Facebook Instagram
Lewes Nursery
Uckfield Nursery
Facebook
Lewes Nursery
Uckfield Nursery

Early Years Education

The Old School House Montessori Nursery Lewes

An open-plan classroom, with role play room and outdoor classroom just off, allows us to create an engaging free-flow environment where children can play and learn in a space of their choosing.

Add in a playground which we use morning and afternoon, and a nature field across the road for weekly-Forest School activities, and you have a nursery perfectly matched to the independent learners who we care for.

Book a showround

Montessori-inspired

The Montessori ethos underpins what we do. We help children develop according to their age and stage

Passionate staff

The staff team is highly trained and passionate about early years. They are interested in the children.

Child-centric

Our nurseries are big enough to give the children variety but not so big they lose the personal touch.

Open 51 weeks a year

We offer high-quality care all year round, from 8am to 6pm.

Montessori-inspired

The Montessori ethos underpins what we do. We help children develop according to their age and stage.

Passionate staff

The staff team is highly trained and passionate about early years. They are interested in the children.

Open 51 weeks a year

We offer high-quality care all year round, from 8am to 6pm.

Child-centric

Our nurseries are big enough to give the children variety but not so big they lose the personal touch

Nursery Lewes

Laying the foundations for happiness

We believe children have an enormous capacity to delight in the world around them. It’s our job to unlock that passion and fan the flames of life-long learning.

 We constantly strive to find new ways to develop the children’s independence and confidence, and so lay the foundations for happy and successful lives.

“Imagination does not become great until human beings, given the courage and the strength, use it to create.”
 
Maria Montessori

Nursery Lewes Staff

Passionate about their jobs

We make sure that all the staff at our nurseries are passionate about their jobs and the children.

 Everyone on the team is expected to be a role model to the children and we are therefore very careful about who we recruit to work with us.

We encourage staff to get to know the children and to actively teach. To us, early years has to be much more than just childcare.

