Nursery Advice
Claim Your Nursery

Catkins Nursery in Horsham

Ofsted: Outstanding
(Jan 2024)
·
5.0(3 parent reviews)
·Three Acres, HORSHAM, RH12 1RS · West Sussex
Number of places
24 places
Age range
2–4 yrs
Last inspected
Jan 2024
Local authority
West Sussex

About this day nursery

Catkins Nursery, established in November 2015, provides a nurturing and stimulating environment for children aged two to five years. Located conveniently in Horsham with excellent access to the A24 and ample parking, the nursery operates from a purpose-built facility.

It proudly holds an 'Outstanding' rating from its March 2018 Ofsted inspection. The nursery distinguishes itself by offering a homely and relaxed atmosphere, fostering traditional values and high expectations for each child's growth and learning.

The owner-manager, Cathy Walden, is deeply involved in the daily activities, emphasising a hands-on approach and a strong belief in delivering high-quality, personalised childcare. Catkins Nursery operates 50 weeks a year, closing for a period over Christmas and one week in August.

A particular focus is placed on food and nutrition, with children actively participating in food preparation and growing herbs and vegetables. The nursery also embraces creative and messy play, ensuring a fun and engaging experience for all children.

Our ethos

Catkins Nursery is committed to delivering high-quality, personalised childcare within a homely and relaxed atmosphere. They foster traditional values and high expectations, encouraging children to actively participate in food preparation and creative play to support their growth and learning.

What it's like

Children make superb progress in this exceptional, nurturing nursery. Staff have in-depth knowledge of children's unique and individual interests, which are carefully intertwined into each child's daily experience. The environment created by staff supports children to blossom in self-confidence, determination and persistence to learn new things.

Ofsted OutstandingOwner-managedFocus on NutritionGardening ActivitiesCreative Play

Pricing & funding

Fees are reviewed in April and September, with rates reducing to the three-year-old rate the month after a child's third birthday. Charges apply for sickness, holidays, and bank holidays, but an alternative day is offered for bank holiday closures. Once funded, an optional daily charge applies for extras and meals.

Funding accepted

15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)

Good to know

  • Fees reviewed annually in April and September.
  • Fees reduce to the three-year-old rate the month after the child turns three.
  • Fees are payable for sickness, family annual leave, and bank holidays.
  • An alternative day is offered for bank holiday closures, which are charged.
  • Fees must be paid monthly by BACS by the last working day of the preceding month.
  • Funded sessions incur an optional per-session charge for food, snacks, and extra-curricular activities.

Key facts

Opening hours

8am to 6pm on weekdays for 50 weeks of the year, closed from 23rd December to first working day after New Year, and for one week in August.

Food

High-quality food and nutrition provided, children help with food preparation and growing herbs and vegetables.

Age range

2-5 years

Session types

full day

Established

2015

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Catkins Nursery

Last inspected 16 January 2024 · Natalie Moir

Safeguarding effective
Overall effectiveness
Outstanding
Quality of education
Outstanding
Behaviour and attitudes
Outstanding
Personal development
Outstanding
Leadership and management
Outstanding

What it's like to attend

Children make superb progress in this exceptional, nurturing nursery. Staff have in-depth knowledge of children's unique and individual interests, which are carefully intertwined into each child's daily experience. The environment created by staff supports children to blossom in self-confidence, determination and persistence to learn new things.

Inspector highlights

  • The passionate manager and dedicated staff work tirelessly to create a highly ambitious and stimulating curriculum for all children.
  • The manager recognises the importance of positive staff well-being and has effective systems in place to ensure staff feel exceptionally well valued.
  • Children's communication and language skills are consistently supported and enhanced.
  • Mealtimes are wonderfully social and promote opportunities for high levels of independence.
  • A love of books is strongly promoted.
Inspection #10305626 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

What parents say

Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection

Parents comment how they value the 'warm and homely' feel.

Parents comment how they value the 'attention to detail taken to include children's own personalities'.

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

Staff receive targeted training to specifically support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). All staff have high aspirations for children with SEND and the lead and assistant special educational needs coordinators work closely with staff to promptly identify when children may need further support and make swift referrals to outside agencies, so that children receive timely interventions. They devise precise, personalised plans for all children with SEND, resulting in children accessing an ambitious curriculum designed to meet their needs.

Outdoor space

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 Catkins Nursery

5.0
(3)
Alex Chalk
8 years ago

Great place my little boy loves it there. Fantastic atmosphere and great staff.

Read on Google
Hannah Sheehy
2 years ago

Outstanding nursery, we couldn’t be happier!

Read on Google

Reviews from Google for Catkins Nursery. See all on Google Maps

Inspection history

Date: February 2018

  • January 2024Outstanding
  • February 2018Outstanding

Frequently asked about Catkins Nursery

Nearby day nurseries in HORSHAM

Other Ofsted-registered day nurseries close to Catkins Nursery.

Are you the owner of this nursery? Claim this listing to manage photos, hours and contact details.

Claim listing

Share this nursery

Send to a partner, friend or family member.

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