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Apple Tree Nursery School

Ofsted: Good
(Apr 2023)
·
4.8(23 parent reviews) ·Whiteways Centre, Whiteway Lane, Brighton, BN2 7HB · Brighton and Hove
Number of places
25 places
Age range
0–4 yrs
Last inspected
Apr 2023
Local authority
Brighton and Hove

About this day nursery

Apple Tree Nursery School offers a nurturing and stimulating environment for children from birth to school age across its Brighton & Hove locations. Emphasising a "small is beautiful" philosophy, the nursery intentionally limits class sizes to between 20 and 30 children, fostering a personalised approach to care and education.

This focus on intimate settings allows each child to receive individual attention, encouraging their innate curiosity and supporting their development at their own pace. The nursery operates with a highly qualified and passionate team dedicated to creating a "home from home" atmosphere where children feel safe, secure, and appreciated for their unique personalities.

Apple Tree Nursery Schools also offer Montessori-inspired learning at select locations, integrating this proven educational method to prepare children for their future academic journeys. They aim to make quality childcare accessible by offering competitive pricing and actively supporting various government funding schemes, ensuring affordability for families.

Our ethos

Apple Tree Nursery School's philosophy centres on a "small is beautiful" approach, intentionally limiting class sizes to ensure personalised attention and foster individual development. They aim to create a "home from home" atmosphere with a qualified team, and some locations offer Montessori-inspired learning.

What it's like

Children settle well on arrival and receive a warm greeting from staff. Babies receive support for physical strength and core skills. Children build good levels of independence and work collaboratively, showing cooperation and critical thinking.

Small Class SizesMontessori Inspired LearningGovernment Funding AcceptedCompetitive Pricing

Pricing & funding

The nursery offers term-time only placements over 38 weeks upon request. A price match guarantee is also available for equivalent, high-quality sessions found locally.

Funding accepted

30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)15 hours — eligible 2-year-oldsTax-Free Childcare
  • Unfunded Half Day (8-1pm or 1-6pm)£44.50 / day
  • Unfunded School Hours Day (8-4pm)£73.50 / day
  • Unfunded Full Day (8-6pm)£79.50 / day

Good to know

  • Term-time only (38 weeks) sessions are available upon request.
  • A price match guarantee is offered for equivalent local sessions.

Key facts

Opening hours

8:00 AM - 6:00 PM (All Locations), 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM (Rottingdean Montessori)

Age range

Babies to Preschoolers

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Apple Tree Nursery School

Last inspected 12 April 2023 · 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 well on arrival and receive a warm greeting from staff. Babies receive support for physical strength and core skills. Children build good levels of independence and work collaboratively, showing cooperation and critical thinking.

Inspector highlights

  • The manager effectively assesses staff interactions and supports them in understanding children's learning needs and creating opportunities for knowledge and skills development across different ages.
  • Key persons have a secure knowledge of children's current development levels and what they need to learn next, planning effective activities to support their progress.
  • Children enjoy singing sessions and readily join in, suggesting songs and building on mathematical knowledge through counting.
  • Children access outdoor play daily, developing physical skills by kicking balls, steering ride-on toys, and practising walking.
  • Staff liaise with parents about sleeping patterns and dietary needs, offering guidance and fostering good partnerships to meet children's changing needs.

Areas to develop

  • 1review the organisation of the daily routines to provide further engagement for children and reduce the time they have to wait
  • 2embrace children's cultural backgrounds and heritages further to celebrate differences and similarities.
Inspection #10281515 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

What parents say

Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection

Parents report that their children settle well and that the staff and children are an extension to their family.

They comment that their children build good relationships with staff and make friends with the other children.

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

Outdoor space

Children access outdoor play daily. They kick balls and steer ride-on toys, and younger children practise walking with push equipment, supporting their physical development.

Parent Reviews of Apple Tree Nursery School

4.8
(23)
Claire Rowe
7 months ago

My son started at apple tree, whiteways when he was one. He is now two and has made lots of friends. He goes in happy and comes out super happy at the end of the day ! All the staff are really friendly and made a great bond with him. His favourite days are when they go on local trips into the community and to see the horses. It works really well as my children are at the local school. I love the nursery is open all year long and had a early start at 8am drop off and the use of funded hours. We have daily feedback, great communication via watsapp and the online app.

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Paris Mobsby
7 months ago

My son has been attending this nursery in Rottingdean since he turned 2 and he absolutely loves it. He struggled with the transition at the beginning but staff were so supportive and reassuring that it would get easier, which it did & now I often can’t get him out of nursery at the end of the day because he wants to stay longer because he’s having SO much fun! The staff are all absolutely incredible at what they do - you can tell it’s not just their job but something they love and are passionate about as they put their absolute everything into what they do with the children and creating a safe, fun and educational setting for them all. The staff have always been really helpful with any queries I’ve had and always give you plenty of feedback with what they’ve been doing in the day along with photos too. I would 100% recommend this nursery to anyone who is looking, my son is thriving and absolutely loves his time with everyone there.

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Brintha Thanabal
7 months ago

I’m so glad I chose this nursery for my son. The staff are all so kind and caring, and I feel completely confident leaving him in their care. He’s always happy there, and the whole experience has been really positive.

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Jonathan Gaffney
a year ago

In a nutshell, we are very happy with Apple tree in rottingdean! They have been very accommodating and flexible particularly when we first started. We moved our son from a different nursery and the process was smooth and our son settled in very quickly and hassle-free! We have no complaints about the service, the staff are always very friendly and our son always looks forward to going! 5 stars all round 🌟 from Jonathan and Hannah

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Lilly Horrax
a year ago

Could not recommend this nursery more. My daughter can be quite needy and clingy and I was so worried about her never settling at nursery, but the incredible staff at the Whiteway centre have been so patient and caring with her that she settled so much quicker than I could have ever hoped for. The team there are amazing and the communication is excellent. I am so pleased with the progress she has made since starting there a few months ago and I know she will continue to thrive there. Thank you so much.

Read on Google

Reviews from Google for Apple Tree Nursery School. See all on Google Maps

Inspection history

Most recent inspection

12 April 2023

Good

Only one graded inspection on record — a trend chart will appear here once a second graded report is published.

View full Ofsted report

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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