“We LOVE The Old School House , our daughter has been going for a year now. She's so happy and content, in the last year has really come out of her shell and really seems to be thriving. The team give us such wonderful in depth updates throughout the day, really puts our mind at ease!”
CF, Lewes Parent August 2023
Our daughter has been at The Old School House for over two and a half years. She started when she was one; we were nervous having come out of the pandemic and thought she might struggle. How wrong we were. The care, thought and consideration that went into ‘who’ she was when she started meant that she settled very quickly. The open plan room enables her to develop relationships with different age groups and nurture different skills; as well as consistency in staff as she gets older. The staff have become like second family; not only does she adore them but leaving your child in a place you trust is such a comfort. We always know how she’s doing both on a day to day basis and in general and staff are always available for advice and support. I really couldn’t recommend enough
AG, Lewes Parent August 2023
"Our son has been at the nursery since the week after his first birthday and we cannot recommend it highly enough. The nursery staff have cared for him so brilliantly and he has formed close attachments to several of them. They are completely on top of the medication he sometimes requires which is so reassuring. He and his friends learn a huge amount about a wide variety of topics (from planets to plants to personal hygiene!), and they have a lot of fun doing it - we couldn’t have asked for more."
ABG, Lewes parentAugust 2023
"The learning opportunities available to our daughter at The Old School House have been brilliant. The curriculum is well thought out and comprehensive. We were anxious about changing nurseries, but it's worked really well. Our daughter really loves going to nursery!"
KE, Lewes parentAugust 2023
"We have been thrilled with the way our daughter has settled at The Old School House. The communication with us about how she has been each day is fantastic, and the staff are all incredibly child focused. She is always happy going in and enjoys telling us about her day. It’s also reassuring to know what a varied diet she is eating, and the efforts put into ensuring she has a good nap!"
BC, Lewes ParentAugust 2023
"The method and ethos of the nursery has really helped our son with focussed activities and confident sharing. He consistently says the staff are kind and always leaves with a smile (even on days when he wants to stay home!). With one son just graduating and another on the waiting list (due any day now!)- I can wholeheartedly recommend."
GC, Lewes Parent August 2023
"Our son joined the Old Schoolhouse just before he turned three, transfering from a different nursery, and we are really glad to have made the change. Staff and helpful, welcoming and engaged with the children. The curriculum is varied and the Montessori method has clearly helped our son to grow in confidence. We would highly recommend the Old Schoolhouse to any parents in and around Lewes looking for a caring, thoughtfully run nursery."
NS, Lewes Parent August 2023
“Our son started at The Old School House when he was not quite 1 (he’s now 3) and he has absolutely loved it. The staff have all been so kind and caring but also very professional and have looked after him brilliantly - whilst also teaching him so many important skills. He loves going into nursery and always has lots of lovely stories to tell us when we pick him up. The nursery regularly keeps us up to date with what he’s been up to and all of the necessary admin has been really smooth and efficient. It’s a great place and we’re really happy our son has had such a happy first experience of nursery/school.”
CT, Lewes Parent, August 2023
“Since the day he arrived when he was just 2, our son has absolutely loved it at The Old School House. The staff are sweet and caring and he has made some firm friends during his years there. I always feel confident dropping him off and he always bounces out with a smile. I love hearing about the things he has learnt and the activities he does there and we will be very sad to leave when the time comes soon!”
JM, Lewes Parent August 2023
“Our two sons have both loved their time at the nursery and are always beaming when we collect them. The staff are lovely, and really notice and nurture the children’s individual personalities, preferences and needs. It amazes us how much they learn every day - always coming home with new facts and discoveries! We love the ‘forest school’ element as well. Our eldest is about to start school and we feel that OSH has prepared him incredibly well for this next step. Thank you all.”
AE, Lewes Parent August 2023
“The Old School House gave my son a nurturing and stimulating environment. The staff are brilliant and the children always seem content and engaged. They grow vegetables, teach children about nature and around Halloween – the children even made pumpkin soup for lunch! My son has made solid friendships and loves his Key Person. I'm so grateful for the years he spent there. The food is healthy and my son started eating foods there that he would refuse at home. It's a really wholesome place. Highly recommend.”
MC, Lewes Parent August 2023
We couldn’t recommend the Old School House Nursery in Lewes highly enough. Our little boy is so happy there, and it’s been wonderful to see him go from strength to strength in the care of the frankly brilliant staff. As parents, it’s such a joy to know how well looked after, well-fed and adequately stimulated he is. Thank you!
JA, Lewes ParentAugust 2023
We have been very happy with the care our son has received at The Old Schoolhouse. Since joining the nursery a year ago he has become so much more independent and his knowledge, communication skills and overall confidence have come on in leaps and bounds. He clearly learns a lot there and has fun in the process. We are pleased that he has also benefitted from opportunities to mix with both older and younger children in the open plan space. The staff are very kind and friendly and my son goes in happily each day. It is a happy, calm and nurturing environment.
DC, Lewes Parent August 2023
Our Classroom Team

Our staff are all highly qualified childcare professionals and most have many years of experience. Just as importantly, we employ caring people who love children and who want to give them the very best start in life.

Whatever our backgrounds, we all enjoy getting to know the children and take great pride in their achievements.

Explore More

Our values and principles

Children and young people have the right be protected from neglect and abuse. Everyone has a responsibility to protect children and young people and to report concerns.

Children’s needs are paramount and take precedence over the needs of adults in any conflict between the two. This nursery’s policy and procedures are designed to safeguard all children, to ensure they are all equally valued, and to give them the best start in life.

All allegations and concerns are taken seriously and dealt with appropriately in accordance with our safeguarding policy.

Caring for the under 2s

Mini Monties

At one end of the classroom, in their own beautiful play space and interconnecting sleep room, are the youngest children in the nursery – the Mini Monties.

