Opening hours
Monday to Friday, from 8am until 6pm
The Meadows Nursery School in Hastings
Ofsted: Good
(Jan 2024)
Number of places
57 places
Age range
1–5 yrs
Last inspected
Jan 2024
Local authority
East Sussex
About this day nursery
The Meadows Nursery Schools, founded in 1988 by Valerie and Ron Cossey, prioritises the enjoyment and well-being of young children. Valerie's background as a childcare development officer ignited her passion for early childhood education, leading to the establishment of the nurseries.
Starting from humble beginnings in a shared hall, the organisation has since expanded to six schools, collectively caring for over 500 children weekly. The nurseries are designed with inviting playrooms and gardens, fostering a calm and nurturing atmosphere where children feel secure and engaged.
Their approach integrates diverse activities using both natural resources and everyday household items, encouraging creativity and learning through play. In 2008, Valerie and Ron's son, Glynn, joined the team, continuing their legacy by evolving the learning methodologies while upholding the foundational values of care and early years education.
The Meadows Nurseries have branches in various locations including Eastbourne, Hailsham, Hastings, Northfleet (Ebbsfleet), and Morden, Rosehill.
Our ethos
The Meadows Nursery School's philosophy is rooted in the foundational values of care and early years education, prioritising the enjoyment and well-being of young children. Their approach integrates diverse activities using both natural resources and everyday household items, encouraging creativity and learning through play. They foster a calm and nurturing atmosphere where children feel secure and engaged.
What it's like
Children and their families are welcomed by smiling staff at this happy, homely nursery. Children delight in seeing familiar staff and are eager to enter, settling well to explore activities. Staff effectively support children's emotional well-being and understanding, for example, by exploring the story of 'Colour Monster' and painting different feelings.
Play-based learningExperienced family-run nurseryMultiple locations
Pricing & funding
Funding accepted
15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)Tax-Free Childcare15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds15 hours — working parents (9 months–2 yrs)
Pricing on request
This nursery doesn't publish its fees online. Contact them directly for an up-to-date price list and availability.
Request pricing →Key facts
Term time / All Year
All Year
Ofsted Inspection
Ofsted rating for The Meadows Nursery School
Last inspected 31 January 2024
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 and their families are welcomed by smiling staff at this happy, homely nursery. Children delight in seeing familiar staff and are eager to enter, settling well to explore activities. Staff effectively support children's emotional well-being and understanding, for example, by exploring the story of 'Colour Monster' and painting different feelings.
Inspector highlights
- Staff use what they know about children to plan activities to support their understanding of the wider world.
- Staff promote children's independence well.
- Children who speak English as an additional language are well supported.
- Leaders and managers are passionate and proactive, with effective relationships with external agencies.
- Communication and relationships with parents are strong.
Areas to develop
- 1support staff to identify when they can offer further challenge and extend learning further during activities, with a particular focus on older children
- 2encourage staff to give children more time to respond when asked questions, to support their thinking and language skills.
Inspection #10312274 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report
What parents say
Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection
parents report that they feel valued
Parents appreciate the support they receive for themselves and to support their children's learning at home.
Parents talk highly of their children's learning books that they receive.
One parent commented that their child specifically enjoys the calm and sociable mealtimes.
Inclusion & environment
How they support every child
SEND provision
The special educational needs coordinator spoke to the inspector about how they support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
Outdoor space
Younger children are encouraged to find their coats and shoes when getting ready to go outside. The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning.
Parent Reviews of The Meadows Nursery School
5.0
(27)
Scott & Maria Music
10 months ago
Our son thrives when he spends time at the Meadows. He always comes home having made new leaps and steps! The meadows team are outstanding, a true estimate to good leadership. Our don has increased his speech, motor skills, relationship building and confidence whilst there. Thank you to a great team, Hugh standard and ethos 💕👌🏻
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Holly Greenhalf
10 months ago
I cannot recommend this nursery enough! My daughter Penny previously went to another nursery and would cry every time going in. She would really express her not wanting to go. I was worried that changing her nursery might be even more daunting for her but I’m so so glad we did. She made close friendships within the first week and has been excited to go to the Meadows nursery every single time she’s in! The staff are all so lovely and I love the consistency of Tina greeting all the children every morning as they go in, I think this really helped Penny with knowing what to expect. Penny has blossomed socially so much since being here and I really think this is thanks to the meadows. I love that they really encourage kindness.. Pennys now always saying “sharings caring!”. Thank you to all the staff here, you have no idea the positive impact you’ve had on these tiny people! Xx
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Nansi Hitchman
2 years ago
My child has attended The Meadows for almost three years, and we have been thrilled with our choice. The staff are so friendly and have cared for and nurtured my son. He looks forward to attending each day and has grown and developed so much under their care. It is a very safe and reassuring environment. Tina consistently makes time for my questions, whether by email or on the door, and every staff member who has looked after my son in each stage of The Medows has truly shown that they care for my child. We will be sad to leave when my son moves to a big school in September.
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Carrie Le Grice
a year ago
Tina & the rest of the team at The Meadows are amazing! They’re friendly, helpful and reassuring. Regular emails and updates in our son’s nursery book let us know what’s happening and how he’s progressing. Our son gets very excited when it’s a nursery day!
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Toryn Sinden
a year ago
The meadows is such a lovely nursery, my daughter was so unsettled when she first started. all the staff worked so hard to help her settle in and she did within a few weeks, she now loves nursery and has made new friends, the staff team are lovely and very supportive. My son also attended many years ago such a brilliant nursery
Read on GoogleReviews from Google for The Meadows Nursery School. See all on Google Maps
Inspection history
Date: April 2010
- January 2024Good
- April 2018Good
- October 2014Good
- November 2013Requires improvement
- April 2010Good
Frequently asked about The Meadows Nursery School
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