Nursery Advice
Claim Your Nursery

Cranbrook Independent Nursery and Preschool in Crawley

Ofsted: Good
(Dec 2021)
·
4.6(9 Google reviews) ·Clover Court, The Pavilion, CRAWLEY, RH10 7QH · West Sussex
Number of places
84 places
Age range
Up to 4 yrs
Last inspected
Dec 2021
Local authority
West Sussex

About this early years setting

Cranbrook Independent Nursery and Preschool has been a cornerstone of local communities in Horley, Crawley, and Haywards Heath since 1983, offering dependable and high-quality childcare and early education. Catering to children aged three months to five years, the nursery designs its environments to evoke a comfortable, home-like atmosphere, fostering a sense of security and happiness.

The dedicated team of early years educators is committed to understanding each child's unique learning style, promoting development through engaging play and discovery-based activities, in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. Beyond the indoors, Cranbrook Nurseries are registered Forest Schools, providing enriching outdoor learning experiences in woodland and wilderness settings.

The curriculum is crafted to encourage independence, resilience, and vital social skills, laying a strong foundation for lifelong learning. The nursery also prioritises healthy nutrition, preparing fresh, home-cooked meals daily for all children.

Our ethos

Cranbrook Independent Nursery and Preschool is committed to providing high-quality early education and childcare, fostering a home-like atmosphere where children feel secure and happy. Their approach is play-based, discovery-led, and aligns with the EYFS framework. As a registered Forest School, they offer outdoor learning experiences to encourage independence, resilience, and social skills, laying a foundation for lifelong learning.

What it's like

Children are greeted warmly and enjoy a good range of activities, both indoors and out, showing high levels of well-being and forming good bonds with their key person. They choose activities that interest them and benefit from staff support, behaving well and encouraged to be independent, such as serving their own lunch. Children also learn to respect each other and develop good social skills.

Over 40 years of experienceForest School NurseriesHome-cooked meals

Pricing & funding

Charges are based on full-time or part-time attendance. A registration fee is required to secure a place once confirmed. Sibling discounts are available for full-time attendees, and government funding is accepted for eligible children from nine months old.

Funding accepted

15 hours — working parents (9 months–2 yrs)15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)
  • Registration Fee£100.00 / session

Good to know

  • Non-refundable registration fee of £100 required to secure a confirmed place.
  • Offers 10% sibling discount on the eldest child's fees when multiple children attend full-time.
  • Government funding accepted for eligible children from 9 months up to 4 years old.

Key facts

Opening hours

7.30am to 6.30pm

Term time / All Year

All Year

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Cranbrook Independent Nursery and Preschool

Last inspected 2 December 2021

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 are greeted warmly and enjoy a good range of activities, both indoors and out, showing high levels of well-being and forming good bonds with their key person. They choose activities that interest them and benefit from staff support, behaving well and encouraged to be independent, such as serving their own lunch. Children also learn to respect each other and develop good social skills.

Inspector highlights

  • Children enjoy a good range of activities, indoors and out, and show high levels of well-being.
  • Children learn to respect each other and develop good social skills.
  • Leadership and management are good, with the manager constantly seeking ways to improve and supporting staff development.
  • Staff know their children well and plan effectively to support their development and learning, following children's interests.
  • Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff having a good knowledge and understanding of policies and procedures.

Areas to develop

  • 1support staff to more consistently recognise when children who are not yet speaking are indicating what they would like to do
  • 2review the organisation of group times that include the younger children to more fully reflect their development levels.
Inspection #10208810 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

What parents say

Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection

Parents comment that they are kept informed of their children's progress and their day-to-day activities.

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

Children with identified speech and language needs are supported well, with the use of props helping them to understand and communicate their needs.

Outdoor space

Children enjoy a good range of activities, indoors and out.

Google Reviews of Cranbrook Independent Nursery and Preschool

4.6
(9 Google reviews)
Daniela Melo
2 months ago

I highly recommend this nursery, my baby has been here since she was 14 months old. I will never forget when we did our first settle session, that emotional moment and the little kit prepared by the nursery with kind words, snacks and little things to make the moment lighter. Louise and all the team are very professional, we are incredibly happy and so is our baby.

Read on Google
Chloe Haines-Dobbs
7 months ago

My Son has attended clover court since January this year, and my daughter since July this year, I pulled my son out of a different nursery after 2 years due to concerns and that’s when I found clover court, I can happily say I made the best decision in moving my son to clover court as the level of care and treatment from staff is second to none! It made the transition super easy. This nursery is absolutely fantastic, the staff in all 3 rooms are all so friendly. I really feel my son is supported in pre school with this learning, toilet training and general needs. My son has thrived since attending clover court and the amount his has learned never fails to surprise me. The baby room is no exception, again my daughter is loving attending the baby room and learning something new everyday. The whole building is clean, tidy and welcoming. Louise the manager & Caroline are so helpful and approachable. Can’t reccomend enough!

Read on Google
Becca Teague
7 months ago

My son started at Clover Court back in April when he turned one. As a parent, I feel completely supported by the staff at Clover Court and they are always happy to help. My son recently had an operation on both of his feet and all the staff were happy to follow protocol to ensure his recovery was speedy. He’s always got a smile on his face when I come to pick him up which shows he’s had such a great day. Thanks all for your continuous hard work and support in providing the best care for our little boy!

Read on Google
Sian Whittington
2 months ago

Both my children have been here, one still until the summer and they have had a great experience. All staff are brilliant and so friendly. Would not hesitate to recommend the nursery to other parents.

Read on Google
Sophie x
8 months ago

My son absolutely loves his time Clover Court. The staff are so caring and attentive. I’ve been especially impressed with the way they encourage his learning and even support him with another language. It feels like such a nurturing, supportive environment and I couldn’t be happier with the care he receives! :)

Read on Google

Reviews from Google for Cranbrook Independent Nursery and Preschool. See all on Google Maps

Inspection history

Date: October 2010

  • December 2021Good
  • August 2016Good
  • October 2012Good
  • October 2010Good

Frequently asked about Cranbrook Independent Nursery and Preschool

Nearby day nurseries in CRAWLEY

Other Ofsted-registered day nurseries close to Cranbrook Independent Nursery and Preschool.

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