Southwater Day Nursery and Pre-school

Former Children and Family Centre, Worthing Road, Southwater, Horsham RH13 9JH
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9.9 52 Reviews
  • Southwater Day Nursery and Pre-school, Horsham
Southwater Day Nursery & Pre-school in West Sussex provides a nurturing and stimulating environment where children can thrive. The nursery features a dedicated Baby and Toddler Unit, opened in September 2022, offering a safe and engaging space tailored for the youngest children. This unit is equipped with carefully selected resources to support early development, with experienced practitioners delivering high-quality care.

The Pre-school, located on the grounds of Southwater Infant Academy, offers a smooth transition to formal education. The close connection with the academy ensures children are well-prepared for their next steps. The Pre-school also features the Woodland Wanderers programme, designed to give children hands-on outdoor learning experiences that foster a connection with nature and enhance physical development.

The nursery’s well-equipped outdoor area further supports exploration and imaginative play, providing a rich environment for all ages. With its focus on high-quality care, the newly opened Baby and Toddler Unit, and the Woodland Wanderers programme, Southwater Day Nursery & Pre-school is the perfect place for children to begin their educational journey.
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Type of Service

  • Day Nursery
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care
  • Sessional Day Care

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Sallyanne Kasey (Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 17

Total Places for Children

  • 52

Age Range

  • from 0 years 3 months
  • to 5 years 0 months

Opening Times

  • Monday 07:30-18:00
    Tuesday 07:30-18:00
    Wednesday 07:30-18:00
    Thursday 07:30-18:00
    Friday 07:30-18:00

When Closed

  • Between Christmas & New Year and 1 week in August (pre-school only)

Parking

  • Parking available outside the front of the School and residential parking with public footpath access.

Southwater Day Nursery and Pre-school Reviews (52)

9.9

Southwater Day Nursery and Pre-school has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.891) out of 10, based on 31 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Southwater Day Nursery and Pre-school has 52 reviews.

