Cranbrook Independent Nursery & Pre-School | 4 Day Nurseries

Review of
Cranbrook Independent Nursery & Pre-School - Ivy Cottage
from Caroline H (Mother of Child) published on 3 February 2026 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

I contacted Ivy Cottage after having a terrible experience with another nursery and they have been incredible. As well as being so warm and loving with my little boy they were also very welcoming and understanding about how anxious I was feeling. All the staff appear to have a genuine love for what

they do and they speak about my son with the same pride and care that I speak about him, which makes me feel at ease. I look forward to hearing all the fun things he has done at nursery that day either on the app or at the handover with his key-worker. Jodie, the nursery manager, and Natasha, the deputy manager are also very welcoming and know every single child who attends their nursery. I couldn't be happier with our choice of nursery.

Reply from Jodie Day, Manager at Cranbrook Independent Nursery & Pre-School - Ivy CottageThank you so much for taking the time to share such a kind and thoughtful review. We're truly delighted to hear how positive your experience has been and that you and your little boy have felt so welcomed and supported at Ivy Cottage.
We understand how daunting it can be after a difficult experience elsewhere, so it means a great deal to know that our team has helped put you at ease. Our staff genuinely care about every child, and it's wonderful to hear that this comes across in the way we speak about and care for your son.
Myself, Natasha, and the whole team are so touched by your words. We love being part of your child's journey and sharing all the fun and learning that happens each day. Thank you again for trusting us - we're so happy to have your family as part of the Ivy Cottage community.

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Review of
Cranbrook Independent Nursery & Pre-School - Buttercup Barn
from Sarah H (Mother of Child) published on 29 January 2026 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

Both my children have gone through Buttercup Barn from 9 months through to school (my youngest leaves in summer) and I cannot praise the nursery enough. All of the staff are lovely and treat the children with such care. Staff are friendly to parents and very communicative and are constantly coming up

with creative ways to involve the parents - from Mother and Father's day events, bedtime story events etc. Both my girls have really flourished at the Barn and I will be sad to leave in the summer!

Reply from Kelly Pearce, nursery manager at Cranbrook Independent Nursery & Pre-School - Buttercup BarnThank you so much for taking the time to write such a thoughtful review. It has been an absolute pleasure to be part of your family's journey over the years, from those very early days right through to school readiness.
We're so proud to hear how well both of your girls have flourished at Buttercup Barn - that truly means everything to us. Our team will be so touched by your kind words about the care, communication, and the special events we love sharing with our families.
Families like yours are what make Buttercup Barn such a special place, and while we will be very sad to say goodbye this summer, we're so grateful for the trust you've placed in us. We wish your youngest every success as they move on to their next adventure and hope you'll always feel part of the Buttercup family.

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Review of
Cranbrook Independent Nursery & Pre-School - Buttercup Barn
from L O (Mother of Child) published on 29 January 2026 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

We joined Buttercup Nursery after trying another nursery, and it's been the best decision. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and communication is excellent-both in person and via email with staff, manager Kelly, and deputy Alisha. The nursery runs parent workshops full of helpful advice and organizes

memorable events over the years. The teachers are fantastic-well-trained, caring, and much loved by our child. Even though it's a bit far from home, we wouldn't send our child anywhere else, and we're excited for our second to join too.

Reply from kelly pearce, nursery manager at Cranbrook Independent Nursery & Pre-School - Buttercup BarnThank you so much for this incredibly kind review. We are truly delighted to hear that Buttercup has been the right fit for your family and that you've felt welcomed and supported since joining us.
Creating a warm, nurturing environment with strong communication is something we value deeply, so it means a lot to hear that this has stood out to you. Kelly, Alicia, and the whole team will be so touched by your lovely words.
We're especially pleased that you've enjoyed our parent workshops and special events over the years - building strong partnerships with families is at the heart of what we do. Knowing that your child feels happy, loved, and secure with our team is the biggest compliment we could receive.
Thank you for trusting us, even with the extra journey, and we're so excited to welcome your second child to Buttercup when the time comes.

