Business Details
41 Years
experience
Trusted Childcare Services in Eastbourne
Tom Thumb Nursery was established in 1985 and has been a trusted provider of quality childcare in Eastbourne for over three decades. Our team of highly qualified staff, with over 80% holding formal qualifications, delivers enriching educational experiences aligned with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. We pride ourselves on creating a warm, welcoming environment where children from 6 months old develop through play, exploration, and structured learning activities. Our nursery features three floors of age-specific classrooms and an all-weather outdoor garden that supports hands-on learning and physical development.We maintain strong partnerships with parents through regular updates and individualised learning journeys documented via photos and videos. Our SENCO, a qualified teacher with specialist training, ensures tailored support for children with additional needs. We operate daily from 7:30am to 6:30pm and have received an Ofsted 'Good' rating in all areas during our November 2023 inspection. Our facilities include an expansive outdoor field in Hankham for nature-based learning experiences.
Services
Childcare from 6 months
Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum
Outdoor Learning Activities
Special Educational Needs Support
Flexible Hours & Funding Options
Details
- Year established: 1985
Highlights and features
- We have over 35 years of experience in childcare
- Highly qualified team with NVQ training and first aid certification
- Ofsted registered and rated Good in all areas
- Focus on outdoor and experiential learning in a 2-acre field
- Personalized learning journeys with daily parental updates
Associations and certifications
- Ofsted
What people say
Loved the staff
Great developments
Attentive and caring
Perfect setup
Highly recommend
Services
Childcare from 6 months
Our nursery provides quality care for infants aged 6 months to 2 years in our Imps room. We follow age-appropriate activities that stimulate sensory development through play with materials like shaving foam, jelly, and pasta. Each child receives individual attention from our qualified staff who create a secure environment for early learning and social interaction.
Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum
We deliver the statutory Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum through structured learning in seven developmental areas. Our Pixies (2-3 years) and Elves (3-4 years) groups engage in planned activities that meet EYFS objectives while encouraging creativity and exploration. Our qualified teacher-led team ensures educational standards through continuous assessment and individual learning journeys.
Outdoor Learning Activities
Children access a 2-acre field in Hankham for outdoor learning experiences including planting, mini-beast hunts, and camp building. Our enclosed garden features sand and mud areas, water walls, and art fences that promote physical development and environmental awareness. Daily outdoor sessions help children develop resilience and problem-solving skills through hands-on natural exploration.
Special Educational Needs Support
Our qualified SENCO provides tailored support for children with additional needs, working closely with parents and external agencies. We implement individualised Setting Based Support Plans with termly reviews and collaborate with speech therapists, occupational therapists, and health visitors. Staff receive regular training in Makaton, autism support, and sensory integration techniques.
Flexible Funding Options
We offer 15 and 30-hour funded childcare options for eligible families, including stretched funding across 49 weeks. Our fees include snacks, nappies, and drinks while providing discounts for siblings and high attendance. We accept Tax-Free Childcare contributions and Universal Credit childcare cost claims to make quality care accessible for all families.
Questions
What age range do you accept?
We care for children from 6 months up to school age, with dedicated spaces for Imps (6 months-2½ years), Pixies (2½-3½ years), and Elves (3½-4½ years).
What are your operating hours?
We're open daily from 7:30am to 6:30pm, 52 weeks a year except bank holidays, summer break (week commencing 10th August), and Christmas closure (Christmas Eve to New Year's Day).
Do you offer funded childcare places?
Yes, we provide 15 and 30-hour funded options for eligible families, including stretched funding across 49 weeks. We also accept Tax-Free Childcare and Universal Credit contributions.
How do you support children's learning and development?
We follow the EYFS curriculum with individual learning journeys, daily observations, and parent updates through our Tapestry online system. Our outdoor field and sensory activities enhance experiential learning.
What provisions exist for children with special needs?
Our qualified SENCO implements individualised support plans, collaborates with external agencies, and provides staff training in Makaton and sensory integration to meet diverse learning requirements.
Can I visit before enrolling my child?
We strongly recommend visiting to experience our nursery environment. Contact us via phone or email to arrange a viewing and meet our team.
Reviews (2)
C. S.
Oct 26, 2020
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Both my children have and are attending TT and have found them to be amazing. They have completed activities that I would never have thought off and allowed them to explore. Thank you ladies my eldest is attending school now and the transiting for this was great. He has gone in a happy boy. Continue the super work.
Forza Napoli
Oct 19, 2020
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My daughter has thoroughly enjoyed attending Tom Thumb nursery. As I am a key worker she attended all through lockdown. The groups were changed so the children could be in bubbles for safety reasons. The staff adapted really well to what were challenging times and my little girl still managed to have fun whilst staying safe. Thanks TT! Well miss you now we will be starting big school xx
