Opening hours
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 08:00 - 18:00
Happy Learners Day Nursery, operating since 2023 in Hove, provides childcare for children aged 1 to 4 years. The day nursery consistently achieves a 'Strong standard' in Ofsted inspections, with its latest report on January 16, 2026, highlighting an ambitious and well-thought-out curriculum based on the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
Children at Happy Learners are noted for being extremely well-prepared for their next stage of learning, making sustained progress from their individual starting points. A particular strength lies in the support for developing children's communication and language skills, where staff engage in warm interactions and questioning to extend early communication.
Leaders are deeply committed to early intervention for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), disadvantaged children, or those facing other learning barriers, working closely with external professionals to implement effective strategies. Both indoor and outdoor environments are designed to promote exploration and independence, featuring a forest school that offers opportunities for physical development and curiosity through daily woodland visits.
The nursery's opening hours are Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, operating all year round. Parent feedback consistently reports that children are happy, safe, and enjoy attending the setting.
Our ethos
Happy Learners Day Nursery's educational experience is influenced by Nordic principles, focusing on fostering emotional intelligence, academic confidence, and a connection with nature. They encourage children to be curious, kind, brave, and joyful, incorporating research-backed methods and activities like Forest School to promote a love for discovery and growth in an inclusive environment.
What it's like
Children are happy, secure and show a strong sense of belonging, feeling valued and listened to. They thrive in engaging indoor and outdoor environments designed for exploration and independence, including a forest school for physical development and curiosity. Play is central to their learning, helping them to develop communication, language, mathematical skills, and emotional regulation, ultimately preparing them for their next stage of learning.
Fees are charged on a daily or short-day basis. The nursery operates on an all-inclusive model, meaning that meals, forest school, and outdoor excursions are included in the standard rates.
Funding accepted
Good to know
Opening hours
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 08:00 - 18:00
Term time / All Year
All_year
Registered with Ofsted
2023
Last inspected Jan 2026
Grade summary
Each dot represents one of the six inspection categories. Headline is the average of the six grades, rounded up.
Category grades
Last inspected 16 January 2026 · Lara Mathews
What it's like to attend
Children are happy, secure and show a strong sense of belonging, feeling valued and listened to. They thrive in engaging indoor and outdoor environments designed for exploration and independence, including a forest school for physical development and curiosity. Play is central to their learning, helping them to develop communication, language, mathematical skills, and emotional regulation, ultimately preparing them for their next stage of learning.
Inspector highlights
Areas to develop
Inclusion & environment
Leaders are strongly committed to early intervention, swiftly identifying and supporting children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, disadvantaged children, or those who face other barriers to learning. They work closely with external professionals, implementing and reviewing advice and strategies promptly to ensure a positive impact on children's outcomes. The setting's graduated response to inclusion, moving swiftly from observation to action with strategies like visual supports and adapted environments, is a key strength.
Children thrive in both indoor and outdoor environments that are carefully designed to promote exploration, independence and challenge. The forest school in the woodlands and the spacious outdoor area provide safe opportunities to run, climb and slide, supporting physical development and confidence. Daily real-world experiences, such as woodland visits, foster curiosity and help children develop a purposeful understanding of the world around them.
Disappointed by Poor Management and Unfair Extra Charges . I want to share my experience with this nursery to help other parents make an informed choice. Unfortunately, it was not the best experience, even though I had a very good first impression when I visited the setting and met Madeleine. The venue is new and beautiful, and the staff seemed lovely and caring. Unfortunately, the management did not meet the standard I expected based on my first impression and their website. • On her first day, my daughter caught hand, foot and mouth, yet I wasn’t informed there were already cases. I later learned an email had been sent to other parents the day before, but I was not included despite being told they “weren’t aware.” • When I was asked if my daughter needed more settling-in time and I said yes, instead of offering extra hours they simply split the same hours over three days instead of two, which did not feel child-centred or people-orientated. • I applied for my daughter in April and was very clear from the beginning about the days I needed from January, but I was repeatedly told to “ask later.” Only when very close to January was I told there was no availability for six months, forcing me to move my daughter. • When I gave notice, I felt unfairly treated. First, the manager tried to stop my funding and make me pay the full month, even though this is not her decision. When I pointed this out, she suddenly charged me for meals that other children her age are not charged for. I was also asked for the name of the new nursery “to transfer funding,” which is unnecessary as funding is handled by the government, obviously they just wanted to know were I was going to bring her. The extra charge felt like a punishment for leaving, very unprofessional. • Communication was done through WhatsApp instead of the nursery app, meaning my husband received no updates. It was a shame to put my young daughter through this change, but I am grateful to have found a wonderful nursery where she is now truly thriving. I hope they will reflect on this and improve their service. I should have written this review sooner, but I wanted to be objective and took time to reflect on everything that happened.
Read on GoogleOur child has done so well at Happy Learners and we're really happy with it there. We never have tears at drop off and I've never felt worried about them when in nursery. Lauren, the baby room leader, is absolutely brilliant and has an excellent relationship with all the children. The staff in general are very communicative and will let us know if they have any concerns or if there are any issues. And I love how much time they spend outdoors! Maddie, the Director, has listened to our suggestions about increasing communication with parents and giving more general updates and we trust her entirely to take all parental feedback on board. Our younger child will be joining next year and we feel confident they will enjoy Happy Learners as much as their big sibling does.
Read on GoogleTruly an inspiring nursery! Both of our children are thriving in the beautifully nurturing and fun environment. All staff members are so child centred with their approach which has lead to fantastic progress with our children's confidence and learning. We could not recommend Happy Learners more highly! Many thanks Lucy & Jamie :)
Read on GoogleI would definitely recommend this nursery - the children love the staff and have great fun, you can see the love and effort each and everyone of them put in. My little ones has thrived here, she adores her key worker and often asks me if they can come to our home to play which speaks volumes. One factor we love is that they go out to forest school weekly, learning new skills. We are sent weekly updates including pictures of what they have been up to - this is via the family app. They are knowledgeable and have happily given suggestions on how to navigate any child related issues/concerns.
Read on GoogleWe're really fortunate to have a child in Happy Learners. Friendly staff, especially his key worker, put him right at ease. Bright, clean space with dedicated play areas and a lovely outdoor space. Well-structured activities focus on social skills, learning, and fun. Highly recommend for anyone seeking a nurturing and stimulating environment for their toddler! Maddy (the owner), has done a great job.
Read on GoogleReviews from Google for Happy Learners Day Nursery. See all on Google Maps
Most recent inspection
16 January 2026
Only one graded inspection on record — a trend chart will appear here once a second graded report is published.
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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