to enhance children's experiences, such as visiting the beach and going fruit picking. Children also learn about caring for their environment through activities like litter picking and share their opinions in the pre-school council meeting.

Beach SchoolExtended Care up to 8 yearsOpen 51 weeks a yearHealthy Eating Focus

Pricing & funding

Funding accepted

Tax-Free Childcare
Pricing on request

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

Key facts

Food

The Friendly Fish provides well-balanced, nutritious and healthy meals, with amendments available for dietary requirements, allergies, or parental preferences.

Age range

0-5 years, with additional care for children up to 8 years

Opening hours

Monday – Friday: 8:00am – 6:00pm

Term time / All Year

All Year

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for The Friendly Fish Nursery

Last inspected 24 September 2024 · Helen Penticost

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 in the nursery, where there is a clear community atmosphere. The kind and caring staff team makes good use of local amenities to enhance children's experiences, such as visiting the beach and going fruit picking. Children also learn about caring for their environment through activities like litter picking and share their opinions in the pre-school council meeting.

Inspector highlights

  • Children settle quickly and enjoy a clear community atmosphere.
  • Staff make good use of local amenities, like beach visits and fruit picking, to enhance children's experiences.
  • Children thoroughly enjoy the garden, mixing with different age groups and showing skill in balancing.
  • Leaders have overhauled the curriculum planning, focusing on individual child development and interests.
  • Partnerships with parents are good, with effective communication and respect for parents' wishes.

Areas to develop

  • 1build on the sequence of learning to enhance children's independence skills even further
  • 2strengthen staff's awareness of the importance of young children's ability to view staff's facial movements to enhance their early communication skills.
Inspection #10353474 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

What parents say

Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection

Parents comment about the good levels of communication from the staff team.

They report that they can see the impact of changes on the learning outcomes for their children.

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

There is good provision for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Staff work with parents and professionals to ensure the earliest identification of gaps in children's development, securing equipment and resources to support individual children's needs. Leaders use additional funding to good effect to help swiftly close gaps in learning.

Outdoor space

Children thoroughly enjoy being in the garden, where they mix with children from other age groups, enabling siblings to play together. They show great skill in balancing on beams and confidently ask for help. Toddlers delight in exploring the sand in the 'sandy shed'.

Parent Reviews of The Friendly Fish Nursery

1.0
(1)
Charlotte Ryves
7 months ago

I paid £20 in November 2024 through their website for a place I wanted in September 2025. I chased for my space via phone in May 2025 only to be told my email had been lost and I couldn’t get a space until January 2026. I was then told my £20 deposit paid was for a waiting list and not a joining fee. I paid £20 for my email to be lost…. if I hadn’t of chased I would never have even got a space!!! My email went into a back hole!! I would like my £20 back please. I would understand had I paid £20 and didn’t want the space…. Put this situation right please!!

Read on Google

Reviews from Google for The Friendly Fish Nursery. See all on Google Maps

Inspection history

Date: May 2024

  • October 2024Good
  • September 2024Good
  • June 2024Inadequate
  • May 2024Inadequate

Frequently asked about The Friendly Fish Nursery

Nearby day nurseries in Littlehampton

Other Ofsted-registered day nurseries close to The Friendly Fish Nursery.

Are you the owner of this nursery? Claim this listing to manage photos, hours and contact details.

Claim listing

Share this nursery

Send to a partner, friend or family member.

This listing has been compiled from official Ofsted records, the nursery's own website, details provided directly by the nursery where available, and other trusted public sources. We regularly review and update listings to keep the information as accurate as possible. Learn more