Business Details
43 Years
experience
Trusted Childcare & Preschool Services in Horley
Established in 1983, Cranbrook Nurseries has been dedicated to revolutionising childcare provision across Horley, Crawley, and Haywards Heath. Our four nurseries and pre-schools offer a nurturing environment where children aged 0 to 5 years can learn and grow through engaging indoor and outdoor activities. As registered Forest Schools, we maximise learning potential by utilising local woodlands and wilderness gardens, fostering a deep connection with nature. Our commitment to staff development ensures our team remains at the forefront of early years education, with many pursuing advanced qualifications. We prioritise holistic child development, aligning our curriculum with the Early Years Foundation Stage to deliver well-rounded educational experiences.Our Learn through Play pedagogy encourages independence, resilience, and creativity through tailored activities. Nutritional excellence is maintained by dedicated chefs preparing home-cooked meals using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. With flexible hours and a focus on community, we provide an enabling environment where every child achieves their full potential. Our success stems from passionate staff building strong relationships with families, creating a supportive atmosphere that combines individuality with regional acclaim.
Services
Childcare Programs
Forest School Sessions
Nutritional Meals
Preschool Curriculum
Flexible Hours
Details
- Year established: 1983
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of expertise in early years education
- Our Forest School programs utilise natural environments for learning
- Dedicated chefs prepare fresh, home-cooked meals daily
- Staff receive continuous professional development training
- Flexible hours accommodate working parents' schedules
Associations and certifications
- Forest Schools Association
What people say
Nurturing environment
Qualified staff
Engaging Forest School
Home-cooked meals
Creative activities
Services
Childcare Programs
Our comprehensive childcare programs cater to children aged 0-5 years, offering structured learning through play, arts and crafts, and physical activities. Each session promotes cognitive, social, and emotional development while maintaining a safe, nurturing environment. Our qualified staff implement individualised care plans to meet each child's unique needs.
Forest School Sessions
As registered Forest Schools, we deliver nature-based education in woodland environments. Children engage in tree climbing, den building, and wildlife exploration to develop resilience, teamwork, and environmental awareness. Qualified leaders facilitate hands-on learning experiences that align with early years curriculum requirements while fostering a love for nature.
Nutritional Meals
Our dedicated nursery chefs prepare fresh, home-cooked meals daily using locally sourced ingredients. Menus follow government nutritional guidelines to ensure balanced diets rich in vitamins and minerals. Children participate in cooking activities and herb garden maintenance, learning about food origins while developing healthy eating habits in a social dining environment.
Preschool Curriculum
Our Learn through Play pedagogy delivers the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum through tailored activities. Children develop literacy, numeracy, and motor skills via structured play, creative expression, and interactive learning. Individual progress is tracked across seven key areas to ensure comprehensive educational development aligned with national standards.
Flexible Hours
We offer adaptable childcare solutions with nursery hours from 7:30am to 6:00pm. Early morning care is available from 7:30am at select locations, accommodating working parents' schedules. Our consistent staffing ensures children receive quality care throughout their extended day while maintaining educational continuity and emotional security.
People
Julie Christmas
Nursery Manager
With extensive experience in early years education, Julie manages Acorn Cottage nursery. She ensures high-quality care standards while fostering strong parent relationships. Her leadership focuses on creating stimulating learning environments that prioritise child development and safety.
Kelly Pearce
Nursery Manager
As Buttercup Barn's manager, Kelly oversees daily operations while maintaining Forest School programs. She specialises in outdoor learning and has developed engaging nature-based curricula that promote physical development and environmental awareness among young children.
Louise Horsfield-Novelli
Nursery Manager
Louise leads Clover Court nursery with a focus on holistic child development. She implements innovative teaching methods that balance structured learning with creative play. Her expertise in early years nutrition complements the nursery's healthy eating initiatives.
Jodie Day
Nursery Manager
Managing Ivy Cottage, Jodie combines traditional childcare with modern educational practices. She has introduced cooking clubs and herb gardens to enhance children's understanding of food origins while maintaining rigorous safety and hygiene standards.
Diane
Nursery Cook
As Buttercup Barn's cook, Diane prepares nutritious meals using fresh produce from the nursery allotment. With Level 3 food hygiene certification, she creates balanced menus that meet government nutritional standards while making mealtimes enjoyable educational experiences for children.
Questions
What age range do you cater for?
We provide childcare for children aged 0 to 5 years across all nursery locations.
Are meals provided during the day?
Yes, our qualified chefs prepare fresh, home-cooked meals using locally sourced ingredients for all children.
Do you offer outdoor learning opportunities?
As registered Forest Schools, we deliver nature-based education through regular woodland visits and outdoor activities.
What are your operating hours?
Nurseries operate Monday to Friday from 7:30am to 6:00pm, with early morning care available.
How do you support child development?
Our Learn through Play pedagogy combines structured learning with creative activities to develop key skills across seven educational areas.
Can I visit the nursery before registering?
Yes, we encourage prospective parents to book a tour to experience our facilities and meet staff.
