Ofsted: Strong standard & GoodOpen all year · from 7:30am6 months – 5 years
Book a tour

Come and see us — it takes a minute

Pick your nursery and a time that suits you. You'll get an instant confirmation, a reminder the day before, and our parent pack to read before you visit.

Starting with us

Four simple steps to your first day

1

Make an enquiry & book a tour

Send us an initial enquiry, then pick a tour time online in under a minute — weekday mornings and afternoons.

2

Visit & meet us

Look around the nursery, meet your child's future key person, ask anything.

3

Secure your place

Choose your days and start date, and we'll sort funding with you.

4

Settle in gently

Settling-in sessions build up so your child feels at home.

What happens on a tour?

About 30 minutes, relaxed and no pressure. Little ones are very welcome.

  • Meet the manager and your child's future key person
  • See the nursery in action
  • Talk through funding, fees and start dates
  • Ask absolutely anything

“The key-person system is highly effective.”

Ofsted, Southbourne 2026
★★★★★

“JC Little Explorers is like a home from home.”

B. P., parent

1. Which nursery would you like to visit?

2. Pick a day and time

SouthbourneStrongstandard · 2026
PurbrookGoodevery area · 2025
Don't just take our word for it

What Ofsted said about us

Southbourne was graded Strong standard for behaviour, wellbeing, inclusion and leadership in April 2026. Purbrook was graded Good in every area in April 2025. Safeguarding met at both. Here's what the inspectors wrote, word for word.

Ofsted · Southbourne 2026

“Children arrive at the nursery full of excitement.”

Ofsted report · Strong standard
Ofsted · Southbourne 2026

“Children have access to a highly impressive programme of physical development.”

Ofsted report · Strong standard
Ofsted · Southbourne 2026

“This enables children to form warm and loving bonds with staff.”

Ofsted report · Strong standard
Ofsted · Southbourne 2026

“There is a highly inclusive culture at the provision.”

Ofsted report · Strong standard
Ofsted · Southbourne 2026

“Children demonstrate impressive independence in managing their own needs.”

Ofsted report · Strong standard
Ofsted · Southbourne 2026

“Children form deep friendships with other children.”

Ofsted report · Strong standard
Ofsted · Southbourne 2026

“Staff are excellent role models.”

Ofsted report · Strong standard
Ofsted · Southbourne 2026

“Children are articulate and have effective conversational skills.”

Ofsted report · Strong standard
Ofsted · Southbourne 2026

“Parents appreciate the involvement that they have in their children's learning, which includes daily feedback and detailed reports.”

Ofsted report · Strong standard
Ofsted · Southbourne 2026

“Stories, rhymes and discussions are very well embedded throughout the provision.”

Ofsted report · Strong standard
Ofsted · Southbourne 2026

“Staff feed back that they feel lucky to have such positive support from the leadership team.”

Ofsted report · Strong standard
Ofsted · Purbrook 2025

“Children happily enter the nursery and confidently access the activities provided.”

Ofsted report · Good in every area
Ofsted · Purbrook 2025

“They know the children extremely well and there is an effective key person system in place.”

Ofsted report · Good in every area
Ofsted · Purbrook 2025

“Managers provide an ambitious curriculum, which focuses on promoting independence and having good hygiene routines.”

Ofsted report · Good in every area
Ofsted · Purbrook 2025

“Managers use any additional funding well to support individual children's needs.”

Ofsted report · Good in every area
Ofsted · Purbrook 2025

“Staff feel extremely supported by their management team.”

Ofsted report · Good in every area
Ofsted · Purbrook 2025

“Children have good self-esteem and show respect for others.”

Ofsted report · Good in every area
Ofsted · Purbrook 2025

“Children communicate well with their peers and adults.”

Ofsted report · Good in every area
Ofsted · Purbrook 2025

“Children move confidently and show strength in their hands for future writing.”

