Business Details
9 Years
experience
Trusted Child Care Services in West Sussex
Established in 2017, our nursery provides a nurturing environment where children thrive through play-based learning and strong community engagement. Our dedicated team prioritizes individual development, offering tailored care supported by secure relationships with families. With over 4 acres of outdoor space, including woodland and gardens, we emphasize nature-based exploration and hands-on experiences. Our Ofsted-rated GOOD framework ensures a curriculum aligned with Early Years Foundation Stage standards, while our SENCO-led support caters to diverse needs.Daily interactions with animals, purpose-built facilities, and a home-from-home atmosphere reflect our commitment to holistic growth. Regular progress assessments and parental involvement ensure transparency, and our 5-star food hygiene rating underscores our dedication to quality nutrition. Through continuous staff training and environmental enhancements, we maintain a dynamic setting where children develop resilience, creativity, and a lifelong love for learning.
Services
Child Care Services
Outdoor Learning Programs
Special Educational Needs Support
Fresh Meal Preparation
Forest School Activities
Details
- Year established: 2017
Highlights and features
- We offer Ofsted-rated GOOD childcare since 2017 with tailored learning plans
- Our 4-acre woodland and garden provide unique outdoor learning opportunities
- Dedicated SENCO ensures individualized support for diverse needs
- 5-star food hygiene rating with chef-prepared meals and cooking activities
- Experienced team maintains 1:3 staff-to-baby ratios in our Catkins room
Associations and certifications
- Ofsted
- Environmental Health Rating Scheme
What people say
Kind and caring staff
Outdoor learning environment
Best nursery available
Seamless settling-in process
Creative food activities
Services
Child Care Services
Our nursery provides comprehensive childcare for children aged 3 months to 5 years through play-based learning. We maintain low staff ratios and individualized care plans while fostering social-emotional development. Daily activities integrate nature exploration, creative play, and structured learning experiences that prepare children for school transition.
Outdoor Learning Programs
Children engage in structured outdoor activities across 4 acres of gardens, woodland, and animal enclosures. Our curriculum incorporates forest school principles, environmental discovery, and physical development through climbing structures, gardening, and wildlife observation. Seasonal changes inform our exploratory learning approach.
Special Educational Needs Support
We offer tailored support for children with additional needs through individual education plans and specialist resources. Our qualified SENCO coordinates with external professionals while maintaining regular parent consultations. Adapted environments and targeted interventions ensure inclusive participation in all nursery activities.
Fresh Meal Preparation
Daily meals are prepared on-site by qualified chefs using fresh ingredients. Menus accommodate dietary requirements while incorporating children's cooking activities. Food education includes cultural cuisine exploration and hands-on experiences like bread-making and butter-churning to develop healthy eating habits.
Forest School Activities
Private woodland access enables regular forest school sessions focusing on risk assessment, environmental stewardship, and physical development. Children engage in campfire activities, tree climbing, and nature-based crafts under qualified supervision to build confidence and resilience.
People
Alex Chevelle
Owner
Alex founded Rabbit Patch Nursery to create a nature-focused early years environment. Living on-site, they maintain active involvement in daily operations while ensuring the nursery's educational vision aligns with Reggio Emilia principles.
Chevelle Benjamin
Manager
As nursery manager, Chevelle oversees daily operations and staff development. With extensive childcare qualifications, they implement policies ensuring high-quality care while maintaining Ofsted compliance and fostering staff professional growth.
Benjamin Adam
Deputy Manager
Ben supports nursery operations and menu development. His role includes coordinating food services and assisting with staff training, ensuring consistent implementation of educational programs across all age groups.
Brett Livvy
Chef
Brett prepares fresh meals and leads cooking activities for children. Working with seasonal ingredients, he develops nutritionally balanced menus while incorporating food education into daily routines to encourage healthy eating habits.
Becky Natalie
Chef
Becky collaborates with Brett on meal preparation and food-based learning. She engages children in cooking activities and ensures dietary requirements are met while maintaining the nursery's 5-star hygiene standards.
Questions
What age groups do you cater to?
We provide care for children aged 3 months to 5 years through four dedicated rooms: Catkins (3-12 months), Cherry Blossom (1-2 years), Silver Birch (2-3 years), and Willow Tree (3-5 years).
How do you support children's learning and development?
Our play-based curriculum follows Early Years Foundation Stage guidelines with planning-in-the-moment principles. Outdoor learning, forest school activities, and nature exploration form key components of our educational approach across all age groups.
What special educational needs provision do you offer?
Our qualified SENCO implements individual support plans while coordinating with external professionals. We maintain regular parent consultations and adapt environments to ensure inclusive participation in all nursery activities.
Are meals provided at the nursery?
Yes, our on-site chefs prepare fresh meals and snacks daily. Menus accommodate dietary requirements, and children participate in cooking activities like bread-making and seasonal cuisine preparation.
How do you prepare children for school transitions?
We conduct transition meetings with parents and receiving schools, create transition books, and organize settling-in sessions. Our summative assessments and progress reports help teachers understand each child's developmental stage before school entry.
What outdoor facilities do you have?
Our 4-acre site includes gardens with climbing structures, animal enclosures, a pond, and over 3 acres of private woodland. Children access these spaces daily for forest school activities, nature exploration, and physical play.