 The emphasis is on giving the children consistent, focused attention so that they feel at home and happy. Cuddles and a helping hand are never far away, but we also use our experience and training to assess and plan for your child’s development, just as we do with the older children. Our record keeping is shared with parents on a regular basis to ensure nursery and home are working together to meet all of your child’s needs.

A home-from-home in the Mini Monty play space

Our Mini Monties are aged between six months and two years old. They are cared for by the baby-trained team in a home-from-home environment which is safe, warm and welcoming.

We love seeing our Mini Monties bloom so we offer lots of variety and stimulation to aid progress. The toys are specially selected to help develop language and motor skills. The children paint, play in sand and water, join in with music and enjoy the outdoor garden and playground, just as the older children do. 

Nutritious food

Healthy food, suited to the age and stage of your child, is served at breakfast, lunch and tea.

Early learning

Our Minis enjoy many of the same activities as the older children, but in a form ideally suited to their tender years.

Exploring their town

The Minis are often taken for walks in the buggies to the beautiful duck pond, down the road from nursery.

37
37.3
70
32
69
36
37.1
54
53
64
40
44
38
33
34
37.2

Nursery Lewes

Policies and procedures

Safeguarding Children and Child Protection Policy

Safeguarding_What to do if you have concerns about a child's welfare

Drop off and collection of children by parents_policy and procedures_Lewes

Collection of children by authorised adults_policy and procedures

Making a complaint policy and procedures

Parental behaviour_policy and procedu

Behaviour policy and procedures

Allergies and illness policy and procedures

Food allergy and intolerance policy and procedures

Nappy changing, toilet training and beyond_policies and procedures

Health and wellbeing_policy and procedures

Parental involvement policy and procedures

Please view all our policies here.

  • Safeguarding children

    1.2.1 Child Protection and Safeguarding policy and procedures

    (Including managing allegations of abuse against a member of staff)

     

    Key contacts

    • Designated Safeguarding Lead: Names on parent noticeboard or ask any member of staff.
    • Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead: Names on parent noticeboard or ask any member of staff.
    • Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO, Donna Davis): Consultation via the online portal here
    • Referrals into Early Help and Social Care Single Point of Access:
    • Emergency Duty Service (after hours, weekends and public holidays): 01273 335906/01273 335905

    • INTRODUCTION

       

      • Our whole nursery approach to safeguarding is based upon an understanding of the local context and an attitude of ‘it could happen here’.

       

      • Our children’s welfare is our paramount concern. The nursery Owners and management team will ensure that our nursery will safeguard and promote the welfare of children and work together with other agencies to ensure that our nursery has robust arrangements to identify, assess and support those children who are experiencing or likely to experience harm.

       

      • Our nursery is a community and all those directly connected, staff, volunteers, Owners, parents, families and children, have an essential role to play in making it safe and secure.

       

      • Safeguarding is not an isolated activity which is undertaken by a select few within only certain areas of nursery practice. Safeguarding children is everyone’s responsibility and everyone at our nursery who has contact with children and families must play an active role in keeping children safe from harm. In that respect we take a whole nursery approach to safeguarding, ensuring that it is at the forefront of all our work, that it underpins all of our policies and processes and that everything we do is always with the best interests of the children at heart.

       

      • Our nursery will provide a caring, positive and stimulating environment that promotes the social, physical, emotional and moral development of the individual child, and where children feel safe.

       

      • We always take a child-centred approach to our work and ensure that we listen to the voice of the child so that all children feel heard and understood. When children talk to an adult about a concern they may have they will always be taken seriously, they will always be supported and kept safe, they will never be given the impression that they are creating a problem or have anything to feel ashamed about.

       

      • We understand that children may not feel ready or know how to tell someone that they are being abused, exploited, or neglected, and/or they may not recognise their experiences as harmful. For example, children may feel embarrassed, humiliated, or being threatened. This could be due to their vulnerability, disability or language barriers. This will not prevent staff from having professional curiosity and speaking to the DSL if they have concerns about a child.