Ofsted report · Good in every area
Ofsted · Purbrook 2025

“Parents are very happy with the care provided.”

Ofsted report · Good in every area
Ofsted · Purbrook 2025

“There is an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first.”

Ofsted report · Good in every area
Ofsted · Southbourne 2026

“Children arrive at the nursery full of excitement.”

Ofsted report · Strong standard
Ofsted · Southbourne 2026

“Children have access to a highly impressive programme of physical development.”

Ofsted report · Strong standard
Ofsted · Southbourne 2026

“This enables children to form warm and loving bonds with staff.”

Ofsted report · Strong standard
Ofsted · Southbourne 2026

“There is a highly inclusive culture at the provision.”

Ofsted report · Strong standard
Ofsted · Southbourne 2026

“Children demonstrate impressive independence in managing their own needs.”

Ofsted report · Strong standard
Ofsted · Southbourne 2026

“Children form deep friendships with other children.”

Ofsted report · Strong standard
Ofsted · Southbourne 2026

“Staff are excellent role models.”

Ofsted report · Strong standard
Ofsted · Southbourne 2026

“Children are articulate and have effective conversational skills.”

Ofsted report · Strong standard
Ofsted · Southbourne 2026

“Parents appreciate the involvement that they have in their children's learning, which includes daily feedback and detailed reports.”

Ofsted report · Strong standard
Ofsted · Southbourne 2026

“Stories, rhymes and discussions are very well embedded throughout the provision.”

Ofsted report · Strong standard
Ofsted · Southbourne 2026

“Staff feed back that they feel lucky to have such positive support from the leadership team.”

Ofsted report · Strong standard
Ofsted · Purbrook 2025

“Children happily enter the nursery and confidently access the activities provided.”

Ofsted report · Good in every area
Ofsted · Purbrook 2025

“They know the children extremely well and there is an effective key person system in place.”

Ofsted report · Good in every area
Ofsted · Purbrook 2025

“Managers provide an ambitious curriculum, which focuses on promoting independence and having good hygiene routines.”

Ofsted report · Good in every area
Ofsted · Purbrook 2025

“Managers use any additional funding well to support individual children's needs.”

Ofsted report · Good in every area
Ofsted · Purbrook 2025

“Staff feel extremely supported by their management team.”

Ofsted report · Good in every area
Ofsted · Purbrook 2025

“Children have good self-esteem and show respect for others.”

Ofsted report · Good in every area
Ofsted · Purbrook 2025

“Children communicate well with their peers and adults.”

Ofsted report · Good in every area
Ofsted · Purbrook 2025

“Children move confidently and show strength in their hands for future writing.”

Ofsted report · Good in every area
Ofsted · Purbrook 2025

“Parents are very happy with the care provided.”

Ofsted report · Good in every area
Ofsted · Purbrook 2025

“There is an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first.”

Ofsted report · Good in every area
Ofsted · Purbrook 2025

“Staff are quick to welcome the children and provide comfort if needed.”

Ofsted report · Good in every area
Ofsted · Purbrook 2025

“Children enjoy their learning experiences in this safe environment.”

Ofsted report · Good in every area
Ofsted · Purbrook 2025

“Children have good personal development skills.”

Ofsted report · Good in every area
Ofsted · Purbrook 2025

“All children have equal opportunities to achieve and are progressing well in their development.”

Ofsted report · Good in every area
Ofsted · Purbrook 2025

“Children have good behaviour and are kind to each other.”

Ofsted report · Good in every area
Ofsted · Purbrook 2025

“Staff promote communication and language development well.”

Ofsted report · Good in every area
Ofsted · Purbrook 2025

“Children have many opportunities to extend their physical development.”

Ofsted report · Good in every area
Ofsted · Purbrook 2025

“Staff teach mathematics consistently throughout the day.”

Ofsted report · Good in every area
Ofsted · Purbrook 2025

“Staff communicate effectively with parents and keep them up to date on their child's development through an online system.”