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Review of
Cranbrook Independent Nursery & Pre-School - Ivy Cottage
from Moe S (Father of Child) published on 9 January 2026 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

We are extremely grateful to Ivy Cottage Nursery for the wonderful care and support they have shown our children. From the very beginning, the settling-in process was handled with such care, patience, and professionalism, which made a big difference for our family.
Our children moved from another Cranbrook

nursery to Ivy Cottage, and thanks to Jodie, the transition was absolutely seamless. Jodie was incredibly helpful, supportive, and reassuring throughout the process, keeping us well informed and ensuring everything was in place. Her kindness and understanding truly put us at ease.
The staff at Ivy Cottage are all so welcoming, friendly, and attentive. They created a warm and nurturing environment where our children felt safe, happy, and comfortable from day one. It was clear how much effort the team put into making the children feel settled and valued, and that meant so much to us as parents.
We couldn't be happier with our experience so far and would highly recommend Ivy Cottage Nur

Reply from Jodie Day, Manager at Cranbrook Independent Nursery & Pre-School - Ivy CottageThank you so much for your lovely words and for trusting Ivy Cottage Nursery with the care of your children.
We're delighted to hear that the settling-in process and transition went so smoothly, and I'm so pleased to know that my support, reassurance, and care made such a positive difference for your family.
Our whole team takes great pride in creating a warm, nurturing, and welcoming environment where every child feels safe, happy, and valued, so it means a great deal to know this was felt from day one. Your feedback is incredibly encouraging for all of us.
Thank you again for your kind words and continued support.

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Review of
Cranbrook Independent Nursery & Pre-School - Ivy Cottage
from T A (Mother of Child) published on 22 December 2025 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

I visited 5 nurseries within Crawley before making my decision. Every nursery had very similar answers to all of my questions & similar facilities which makes it difficult to make a decision..so I had to go off how the nursery made me feel. I got such a good vibe from Ivy Cottage & from Jodie the nursery

manager. I can honestly say that I absolutely made the right decision with Ivy Cottage. The guys that work there are the most welcoming & warm bunch of lovely people. My Daughter had some issues with drop off to start with & being very upset & they were so supportive with this. She also struggled a bit with eating & they came up with ideas to help her eating improve.
Every day when I drop her off & pick her up she is so happy now, smiling at all the staff. Her learning has come on leaps & bounds. They do so many different activities there& are always thinking of ways to include parents & Grandparents with their events. Thank you Ivy Cottage

Reply from Jodie Day, Manager at Cranbrook Independent Nursery & Pre-School - Ivy CottageThank you so much for your lovely review and kind words. We're delighted to hear that Ivy Cottage felt right for you from the start and that your daughter is now so happy and settled with us.
It's wonderful to know the team were able to support her with drop-offs and mealtimes, and to see her confidence and learning grow. Your feedback about our staff, activities, and family events means a great deal to us and will be shared with the whole team.

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Review of
Cranbrook Independent Nursery & Pre-School - Ivy Cottage
from E B (Mother of Child) published on 22 December 2025 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My daughter only started Ivy cottage on the 11th November and she has settled into cranbrook nursery so well.
All the nursery staff have been so welcoming I really can't fault them also the amazing manager Jodie Day is definitely a credit to Ivy cottage and I really can't wait to watch my daughters

journey with cranbrook Ivy cottage!

Reply from Jodie Day, Manager at Cranbrook Independent Nursery & Pre-School - Ivy CottageThank you so much for your kind words, we're delighted to hear that you're happy with your child's experience, and it means a lot to our team to know our care and support are appreciated. We look forward to watching A's personality grow with us.

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Review of
Cranbrook Independent Nursery & Pre-School - Ivy Cottage
from C B (Mother of Child) published on 7 November 2025 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

Ivy Cottage has been a wonderful nursery for my child who has been attending there for nearly 2 years (since Jan 2024). The manager is exceptional, she's always welcoming and communicates well. The whole team is great, and our child is happy and truly blossoming. We have also enrolled our 5 month old

who will be starting in the baby room next year. Couldn't ask for more!

