RE-INVENTING CHILDCARE

Children deserve nothing less than an inviting, well thought out environment in which to grow and learn. A place in which to wonder, create and explore freely, where adults are happy, engaged, respectful and kind, where caring for children isn’t just providing childcare but growing and learning together in a supportive community.

Outstanding learning

We draw on the Montessori Method, the Reggio Emilia approach and Forest School philosophy to create fun and enriching learning experiences.

We carefully plan themes and activities to provide structure, but learning is driven by the children and their interests. All our activities are hands-on, engage the senses and use objects and materials from the real world.

Family-centred

Children here play, learn and eat as one big family. Together we experience the simple rhythms of daily life: baking bread, chatting to the postman, feeding the animals or picking vegetables from the kitchen garden.

Our focus is not just on the child, but their caregivers and wider family. We are always sensitive to a parent’s instincts, adapting to your routines and preferences. We make time to talk to parents, listen to your worries and share guidance if asked.

Exceptional staff

Owner Hannah is supported by a dedicated team of experienced, caring staff who are all skilled at intuitively ‘tuning in’ to each child’s needs. We maintain a high ratio of staff to children so that staff can focus their full attention on the children.

All staff are fully insured, DBS checked and paediatric first aid trained.

Slow childcare

The pace of life at Barn Cottage is calm and unhurried. Children have time to explore the world and focus their attention on the small details of life, whether it’s mastering the art of pouring from a water jug or following the progress of an ant trail. We gently listen, observe and guide children, enabling their learning journey without interfering with it.

Babies to children

We cater for children from five months to school age. While our two settings offer activities which are adapted to age and ability, older children are still welcome at Barn Cottage. We spend much of the day together as a family. The older children love to play with and help the babies, and the babies learn from observing and imitating their older ‘siblings’.

When the time is right, older children can move across to Seasons at Aldingbourne for more adventurous learning opportunities and to broader their social interactions.