       

      • So that children are able and confident to raise concerns with adults we ensure that our safeguarding systems are well promoted, easily understood and easily accessible. Alongside this we expect all staff to develop positive relationships with children, which build trust and facilitate communication.

       

      • To support children who may find it difficult to directly speak with an adult in the nursery there are other means of encouraging children to share, such as emotion puppets and emotion books.

       

      • As well as systems for individual children to raise concerns, we also gather the child’s voice, to understand the experience of children at the nursery, so that this can inform the development of safeguarding practice. We always aim to capture the full breadth of the child demographic, including children with SEND and those who are known to be vulnerable.

       

      • So that children are supported to stay safe online whether they are at nursery or at home we teach a range of knowledge through specific topics related to safeguarding as part of our broad and balanced preventive curriculum. This includes: using technology safely with the help of their parents /carers; discussing how they shouldn’t talk to strangers; to go home if they get lost; to go to someone in a uniform if separate from parents / carers.

       

      • Children do not use the internet in nursery. The web browser is not available on our iPads in the classroom.

       

      1.13       All teachers and practitioners recognise that there are opportunities to reinforce the learning around these safeguarding within all subject areas and will plan to do so. Non-teaching members of staff recognise that they too can support learning in these areas through broader modelling of behaviours or messages.

       

      1.14       The use of technology is a significant component of many safeguarding issues so as part of our whole nursery approach to safeguarding we issue parents with an ‘Online Safety checklist for the Under 5s’ which helps parents / carers set boundaries for their children.

       

      1.15       We recognise that abuse may occur in a range of situations: within families or households, within the community, or online or face-to-face. We also recognise too that it is not only adults who may abuse children but also that children can abuse other children as well.

       

      1.16       We recognise that just because children are not raising concerns, that is not to say that there are no concerns. For example, there may be no reported cases of child-on-child abuse, but such abuse may still be taking place and is simply not being reported, this is why it is so important to listen to children, to teach them about risk and safety and to raise awareness around how to seek support.

       

      1.17       We take a zero-tolerance approach to child-on-child abuse. Further information on this area of work is within Appendix C of this policy. This should also be read alongside the Behaviour Policy.

       

      1.18       We will work with parents to build an understanding of the nursery’s responsibilities to ensure the welfare of all children, including the need for referrals to other agencies, such as Children’s Social Care, in some situations.

Read more

1.12.2 How we care for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities – Our Offer

  1. How does the nursery know if children need extra help and what should I do if I think my child may have special educational needs?
  • At School House Nurseries we are committed to the inclusion of all children. All children have the right to be cared for and educated to develop to their full potential alongside each other through positive experiences, to enable them to share opportunities and experiences and develop and learn from each other. We provide a positive and welcoming environment where children are supported according to their individual needs and we work hard to ensure no children are discriminated against or put at a disadvantage as a consequence of their needs.
  • If a Practitioner has any concerns, these observations will be shared with the nursery’s Senco (Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator) and the Manager.
  • At School House Nurseries we have a Key Person system in place, which means every child has a named individual overseeing the child’s record keeping and care needs. When they are not present a Key Buddy is responsible. The role of the Key Person/Buddy is to develop trusting, sensitive relationship with both the child and the parents/carers to enable respectful sharing of information.
  • If you have any concerns about your child’s development you can ask for time to discuss your concerns in private with your Key Person.
  • If your child’s Key Person has identified a possible individual need they will discuss their concerns with you in private and then a joint plan can be made to support your child’s learning and development.
  • Our trained Senco can offer advice and support to the Key Person and our other childcare practitioners. The Senco will liaise with other professionals to seek advice and support in identifying individual needs if and when necessary. Additional support can also be given by East Sussex’s Early Years Support Team with parent’s/carer’s permission.
  • Reports from health care professionals, such as Health Visitors and Speech and Language therapists, who have been involved in identifying a child’s individual needs are always welcomed. This information can then be used to plan for your child’s care, learning and development requirements.

Read more