A nursery in Hove is celebrating after passing its first official inspection with flying colours.

Happy Learners Day Nursery, which operates as an independent setting, underwent its inaugural Ofsted review having opened its doors in September 2021. Inspectors found the provision performed at a high level across every area assessed under the current framework.

Director Madelaine Berlin said it was challenging to identify standout moments because the report was outstanding throughout.

She particularly valued the inspectors’ findings that children demonstrated strong engagement, enthusiasm and inquisitiveness, and that youngsters flourished in both indoor and outdoor areas purposefully designed to encourage discovery, self-reliance and appropriate challenge.

Inspectors also noted that leaders had articulated a clear direction and were taking meaningful steps to implement it, with children’s safety and wellbeing remaining central to their work. They created a culture of high standards, careful evaluation and continuous improvement.

Ms Berlin, who combines her directorship with teaching and education consultancy work, described the nursery as a self-governing setting offering community-focused, tailored learning experiences.

She said her focus was on delivering individualised and integrated educational experiences. The team remained wholly devoted to serving the local community and maintaining their genuine Forest School programme, which ran throughout the week.

The nursery’s cook holds a qualification in nutrition, while the leadership team possess academic degrees alongside either Qualified Teacher Status or Early Years Teacher Status.

Following this success, Happy Learners is preparing to open a second site close to Hove Park.

Kindy House by Happy Learners has already secured registrations from families for the Autumn 2026 term.

The new location will give children access to the nursery’s Forest School, a private allotment and creative studio spaces.

The original Happy Learners setting reached full capacity within a year of launching. Staff anticipate Kindy House will achieve enrollment targets within six months.

Prospective families can make contact through Happy Learners.

The nursery intends to host community gatherings throughout the summer to meet local families and provide further information about the provision.