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Thankfully, long waiting lists for nursery schools in the county are rare. There are numerous options ranging from state-funded nurseries attached to primary schools to well-known chains. Childcare for the under-fives is notoriously expensive in the UK (despite state funding available to all) and some nurseries (mainly those attached to schools) operate term-time only. If you’re not quite sure where to begin, our guide to choosing a nursery will help.
Nurseries in Chichester
In the centre of town is Pelicans Nursery, part of The Prebendal School, for three- and four-year-olds, where the focus is on outdoor learning, with beach school a few minutes’ away on school’s minibus. An out-of-town option, Explorers Nursery, at Great Ballard Prep School, is set within 30 acres of South Downs National Park. Also out of town, is the nursery at Westbourne House School, where children can begin at two-and-a-half. Worth trying is the pre-school and nursery, at Oakwood School, which provides wrap-around care for working parents. Busy Bees, in the city centre, offers year-round nursery care for children aged six months to five, and is a popular option with full-time working parents.
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Nurseries in East Grinsted and Crawley
Full-time working parents might lean towards Busy Bees and All Kids Ltd which offer day care from six months. Fledglings Day Nursery and Pre-School is one of the pricier options but has stunning facilities and a low-sugar, low-salt, menu for its little charges. The Stables is a charming option and has a solid local reputation. The nursery part of Brambletye Prep School accepts children from aged two-and-a-half, and all but guarantees your child a spot in the main prep school, when the time comes. Little Oaks Pre-School at Turners Hill CofE School is also a sought-after option.
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Nurseries in Haywards Heath
Cuckfield Preschool has an enviable local reputation and putting your child’s name down on the list early is recommended; six months' notice is the local rule of thumb for this popular school. Next Step Nursery in the highly sought-after village of Cuckfield has a strong local following. Further down the M23 Burgess Hill Girls accepts boys into its nursery school from aged two to five years and benefits from being on the same site as the senior school. Bright Horizons, Burgess Hill provides a great option for more full-time day and holiday care, as does Tinysaurus.
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Nurseries in Horsham
Horsham Nursery School is a maintained nursery school and runs term-time only for the over-threes, but there is a holiday club. Greenway Nursery receives praise from local sources, as does Catkins Nursery. The Nursery Family operates across the county, but their Lower Beeding school is mentioned most by those in-the-know. South, down the A24, behind Windlesham House Prep School, is Garden Cottage. Whilst not part of Windlesham, many children go on to the prep school for reception.
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Nurseries in Worthing
Bright Horizons offers day care from six months. Little Rascals Day Nursery receives praise for its seaside trips and outdoor space. For term-time only provision, St John’s Preschool takes children from two years old and has EAL provision. Lancing Prep Worthing (locally known as Little Lancing) and Lancing Prep Hove accept children from aged two, operating term-time only.
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