Reply from Jodie Day, Manager at Cranbrook Independent Nursery & Pre-School - Ivy CottageThank you so much for your lovely feedback! We're delighted to hear how happy your child has been at Ivy Cottage and that you've chosen to continue the journey with us for your little one starting next year. Your kind words mean a lot to the whole team!

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Review of
Cranbrook Independent Nursery & Pre-School - Clover Court
from Chloe H (Mother of Child) published on 10 October 2025 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

I moved my son here from a different nursery as I felt it was going downhill, and I can hand on heart say I made the best decision, my son has thrived since being at Clover Court, every single staff member is amazing, so friendly and dedicated to providing the best level of care for your child.
I

recently enrolled my daughter into the baby room & the same can be said, the staff are fantastic and my daughter is really enjoying attending Clover Court.
Louise the manager, is so helpful and approachable and is always on hand to answer any queries you may have!
I cannot fault Clover Court at all

Reply from Louise Horsfield-Novelli, Manager at Cranbrook Independent Nursery & Pre-School - Clover CourtWe're absolutely delighted to hear how well your son has settled in and thrived since joining Cranbrook Clover Court, and it's wonderful to know your daughter is also enjoying her time in the baby room. Our team works hard to create a nurturing, safe, and engaging environment for every child, and it means the world to us to hear that this is reflected in your experience.

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Review of
Cranbrook Independent Nursery & Pre-School - Clover Court
from S W (Mother of Child) published on 30 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My son absolutely loves his time Clover Court. The staff are so caring and attentive. I've been especially impressed with the way they encourage his learning and even support him with another language. It feels like such a nurturing, supportive environment and I couldn't be happier with the care he

receives! :)

Reply from Louise Horsfield-Novelli, Manager at Cranbrook Independent Nursery & Pre-School - Clover CourtThank you for your lovely feedback! We are so happy you feel how nurturing the environment is and are happy with his care!

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Review of
Cranbrook Independent Nursery & Pre-School - Ivy Cottage
from Holly H (Mother of Child) published on 15 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

Both of my children have attended Ivy Cottage, and my youngest is still enrolled there. I can't recommend this nursery highly enough. The care and attention that the manager and her team give to the children is exceptional. The chef prepares delicious and nutritious meals, my son often goes back for

seconds! The manager and the staff also organise educational outings, which have been fantastic. I've always felt supported by the manager, and both of my children adore the environment and the staff.

Reply from Jodie Day, Manager at Cranbrook Independent Nursery & Pre-School - Ivy CottageThank you so much for taking the time to leave such a lovely review of our nursery. Your kind words mean a great deal to us and to the team, who work hard every day to provide the best care and learning experiences for the children.It's always wonderful to hear that families feel happy and supported, and we are so pleased that you and your child are enjoying being part of our nursery community.

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Review of
Cranbrook Independent Nursery & Pre-School - Ivy Cottage
from Nicola H (Mother of Child) published on 10 April 2025 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

Our daughter started in January this year, we are extremely happy with Ivy Cottage and the care my daughter receives. She is well looked after, and it's clear that the staff genuinely care about her well-being. Her key worker has formed a wonderful bond with her, which gives me peace of mind knowing

she's in such capable hands. I also really appreciate the regular updates, keeping me informed about her progress and daily activities. The nursery management also hosts lots of events, which makes me feel involved and connected. Overall, I couldn't be happier with the experience and would highly recommend.

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Review of
Cranbrook Independent Nursery & Pre-School - Ivy Cottage
from C S (Mother of Child) published on 28 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My daughter started in the baby room in December. I chose cranbrook because I attended the nurseries as a child myself many years ago and trust their reputation. The manager is an incredible manager she is attentive, listens to concerns and has played an active role in reassuring myself and ensuring

my daughter is settled at the Nursery. All three girls in the baby room are incredible. I watch my daughter's face light up when she sees them however have an extra appreciation for one staff member in particular. She built a strong bond with my daughter focusing on building her confidence and made sure to update me daily on how she's doing. I have no concerns that my daughters confidence will continue to grow as she learns and plays at the Nursery.