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Total of 52, showing 21-40
Review from Natasha S (Mother of Child) published on 13 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son has had his first settling-in sessions in February and I cannot praise the staff enough. They have all been very friendly and welcoming, especially one member of staff who even took the time to post some settling-in photos of our son on his profile, which really put us at ease seeing how content
our son looked. They always inform us of the activities that our son will undertake so we always feel involved. Our son is naturally very shy however has appeared to love every second of his nursery experience so far, getting himself involved far quicker than we ever thought he would and I believe that is down to the staff and their ability to engage the children from the very start. I am able to go to work without worrying about my son whilst he is at nursery. Thank you!
Reply from Hannah Harber, Parent Liaison Advisor at Southwater Day Nursery and Pre-school
Good evening! Wow, what an absolutely amazing review. Thank you for taking the time to leave these kind words; the nursery team will be overjoyed to see them. Communication and maintaining the nursery…read more
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Review from Hannah M (Mother of Child) published on 13 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter has been attending Southwater Day Nursery and Preschool since September and before that, our son was there for two years. All the staff are absolutely amazing, the level of care is fantastic. Our daughter is really happy and looks forward to going to preschool. As I said before, all the
staff are amazing and both my children have loved them all. The nursery practitioner, the assistant nursery practitioner and two members of staff, in particular, have all been brilliant with both our children. Although one member of staff is new so haven’t known her as long, she has been fantastic with our daughter.
Reply from Hannah Harber, Parent Liaison Advisor at Southwater Day Nursery and Pre-school
Hi there - wow, what an absolutely amazing review! We make sure to only employ the most passionate and dedicated practitioners in our nurseries and it is great to see that this is reflected in your…read more
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Review from Natalie B (Mother of Child) published on 13 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have always had a really positive experience of both the nursery and pre-school. The staff are friendly and work with you i.e potty training. The preschool has excellent outdoor space and makes use of the school grounds.
The only reason I only gave 4 stars for resources was because I'm not sure
what they have in terms of ICT equipment.
Reply from Hannah Harber, Parent Liaison Advisor at Southwater Day Nursery and Pre-school
Good evening and thank you for leaving your lovely review. We love our outdoor play and firmly believe that children thrive and flourish in nature! We are always developing our ICT equipment within…read more
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Review from V W (Mother of Child) published on 13 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter struggles to go in every morning, all of the staff are lovely when taking her from me, always reassuring. Whenever she comes out at pick up she always says she’s had a lovely day and there's a certain member of staff she always asks for. She loves playing with her, and asks every morning
if she is going to be there! I feel 100% confident leaving my daughter at the preschool all day when I have to work.
Reply from Hannah Harber, Parent Liaison Advisor at Southwater Day Nursery and Pre-school
Hi there - thank you for taking the time to leave your wonderful comments. I understand it can be difficult to leave your little one when they're crying. I can assure you that if there were any issues…read more
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Review from Cheryl D (Mother of Child) published on 13 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son transitioned a few weeks early from the toddler den to the preschool study. The team made sure there were enough settling sessions and provided feedback on collection.
One member of staff, in particular, has been an amazing support for the transition and our son loves running up to her in
the mornings to give her a cuddle. Such a lovely welcome, this means a lot to us knowing my son is happy.
Thank you to everyone who is a part of his nursery journey and making it a positive experience for all of us.
Reply from Hannah Harber, Parent Liaison Advisor at Southwater Day Nursery and Pre-school
Good evening - thank you for leaving such a lovely review. We understand that children are ready to transition onto the next room at different stages and this can be daunting for both the child and…read more
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Review from Stacey C (Mother of Child) published on 13 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter joined the nursery, in the baby room, in January 2024 and has settled in really well. She has never been sad to leave me at drop-off and gets so excited to go every single time!
All the staff have been amazing at easing my nerves and making me and my daughter feel very welcome.
My daughter
has a very clear favourite when it comes to the nursery, her key worker, so much so that she doesn’t stop saying her name! Every time I tell her we need to get ready for nursery, she gets so excited and walks around the house saying “miss today, miss today”. It makes me so happy that she’s got such an amazing connection with a member of staff.
Overall, I am so happy with how she’s settled and what an amazing and positive environment it is for my daughter and all the other children to explore, learn and play. I couldn’t ask for a better nursery for her.
Reply from Hannah Harber, Parent Liaison Advisor at Southwater Day Nursery and Pre-school
Good evening - thank you for taking time out of your day to leave such a wonderful review. It's wonderful to hear that your daughter has settled so well into nursery with the help of our team. We put…read more
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Review from T B (Father of Child) published on 13 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have had a fantastic experience with the nursery. All the staff are friendly and really attentive to our son. He had some health issues recently, and the staff were really accommodating and reassuring whilst we adjusted to this. They are always really interactive, and our son always goes in with
a smile on his face. His favourite lady, who is normally his key worker, and my child always runs up to her for a cuddle. She has been great, and it’s been lovely to watch his development over his time at the nursery.
Reply from Hannah Harber, Parent Liaison Advisor at Southwater Day Nursery and Pre-school
Thank you for taking the time to leave this lovely review - the team work so hard to make sure that every family feels safe and confident entrusting their children into their care, so it really is…read more
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Review from Kayleigh M (Mother of Child) published on 13 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son loves coming to Southwater Nursery! He strolls in each morning with such confidence, and I’m thankful to two particular ladies and everyone else in the baby room for making his time with you such fun, that he’s so happy to come in.
He often comes running out holding his artwork up for me to
see. It’s great to see he gets involved with many different activities while he’s there.
Reply from Hannah Harber, Parent Liaison Advisor at Southwater Day Nursery and Pre-school
Thank you for taking the time to leave this lovely review - the team work so hard to make sure that every family feels safe and confident entrusting their children into their care, so it really is…read more
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Review from B U (Mother of Child) published on 13 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son loves going to nursery. He always runs up to two ladies. They have been so attentive and understanding in regard to my son's health issues. Very happy we chose this nursery. He always eats very well as well as gives me ideas for new meals at home.
Reply from Hannah Harber, Parent Liaison Advisor at Southwater Day Nursery and Pre-school
Hi - thank you for taking the time to leave this wonderful review! How lovely to hear how much your son enjoys going to nursery! I love the food too, whenever I visit the nurseries, I always make sure…read more
