Meadows Nursery School
Outstanding★ 4.4 on GoogleBirth to 8+Long established
A pre-school in Eastbourne for children from birth to 8+, open 07:30 to 18:00, 5 days a week. They do not publish prices, so that is the first thing to ask. Rated Outstanding by Ofsted in September 2025. Open since 2011, with 100 places.
What you might pay
This setting does not publish its fees, and no national dataset holds them. This is what childcare costs across the council, as a starting point for the call.
What childcare usually costs in East Sussex
This is not this setting's price. It is the median hourly fee across all providers in East Sussex from the Department for Education's 2025 provider survey. No national data holds what an individual nursery charges, so ring and ask.
Places, hours and the day
Who they take, when they are open, and what a day there includes.
Where it is
BN23 8JZWhat the inspector found
One grade is one visit. A run of them tells you whether it has been good for years or has only just got there.
Ofsted inspector, 26 September 2025 · read the full report
What it is like to attend
Leaders have developed a clear and ambitious approach to learning that is firmly embedded across all age groups. Staff show a strong understanding of each child's next steps and individual needs. As a result, support is consistent and all children, including those with special educational needs and/ or disabilities (SEND), make meaningful and sustained progress. Staff thoughtfully create a rich and engaging environment that responds to a wide range of needs. This helps children to thrive emotionally, socially and in their learning. Enrichment opportunities are targeted and the use of funding ensures inclusive access to meaningful learning. For instance, children with complex medical needs benefit from a well-resourced sensory room.
Staff create captivating experiences that spark excitement and deepen learning. For example, a dinosaur rescue activity captivates children's attention as they excitedly wait to learn what happens next. Staff help children deepen their learning effectively by meaningfully building on what they already know. For example, after sharing a story about a worm, children took part in a related activity. This sparks scientific exploration. Children built habitats together and enthusiastically shared ideas with respect and joyful energy. Staff are highly responsive to children's interests. They ask skilful questions to help children think critically and solve problems. For example, a shared tower-building activity led to thoughtful design changes. Outdoors, children work together to build a snail shelter with sensitive adult support. For the youngest children, schematic play has been a key focus and is now embedded within the setting. Babies enjoy exploring and learn in a space that sparks curiosity and keeps them interested.
Staff consistently promote children's self-care and independence, resulting in confident, capable learners. Young children independently wipe their faces after painting. Toddlers proudly make their own bowls using play dough and take ownership of the process. Children's behaviour is exemplary. Staff gently and consistently support children to understand the setting's expectations and to respect one another. They skilfully scaffold communication, helping children express feelings and collaborate to solve problems.
- 26 September 2025Outstanding Safeguarding: Yes
- 6 January 2020Good
- 28 May 2015Outstanding
Rated Good or Outstanding at 3 of the last 3 graded inspections.
Still missing for Meadows Nursery School
- What it costs
- Funded hours
- Youngest age taken
- Meals
- Nappies
- Waiting list
No dataset holds any of this. Two parents telling us the same thing puts it on the page for whoever looks next.
What to ask them
None of this is in any national dataset and this setting has not published it, which is exactly why it is worth asking.
- What does it cost, all in? What is on top: meals, nappies, late pick-up, and what happens if you are late.
- Can I use my funded hours here? Whether they stretch them over the year, and the minimum days you have to book.
- Is there a place for my child's age? Baby rooms fill first and waiting lists are common.
- Who would my child's key person be? And how long have the staff been there. No dataset holds this and it matters more than anything above.
- Can I visit at a busy time? Mid-morning on a weekday tells you far more than an empty room after hours.
Pre-schools within a couple of miles
This one is first. Tick it and one or two others to see them side by side.