The Wishing Tree Day Nursery, Brighton

Wellbeing at The Wishing Tree is supported through both active and quieter parts of the nursery day. Yoga gives children opportunities for movement, balance and relaxation, while sports sessions encourage physical activity and playing alongside others. Our on-site chef prepares fresh, balanced meals to enjoy throughout the day.

Strong relationships with families are an important part of nursery life too. The GrandirUK App keeps families connected with updates on their child’s day, from meals and activities to photos of their latest adventures in the garden, while our team are always happy to make time for conversations with families.

We also invite families to be part of nursery life through Stay and Play sessions and social events, as well as our monthly grab-and-go breakfast for families.

Children at The Wishing Tree enjoy yoga and sports throughout the week, alongside messy play and hands-on experiences in the growing areas of our garden. These activities give children plenty of opportunities to move, create, explore and get involved in the natural world.

Outings are a regular part of nursery life too, from walks to places in the local Brighton community to adventures in the nearby forest. These experiences give children opportunities to explore different environments, spend time in nature and become more familiar with the world around them.

The Wishing Tree has four nursery groups, with spaces and resources designed around the needs of children at different ages and stages.

• Blossoms: A nurturing environment for babies aged 3 to 18 months, supporting their early development through care, play and exploration.
• Hazels: For toddlers aged 18 months to 2.5 years, offering opportunities to explore their surroundings, develop new skills and build growing independence.
• Willows: For children aged 2.5 years until the year before they start school, with opportunities to develop their interests, learn through play and build confidence.
• Oaks: Our preschool room for children in their final year before starting school, supporting their growing independence and helping them develop the skills and confidence they need for their next steps.
  

As children progress through the rooms, our team supports their development with experiences suited to their individual needs and interests. We recognise that every child develops at their own pace and work in partnership with families to help make each transition a positive experience. Where siblings attend the nursery together, we also understand the importance of helping families feel connected and supported throughout their nursery journey.

Outdoor space

Our outdoor spaces give children opportunities to explore, play and learn in the fresh air throughout the year.

Blossoms has access to its own dedicated baby garden, providing a space for our youngest children to experience the outdoors. Hazels has direct access to the main garden, while children in Willows and Oaks can reach the main garden via the stairs.

Time outdoors encourages children to be active, explore their surroundings and enjoy new experiences. Through outdoor play, children can develop their physical skills, use their imaginations and discover more about the world around them.

Care at The Wishing Tree is shaped around each child as an individual. Our team take time to understand their interests, routines and needs, adapting their experiences rather than expecting every child to follow the same pattern.

Our on-site chef prepares fresh, nutritious meals and snacks each day, while rest times are shaped around individual routines. Our wraparound care also gives families greater flexibility around the nursery day.

Our approach to care and education at The Wishing Tree brings together our Foundations for the Future and ME models, drawing on Montessori, Hygge and elements of the Curiosity Approach.

Together, these approaches help shape a warm, engaging environment where learning is centred around the individual child. Children have opportunities to follow their interests, make choices, explore their own ideas and develop growing independence and creativity from an early age.

We believe each child’s individual journey should help shape their nursery experience. At The Wishing Tree, we draw on Montessori, Hygge and elements of the Curiosity Approach, bringing together different ideas to create an environment where children have opportunities to follow their interests and explore at their own pace.

Every playroom opens directly onto our garden, making the outdoors a natural extension of the nursery environment. Children have opportunities to choose where and how they explore, try things for themselves and develop growing independence and creativity.

We understand how important it is for families to find childcare that works for everyone. At The Wishing Tree, our four nursery rooms cater for children at different ages and stages, helping each child enjoy experiences suited to their individual needs.

If you have more than one child attending the nursery, our team will be happy to discuss your family's needs and explore the options available. Sibling places are subject to availability, so please get in touch with our team to find out more.

Led by Nursery Manager Anna, our experienced team bring a broad range of Early Years knowledge and expertise to The Wishing Tree. The team includes Level 3 qualified nursery practitioners and Early Years teachers, with training in safeguarding, first aid and food hygiene.

Our SENCo works closely with children, families and the wider nursery team to understand individual needs and help provide appropriate support for each child.