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Review from Charlotte H (Mother of Child) published on 13 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter loves attending nursery. She has made some amazing friends and enjoys telling us about them and what they get up to. Staff members keep me updated regularly via the app and are always happy to talk to me on the phone if needed. I'm happy to know my daughter is well-fed throughout the day
by the award-winning lady whom my daughter adores.
Reply from Hannah Harber, Parent Liaison Advisor at Southwater Day Nursery and Pre-school
Thank you for taking the time to leave this lovely review - the team work so hard to make sure that every family feels safe and confident entrusting their children into their care, so it really is…read more
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Review from Holly S (Mother of Child) published on 13 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been starting his settling-in session, which we have been very nervous about as he is quite attached to his parents.
One member of staff has made the experience stress-free, and our son seems to be really enjoying his time. She updated the portal with updates so we could see how he was getting
on.
Reply from Hannah Harber, Parent Liaison Advisor at Southwater Day Nursery and Pre-school
Hi - thank you for taking the time to leave this review. It's wonderful to hear that your little one is transitioning into nursery with the help of our team. We put a huge emphasis on that settling-in…read more
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Review from Samantha B (Mother of Child) published on 24 October 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We’re extremely happy with this preschool our daughter attends. She is exceptionally happy and from her settling-in days (September 2022) she’s never had a teary or sad moment about going. She loves the variety of both indoor and outdoor options and always talks fondly of the adults (particularly the
Nursery practitioner and the Assistant Nursery practitioner). As she’s a September-born child, she’s having to be the big girl and stay an extra year, she seems happy to go still and help with the younger ones! Also, she demolishes her hot meal daily (plus extras I’m told!) so we recommend the hot food option from the on-site chef, so thanks to the chef too. The office has always responded very quickly and helpfully to any emails too.
Reply from Hannah Harber, Parent Liaison Advisor at Southwater Day Nursery and Pre-school
Hi - thank you for taking the time to leave this review. It's wonderful to hear that your child has settled into nursery with the help of our team. We put a huge emphasis on that settling-in period,…read more
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Review from E F (Mother of Child) published on 12 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I love my daughter's nursery, it’s clean and safe. She comes home very happy and tired. They do lots with them, and it’s a really lovely setting. She is developing as she should be, and that is thanks to the staff.
Reply from David Hancock, CEO at Southwater Day Nursery and Pre-school
Thank you for taking the time to write such a lovely review - it always makes me so happy to hear that our children enjoy our setting and that she is coming home worn out from a fun day! The team,…read more
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Review from Hannah W (Mother of Child) published on 21 February 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Couldn’t be happier with the nursery. They look after my daughter so well. She often goes in without even saying bye because she’s so excited.
The activities they do, the facilities and the teachers are all amazing.
Thank you for looking after my daughter.
Reply from David Hancock, CEO at Southwater Day Nursery and Pre-school
Thank you for this review Hannah, and thank you for allowing us the opportunity to care for your daughter. It's always great to hear when our little ones are excited to come into the nursery; the team…read more
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Review from S G (Mother of Child) published on 18 February 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son started in January, and even though he has only had a month here, I have seen a big improvement in his behaviour at home and with other children. He has grown confidence in making new friends and can entertain himself alot better.
He never has a problem going into the nursery, which I am so
relieved to see. The staff are brilliant with him, and he enjoys their company. Overall, I am very happy with his start at nursery and very proud of him for settling in so well. Thank you to all the team.
Reply from David Hancock, CEO at Southwater Day Nursery and Pre-school
Thank you for this lovely review. I'm really happy to hear that your son has settled in so well! It's great to hear that his nursery experience is having a positive impact on other parts of your son's…read more
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Review from Marie C (Mother of Child) published on 11 February 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter enjoys the activities this preschool has to offer. Especially when they go out, such as to the library or to the woods! Her favourite thing they have done was the nativity show, and what a lovely show that was!
Reply from David Hancock, CEO at Southwater Day Nursery and Pre-school
Thank you for your lovely review - It's wonderful to hear that your daughter is enjoying her Preschool journey. We love to go out and about, it's a great opportunity to learn about the world around…read more
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Review from Bianca T (Mother of Child) published on 11 February 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This is such a lovely pre-school. My daughter loves it here, from the fun resources and activities to the brilliant attentive staff. She loves her time there with all her friends and has grown so much in confidence.
Reply from David Hancock, CEO at Southwater Day Nursery and Pre-school
What a lovely review; thank you so much for taking the time to leave it. It's wonderful to hear that your daughter loves her preschool and has made lots of friends! We love to provide fun activities…read more
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Review from L G (Father of Child) published on 10 February 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Staff are very friendly, and our son has settled in so well. He is becoming more independent and learning new skills such as sharing and tidying up after himself. It's great they are flexible with drop off and pick up to fit in with our lifestyle.
Reply from David Hancock, CEO at Southwater Day Nursery and Pre-school
Thank you for taking the time to leave this review. I'm really happy to hear that your son has settled in well and is enjoying his nursery journey. We work hard to make sure we help the children…read more
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Review from Hannah B (Mother of Child) published on 17 December 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter started Little Acorns in September. She was very unsettled to begin I think due to being at home with family for such a long time during the lockdown. It's definitely been a year with lots of big changes but the staff have been brilliant and in just 8 weeks she's gone from crying to being
excited on the days she goes. She has lots of fun and always comes out happy.
Reply from David Hancock, CEO at Southwater Day Nursery and Pre-school
Thank you for sharing your experience with the nursery. We hear a lot about separation anxiety, that's why we focus on it so much - leaving a child in the care of others is a real struggle, and I am…read more
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Review from Claire L (Mother of Child) published on 14 December 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I could not be happier with Little Acorns Nursery School. The staff are friendly and caring and they are focused on providing the best possible learning environment for the children. My son enjoys going and says he has lots of fun.
Reply from David Hancock, CEO at Southwater Day Nursery and Pre-school
I'm super happy to read your comments, thank you for choosing our wonderful nursery. My team of amazing practitioners will be delighted to hear your feedback and also glad to know your son loves the…read more
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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.891)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.891) out of 10 for Southwater Day Nursery and Pre-school is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 31 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 31 positive Reviews in the last 24 months.

