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Cranbrook Independent Nursery and Preschool in Balcombe

Ofsted: Good
(May 2023)
·
4.0(4 parent reviews)
·Buttercup Barn, Haywards Heath Road, BALCOMBE, RH17 6NL · West Sussex
Number of places
56 places
Age range
0–5 yrs
Last inspected
May 2023
Local authority
West Sussex

About this day nursery

Cranbrook Independent Nursery and Preschool has been dedicated to delivering exceptional childcare and education for over four decades, establishing itself as a nurturing "home-from-home" environment for young learners. The nursery meticulously designs its spaces to foster comfort and security, enabling children to flourish under the guidance of experienced early years educators.

Their approach emphasises learning through play and discovery, aligning with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework to cultivate independence, resilience, and crucial social skills. The curriculum is thoughtfully balanced between child-led exploration and adult-guided activities, providing a strong basis for lifelong learning.

Cranbrook Nurseries also prioritises outdoor learning as a fundamental aspect of their curriculum, encouraging children to connect with nature. Furthermore, they are committed to children's well-being by preparing healthy, home-cooked meals daily, ensuring a holistic and supportive experience for every child.

Our ethos

Cranbrook Independent Nursery and Preschool's philosophy is centred on fostering a nurturing "home-from-home" environment. Their approach emphasises learning through play and discovery, aligned with the EYFS framework, to cultivate independence, resilience, and social skills. They balance child-led exploration with adult-guided activities and prioritise outdoor learning and children's well-being through healthy meals.

What it's like

Children are greeted warmly and eagerly explore the inviting environment, choosing craft materials and discussing recent events. They have free-flow access to the outdoor area for imaginative play, and their behaviour and attitudes to learning are excellent.

Established 1983EYFS CurriculumOutdoor LearningHome-cooked meals

Pricing & funding

Funding accepted

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

Key facts

Food

Healthy, home-cooked meals prepared daily

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Cranbrook Independent Nursery and Preschool

Last inspected 11 May 2023

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

What it's like to attend

Children are greeted warmly and eagerly explore the inviting environment, choosing craft materials and discussing recent events. They have free-flow access to the outdoor area for imaginative play, and their behaviour and attitudes to learning are excellent.

Inspector highlights

  • The manager is passionate about the care and learning intent, providing daily support and coaching to staff.
  • Staff understand their roles and responsibilities, receive regular supervision, and access online training.
  • Children are supported to be independent, with young children taking off shoes and socks, peeling oranges, and wiping noses.
  • Partnerships with parents are very strong, with parents happy with the care and kept informed via an online portal and workshops.
  • Children behave exceptionally well and are highly motivated to learn, with older children given responsibilities and all children helping with tasks.

Areas to develop

  • 1strengthen the support for children to ensure they have sufficient challenge and opportunities to extend their learning further, particularly in relation to their physical development.
Inspection #10283811 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

Outdoor space

Children have free-flow access to the outdoor area where they engage in imaginative play. Older children walk along planks and younger children look for bugs in their garden area, while babies enjoy singing outside.

Parent Reviews of Cranbrook Independent Nursery and Preschool

4.0
(4)

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

Inspection history

Date: August 2009

  • May 2023Good
  • September 2018Good
  • May 2016Good
  • September 2013Requires improvement
  • August 2009Outstanding

Frequently asked about Cranbrook Independent Nursery and Preschool

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