Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Climbing Bears Preschool: Early Learning Through Play
Climbing Bears is a thriving village preschool established in 1970, serving Wisborough Green and surrounding areas. Located within the grounds of Wisborough Green Primary School, we maintain a close partnership to provide children with an optimal start to their educational journey. Our approach centres on early years learning through play, grounded in the belief that play is a serious and significant process for children aged 2 - 5 years. We offer a purpose-built environment with dedicated indoor and outdoor spaces, including climbing walls, mud kitchens, and creative areas. Our team comprises highly qualified professionals, all holding Level 3 or higher childcare qualifications, with some members boasting over 20 years of service.We prioritise child safety and development, adhering to rigorous safeguarding protocols and maintaining low staff turnover. Our curriculum aligns with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) principles, focusing on holistic development through self-led exploration. With a high staff-to-child ratio, we ensure individualised attention and a nurturing atmosphere. Our commitment to quality was reaffirmed in our 2020 Ofsted inspection, which awarded us a 'Good' rating. We remain dedicated to evolving with families' needs while preserving our foundational ethos of play-based learning.
Services
Early Years Education
Outdoor Learning Sessions
Special Educational Needs Support
Child Safeguarding Programmes
Parent Communication Workshops
Details
- Year established: 1970
Highlights and features
- Established in 1970 with a proven track record in early years education
- Highly qualified staff, including Level 4 childcare professionals
- Ofsted 'Good' rating reflecting consistent quality standards
- Dedicated outdoor learning spaces with climbing walls and sensory areas
- Strong partnership with Wisborough Green Primary School for seamless transitions
Associations and certifications
- Ofsted
What people say
Caring staff
Excellent outdoor facilities
Strong safeguarding practices
Seamless school transition
Engaging play-based curriculum
Services
Early Years Education
Our play-based curriculum follows EYFS guidelines, focusing on holistic development through structured activities and self-led exploration. We nurture communication skills, physical coordination, and emotional growth in children aged 25 years.
Outdoor Learning Sessions
Daily outdoor activities in purpose-built spaces featuring climbing walls, mud kitchens, and sensory gardens. These sessions develop motor skills, environmental awareness, and collaborative play in all weather conditions.
Special Educational Needs Support
Tailored programmes delivered by our SENCO-qualified team ensure inclusive learning. We implement individualised strategies to support diverse developmental needs while maintaining integration with peers.
Child Safeguarding Programmes
Comprehensive safeguarding measures include DBS-checked staff, secure premises, and regular training. Our designated safeguarding officers maintain strict child protection policies aligned with statutory requirements.
Parent Communication Workshops
Regular workshops and key worker systems ensure transparent communication. We provide development updates and collaborative planning sessions to align home and preschool learning experiences.
People
Gemma
Nursery Manager
Level 4 qualified childcare professional with designated safeguarding lead responsibilities. Oversees daily operations and staff training at Climbing Bears.
Shania
Deputy Manager
Level 4 childcare specialist serving as SENCO and designated safeguarding officer. Supports curriculum development and special needs provision.
Mandy
Supervisor
Experienced Level 3 qualified practitioner managing daily sessions and safeguarding protocols. Provides mentorship to junior staff members.
Lucy
Supervisor
Dedicated childcare professional with Level 3 qualifications in early years development. Specialises in creative learning activities and child engagement.
Louise
Nursery Practitioner
Qualified childcare practitioner delivering daily learning activities. Focuses on physical development and outdoor learning experiences for young children.
Questions
What age group do you cater for?
We accept children from the term after they turn 2 years old.
How do you support special educational needs?
Our SENCO-qualified staff provide tailored support within our inclusive environment.
What qualifications do your staff hold?
All staff hold Level 3 or higher childcare qualifications, with regular safeguarding training.
How do you prepare children for primary school?
We partner with Wisborough Green Primary School to ensure smooth educational transitions.
What outdoor facilities do you offer?
Our outdoor space includes climbing walls, mud kitchens, sandpits, and covered learning areas.
Reviews (3)
Lois Wright-Thompson
Nov 20, 2019
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I would highly recommend Climbing Bears for any child. My son loved his time there and the staff were so friendly and knowledgeable. He had a great start at Primary school too thanks to Bears as he was learning and having fun at the same time and was set up brilliantly for big school.
Charlotte Hancock
Nov 06, 2019
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My son absolutely loves it at bears. He settled in almost straight away. Forest school is brilliant and lots of exploring to do. My son also has lots of fun when music bus comes in to the nursery. All the staff are lovely, friendly and welcoming. Couldn’t recommend this nursery enough 10/10 🙂
Lorna Byles
Nov 06, 2019
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Our daughter recently started bears and absolutely loves it. From the staff, range of fun and engaging activities, outside play, planned outsourced sessions such as sports and to be able to explore things naturally. Also in the few short months she has come on in her knowledge, understanding and vocabulary. Definitely recommend this pre school.😊