Detailed Breakdown of Review Score

The maximum Review Score for a Day Nursery is 10, which is made up from the Average Rating of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) and the Number of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) in the last 24 months:

  1. 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months. The Average Rating of 4.891 for Southwater Day Nursery and Pre-school is calculated as follows: ( (328 Excellents x 5) + (36 Goods x 4) + (2 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 366 Ratings = 4.891
  2. 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5'). The 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Southwater Day Nursery and Pre-school is based on 31 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    1. 4 points are available for the first 10 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, and then 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews and then 0.1 Points for the next five Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.100, 7th = 0.100, 8th = 0.100, 9th = 0.100, 10th = 0.100) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 4
    2. 1 point is available for the number of Positive Reviews reaching 20% of the number of registered child places in the last 24 months. If this number is partially reached, then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Day Nursery registered for a maximum of 50 child places has to reach 10 Positive Reviews to receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews it will receive 0.7 points. 20% of the 52 number of registered child places is 10.4, which has been reached with 31 Positive reviews. Points = 1
  3. When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.
  4. If a Day Nursery does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Child Vacancies

Please contact us for latest vacancies.

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Awards / Recognitions (6)

Meet the Team (3)

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Jamie Gearing

Job Title: Manager Joined: 2013

I've been working at Little Acorns for 7 years starting off as an apprentice and gaining experience with a variety of courses and children from all walks of life.


I love Little Acorns I enjoy allowing children to access their silly side and encourage them to use their imaginations to explore the world around them, to engage and challenge themselves to find what they're are capable of.

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Tereza Kennedy

Job Title: Nursery Practitioner Joined: 2019

I absolutely love working at Little Acorns, I always try to be a positive role model for the children and ensure their environment is stimulating and engaging to give them endless opportunities to learn and develop. It is amazing that I am able to teach the children something new and then watch the excitement and accomplishment of their new skills. Also watching the children whilst they play – how their imagination works, makes me smile!

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Kirsty Farley

Job Title: Assistant Nursery Practitioner Joined: 2011

I love working at Little Acorns, in my 9 years there I have enjoyed watching the children grow and flourish. They come in happy and have as much fun as I do playing with all the different resources we have on offer. I look forward to many more yours of helping children to expand their ideas and make great friendships.

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