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Review of
Cranbrook Independent Nursery & Pre-School - Acorn Cottage
from L S (Mother of Child) published on 16 December 2024 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

Our children have both been to Acorn Cottage, and our decision to move, was a very reluctant one due to family life. All the staff at Acorn, have been thoroughly supportive of our children and us as a family over the nearly six years. Acorn have provided the home away from home. The staff are interested

in all aspects of the children's lives, both in school and at home. The encouragement/love/dedication and knowing each child individually is a special gift and our children have formed such special bonds with all the staff and their individual key workers there, that with their support, our children have flourished. The staff are very supportive of home life as well, and personally have found the stability of Acorn for the children, very comforting and helpful in the last 12 to 18 months. The manager and her team are amazing! There are no words to say thank you for everything over our time with Acorn, and it is a heart breaking decision having to change.

Reply from Julie Christmas, Manager at Cranbrook Independent Nursery & Pre-School - Acorn CottageThank you for your review, your words means so much as we have created an environment that supports each individual family and all of their different needs. Over the last 6 years your support to the nursery has always been 100%, even with your busy workload/family life, this has enabled us to create an holistic picture of both of your children and the true meaning of "Parent Partnership". We fully appreciate that it was a very difficult decision for you to make, we shall miss seeing you all everyday, family life has to take priority. For us it has been a pleasure to have been part of your children's Early Years journey.

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Review of
Cranbrook Independent Nursery & Pre-School - Ivy Cottage
from Jane A (Mother of Child) published on 22 August 2024 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

I had looked around at a few Nurseries in the area and although I was aware of some previous issues with this one I immediately got a great feeling over the others I had seen. I think the biggest sway was the outside space my son loves being outdoors so this was a massive thumbs up.
The Manager answered

all our questions as she could see I was an anxious mum lots of reassurance and answered all my questions.
My little one then started in January 2024 and can honestly say the difference in him he has more confidence and is beginning to learn and understand what is great is they send you updates and pictures on the App and I can do the same so they can see what he learns and does at home too.
The Manager is a great asset to the Nursery she cares not just for the children but for the parents too which makes a massive difference.
The Team there not just my little one Key worker but all the team know me and my Son.

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Review of
Cranbrook Independent Nursery & Pre-School - Ivy Cottage
from Yasmin G (Mother of Child) published on 19 August 2024 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

We love everything about Ivy Cottage. The staff are fantastic and show so much enthusiasm towards the children and their learning.
The manager is so passionate and brilliant. She is so approachable and is constantly improving the nursery to be the very best.
We feel our daughter is safe, and well

cared for and it shows, as she's so happy to go there.
The garden is amazing and the onsite forest school is a huge bonus.
Would highly recommend it!

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Review of
Cranbrook Independent Nursery & Pre-School - Ivy Cottage
from Emily M (Mother of Child) published on 15 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My son started in January and I have been so impressed with the care and attention he has received. I was very aware that the nursery had received some bad press in the past but also knew that the new manager had moved from my daughter's previous nursery. She is an incredible manager who always has

the children's care and development at the heart of everything that she does. Every day my son is at nursery I get updates with pictures of what he has been exploring that day and how they have helped to support him in his development. Although activities are set up for all children, it has been clear that they take the time to help my son explore the things he is interested in and learn new things as he goes. I have had amazing communication each day from his Keyworker who has clearly got to know him well. I love that he already gets to explore the outdoor area (which is huge) and partnership with parents is clear with lovely activities set up such as Mother's Day pottery painting!