Ofsted report · Good in every area
Ofsted · Southbourne 2026

“Children thrive in the warm and welcoming environment that leaders and staff have thoughtfully created for them.”

Ofsted report · Strong standard
Ofsted · Southbourne 2026

“The key-person system is highly effective.”

Ofsted report · Strong standard
Ofsted · Southbourne 2026

“They demonstrate that they feel safe and have a deep sense of belonging.”

Ofsted report · Strong standard
Ofsted · Southbourne 2026

“Children with SEND make impressive and sustained progress that provides them with the tools for the next stage in their learning.”

Ofsted report · Strong standard
Ofsted · Southbourne 2026

“Children show extremely positive attitudes to their learning.”

Ofsted report · Strong standard
Ofsted · Southbourne 2026

“They have warm and trusting bonds with staff.”

Ofsted report · Strong standard
Ofsted · Southbourne 2026

“Children are caring, extremely thoughtful and well mannered.”

Ofsted report · Strong standard
Ofsted · Southbourne 2026

“Leaders have excellent partnerships with external professionals and parents.”

Ofsted report · Strong standard
Ofsted · Southbourne 2026

“Children show their delight as they thoroughly enjoy dancing and music activities.”

Ofsted report · Strong standard
Ofsted · Southbourne 2026

“Attendance at the setting is excellent.”

Ofsted report · Strong standard
Ofsted · Purbrook 2025

“Staff are quick to welcome the children and provide comfort if needed.”

Ofsted report · Good in every area
Ofsted · Purbrook 2025

“Children enjoy their learning experiences in this safe environment.”

Ofsted report · Good in every area
Ofsted · Purbrook 2025

“Children have good personal development skills.”

Ofsted report · Good in every area
Ofsted · Purbrook 2025

“All children have equal opportunities to achieve and are progressing well in their development.”

Ofsted report · Good in every area
Ofsted · Purbrook 2025

“Children have good behaviour and are kind to each other.”

Ofsted report · Good in every area
Ofsted · Purbrook 2025

“Staff promote communication and language development well.”

Ofsted report · Good in every area
Ofsted · Purbrook 2025

“Children have many opportunities to extend their physical development.”

Ofsted report · Good in every area
Ofsted · Purbrook 2025

“Staff teach mathematics consistently throughout the day.”

Ofsted report · Good in every area
Ofsted · Purbrook 2025

“Staff communicate effectively with parents and keep them up to date on their child's development through an online system.”

Ofsted report · Good in every area
Ofsted · Southbourne 2026

“Children thrive in the warm and welcoming environment that leaders and staff have thoughtfully created for them.”

Ofsted report · Strong standard
Ofsted · Southbourne 2026

“The key-person system is highly effective.”

Ofsted report · Strong standard
Ofsted · Southbourne 2026

“They demonstrate that they feel safe and have a deep sense of belonging.”

Ofsted report · Strong standard
Ofsted · Southbourne 2026

“Children with SEND make impressive and sustained progress that provides them with the tools for the next stage in their learning.”

Ofsted report · Strong standard
Ofsted · Southbourne 2026

“Children show extremely positive attitudes to their learning.”

Ofsted report · Strong standard
Ofsted · Southbourne 2026

“They have warm and trusting bonds with staff.”

Ofsted report · Strong standard
Ofsted · Southbourne 2026

“Children are caring, extremely thoughtful and well mannered.”

Ofsted report · Strong standard
Ofsted · Southbourne 2026

“Leaders have excellent partnerships with external professionals and parents.”

Ofsted report · Strong standard
Ofsted · Southbourne 2026

“Children show their delight as they thoroughly enjoy dancing and music activities.”

Ofsted report · Strong standard
Ofsted · Southbourne 2026

“Attendance at the setting is excellent.”

Ofsted report · Strong standard
Parent reviews

Hear it from our parents

Real families, in their own words — tap a video to hear them tell it.

★ 5.0average parent rating
6parent video stories
StrongOfsted standard, Southbourne
★★★★★

“My little boy absolutely loves going, he adores the girls who work there! He has come on leaps and bounds with his speech etc. I'm so pleased I chose JC little Explorers! The girls are so welcoming and if I have any concerns they are very reassuring.”

H
Hayley KParent
★★★★★

“My son has started recently and has really settled in. Been invited to parties already. Lovely staff. Great to see photos of what he's been doing there, as he can't tell me. Good range of toys and activities.”

C
C. W.Parent
★★★★★

“Amazing nursery, amazing staff, my daughter has come on leaps since starting and has got a lot more vocal and her speech has come on loads! She hardly spoke now she can say loads more words and doesn't stop talking they are fabulous and I'm so glad we chose JC Little Explorers.”

A
A.T.Parent
★★★★★

“Can't recommend the Girls at JC more if I tried ! Our daughter loves going and always eats well, and has plenty of fun. Parents are fully informed on activities children have done via a private Facebook page and the app Famly”

J
J. R.Parent
★★★★★

“JC Little Explorers Purbrook staff are absolutely amazing, they have excellent communication, they're friendly and welcoming. My daughter has separation anxiety, it took her a little while to get used to being dropped off but once she was in she was absolutely fine and two members of staff were so understanding about my anxiety about leaving her as well!”

E
E. H.Purbrook parent
★★★★★

“I'm very cautious about leaving my little girl with anyone. However, JC Little Explorers is like a home from home. After a few cries at the door, she is enjoying it so much. She is still shy, only going half a day a week, but every time I pick her up, she always says how much fun she has had.”

B
B. P.Parent
Children learning and playing at JC Little Explorers nursery
★★★★★
“First of all, it was the long hours”Parent video · 1:44
Children learning and playing at JC Little Explorers nursery
★★★★★
“We liked the size of it”Parent video · 1:38
Children learning and playing at JC Little Explorers nursery
★★★★★
“My son used to go to JC Sports”Parent video · 1:18
★★★★★

“My little boy absolutely loves going, he adores the girls who work there! He has come on leaps and bounds with his speech etc. I'm so pleased I chose JC little Explorers! The girls are so welcoming and if I have any concerns they are very reassuring.”

H
Hayley KParent
★★★★★

“My son has started recently and has really settled in. Been invited to parties already. Lovely staff. Great to see photos of what he's been doing there, as he can't tell me. Good range of toys and activities.”

C
C. W.Parent
★★★★★

“Amazing nursery, amazing staff, my daughter has come on leaps since starting and has got a lot more vocal and her speech has come on loads! She hardly spoke now she can say loads more words and doesn't stop talking they are fabulous and I'm so glad we chose JC Little Explorers.”

A
A.T.Parent
★★★★★

“Can't recommend the Girls at JC more if I tried ! Our daughter loves going and always eats well, and has plenty of fun. Parents are fully informed on activities children have done via a private Facebook page and the app Famly”

J
J. R.Parent
★★★★★

“JC Little Explorers Purbrook staff are absolutely amazing, they have excellent communication, they're friendly and welcoming. My daughter has separation anxiety, it took her a little while to get used to being dropped off but once she was in she was absolutely fine and two members of staff were so understanding about my anxiety about leaving her as well!”

E
E. H.Purbrook parent
★★★★★

“I'm very cautious about leaving my little girl with anyone. However, JC Little Explorers is like a home from home. After a few cries at the door, she is enjoying it so much. She is still shy, only going half a day a week, but every time I pick her up, she always says how much fun she has had.”