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Review of
Cranbrook Independent Nursery & Pre-School - Ivy Cottage
from D E (Father of Child) published on 1 June 2023 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

Absolutely shocking nursery. Poor management and poorly run with very little organisation and zero child development leading to chaos on a daily basis amongst the children. Poor hygiene throughout the premises leading to a high risk of infection among the children. This nursery happily took our money

and knowingly put our children's safety at risk on a daily basis leading to them being eventually harmed due to constant low staffing issues which they continuously ignored and kept secret to parents. A high price for the area for what they offer parents providing extremely poor value for money. Don't be fooled by what they offer on day one. They advertise lovely home-cooked meals by a qualified chef but in reality, what they actually provided was frozen fish fingers and a couple of breadsticks and crackers by a member of staff with no qualifications. I wouldn't recommend this nursery to any parent that cares about their child and wants the best for their child's development.

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Review of
Cranbrook Independent Nursery & Pre-School - Ivy Cottage
from Dawn C (Mother of Child) published on 4 April 2023 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

After an inadequate Ofsted rating the nursery withdrew placement on over 30 4-year-olds with immediate effect including my son because they did not meet the requirements of qualified staff.
I believe this age group was chosen as they are less profitable due to leaving the setting in September. This

proves that the company do not care about the welfare of my child and only wants your money.
The lovely staff are let down by those in power who make these shocking decisions to continue to accept children knowing that they are in breach of Ofsted requirements.

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Review of
Cranbrook Independent Nursery & Pre-School - Acorn Cottage
from A N (Mother of Child) published on 3 October 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

The nursery/preschool is clean and safe for kids, lots of green space outside including forest school. Equipment and games during the day are imaginative and developing for young ones. Staff are friendly and caring and involved in kids spare time (home and weekend time) asking lots of questions about

what they did and encourage kids to talk a lot, kids are engaged with staff.

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Review of
Cranbrook Independent Nursery & Pre-School - Ivy Cottage
from Juleigh H (Mother of Child) published on 26 June 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

Our daughter's transition into the toddler group went remarkably well, very soon after starting she was happy to go to the staff, she loved it.

She would come home with signs of a great day of play and having eaten a very good couple of meals. She really flourished and we noticed a huge advancement

in her development since starting. There have been a few problems with receiving newsletters but I.T can be a bit of a tricky issue. We would always recommend Cranbrook Independent Nursery & Pre-School - Ivy Cottage, their outdoor play areas are second to none, way above most nurseries we visited.

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Day Nurseries Owned by Cranbrook Independent Nursery & Pre-School

Cranbrook Independent Nursery & Pre-School Locations (4)

Browse 4 Day Nurseries owned by Cranbrook Independent Nursery & Pre-School

Avg. Review Score 8.5 Total 21 Reviews

Cranbrook Independent Nursery & Pre-School Reviews (21)

Cranbrook Independent Nursery & Pre-School - Ivy Cottage

Cranbrook Independent Nursery & Pre-School - Buttercup Barn

Cranbrook Independent Nursery & Pre-School - Buttercup Barn

Cranbrook Independent Nursery & Pre-School - Ivy Cottage

Cranbrook Independent Nursery & Pre-School - Ivy Cottage

Cranbrook Independent Nursery & Pre-School - Ivy Cottage

Cranbrook Independent Nursery & Pre-School - Ivy Cottage

Cranbrook Independent Nursery & Pre-School - Clover Court

Cranbrook Independent Nursery & Pre-School - Clover Court

Cranbrook Independent Nursery & Pre-School - Ivy Cottage

Cranbrook Independent Nursery & Pre-School - Ivy Cottage

Cranbrook Independent Nursery & Pre-School - Ivy Cottage

Cranbrook Independent Nursery & Pre-School - Acorn Cottage

Cranbrook Independent Nursery & Pre-School - Ivy Cottage

Cranbrook Independent Nursery & Pre-School - Ivy Cottage

Cranbrook Independent Nursery & Pre-School - Ivy Cottage

Cranbrook Independent Nursery & Pre-School - Ivy Cottage

Cranbrook Independent Nursery & Pre-School - Ivy Cottage

Cranbrook Independent Nursery & Pre-School - Acorn Cottage

Cranbrook Independent Nursery & Pre-School - Ivy Cottage

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