B
B. P.Parent
Children learning and playing at JC Little Explorers nursery
★★★★★
“First of all, it was the long hours”Parent video · 1:44
Children learning and playing at JC Little Explorers nursery
★★★★★
“We liked the size of it”Parent video · 1:38
Children learning and playing at JC Little Explorers nursery
★★★★★
“My son used to go to JC Sports”Parent video · 1:18
Children learning and playing at JC Little Explorers nursery
★★★★★
“Close to home — and near the secondary school”Parent video · 0:53
Children learning and playing at JC Little Explorers nursery
★★★★★
A parent's storyParent video · 1:29
Children learning and playing at JC Little Explorers nursery
★★★★★
Why we chose JC Little ExplorersParent video · 1:50
★★★★★

“Can't recommend the Girls at JC more if I tried ! Our daughter loves going and always eats well, and has plenty of fun. Parents are fully informed on activities children have done via a private Facebook page and the app Famly”

J
J. R.Parent
★★★★★

“JC Little Explorers Purbrook staff are absolutely amazing, they have excellent communication, they're friendly and welcoming. My daughter has separation anxiety, it took her a little while to get used to being dropped off but once she was in she was absolutely fine and two members of staff were so understanding about my anxiety about leaving her as well!”

E
E. H.Purbrook parent
★★★★★

“I'm very cautious about leaving my little girl with anyone. However, JC Little Explorers is like a home from home. After a few cries at the door, she is enjoying it so much. She is still shy, only going half a day a week, but every time I pick her up, she always says how much fun she has had.”

B
B. P.Parent
★★★★★

“My little boy absolutely loves going, he adores the girls who work there! He has come on leaps and bounds with his speech etc. I'm so pleased I chose JC little Explorers! The girls are so welcoming and if I have any concerns they are very reassuring.”

H
Hayley KParent
★★★★★

“My son has started recently and has really settled in. Been invited to parties already. Lovely staff. Great to see photos of what he's been doing there, as he can't tell me. Good range of toys and activities.”

C
C. W.Parent
★★★★★

“Amazing nursery, amazing staff, my daughter has come on leaps since starting and has got a lot more vocal and her speech has come on loads! She hardly spoke now she can say loads more words and doesn't stop talking they are fabulous and I'm so glad we chose JC Little Explorers.”

A
A.T.Parent
Children learning and playing at JC Little Explorers nursery
★★★★★
“Close to home — and near the secondary school”Parent video · 0:53
Children learning and playing at JC Little Explorers nursery
★★★★★
A parent's storyParent video · 1:29
Children learning and playing at JC Little Explorers nursery
★★★★★
Why we chose JC Little ExplorersParent video · 1:50
★★★★★

“Can't recommend the Girls at JC more if I tried ! Our daughter loves going and always eats well, and has plenty of fun. Parents are fully informed on activities children have done via a private Facebook page and the app Famly”

J
J. R.Parent
★★★★★

“JC Little Explorers Purbrook staff are absolutely amazing, they have excellent communication, they're friendly and welcoming. My daughter has separation anxiety, it took her a little while to get used to being dropped off but once she was in she was absolutely fine and two members of staff were so understanding about my anxiety about leaving her as well!”

E
E. H.Purbrook parent
★★★★★

“I'm very cautious about leaving my little girl with anyone. However, JC Little Explorers is like a home from home. After a few cries at the door, she is enjoying it so much. She is still shy, only going half a day a week, but every time I pick her up, she always says how much fun she has had.”

B
B. P.Parent
★★★★★

“My little boy absolutely loves going, he adores the girls who work there! He has come on leaps and bounds with his speech etc. I'm so pleased I chose JC little Explorers! The girls are so welcoming and if I have any concerns they are very reassuring.”

H
Hayley KParent
★★★★★

“My son has started recently and has really settled in. Been invited to parties already. Lovely staff. Great to see photos of what he's been doing there, as he can't tell me. Good range of toys and activities.”

C
C. W.Parent
★★★★★

“Amazing nursery, amazing staff, my daughter has come on leaps since starting and has got a lot more vocal and her speech has come on loads! She hardly spoke now she can say loads more words and doesn't stop talking they are fabulous and I'm so glad we chose JC Little Explorers.”

A
A.T.Parent