About

At our nursery we believe that everyday should be fun and that children deserve to get a great start in life.

Starting daycare is often an emotional time for families and we believe in going at a family's own pace when settling a child in - we want every child to feel happy and secure.

Owned and run for families by families

This nursery is run by a a committee of parents who make all the decisions about how we operate, who we employ and how we spend our money. Any parent, or other family member, is welcome to join the committee and we warmly welcome newcomers.

If you like the sound of what we have to offer please come and arrange a visit! We can't wait to meet you!

At the start of 2015 we changed our charitable status to become a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). This gives greater legal protection to our trustees. To do this we had to close the old charity, Puffin Pre-school Nursery, and open a new one, Puffin Community Nursery.

What our parent's say...

“Absolutely fabulous nursery that I have recommended to my friends, because my daughter is really settled here. That is all down to the friendly and understanding staff."

Jacquie

Wow! what an incredible journey we have had. You guys have gone above and beyond, the help and support has been amazing. We cannot thank you all enough.

Sheryl

What the professionals say ...

I was with Nataliia after I was with you. She said how much she loved working at Puffin and that you were her favourite nursery. I thought I should pass that on 😊.

Christine: EALTS Team

Brighton and Hove City Council

Just a short note to say how well Archie beau, Louie, Albert and Rowan are doing.

Their behaviour during whole class teaching sessions is great. All four of them are also able to play for sustained periods in a very positive manner.

They really stand out as positive role models.

Class Teacher Reception

Carlton Hill Primary School

Talking about Puffin Children starting school

Curriculum and Early Learning

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

Every nursery in England works to the EYFS which is the legal framework that regulates the work we do. The EYFS tells us how to protect children and keep them healthy and safe. It also requires us to support, document and assess children's learning.

The EYFS asks every nursery to ensure each child has a Key Person assigned to them before their child starts. They are a member of staff who will be the first point of contact for a child and their family. A Key Person will settle a child into nursery, comfort them when they cry, laugh when they do something funny and know all about what that individual gets up to each day. At Puffin we operate a buddy system so that even if a child's main Key Person is away a child still has someone special to take care of them.

You can learn more about the EYFS here:

http://www.foundationyears.org.uk/2015/03/what-to-expect-when-a-parents-guide/

Out and About

One of the benefits of being a small setting is that we get to go on lots of adventures! We are really lucky to run a nursery in an exciting location, with so many opportunities to enhance children's learning and life experiences.

Our trips out include the library, beach and numerous local parks. Occasionally we do bigger trips to visit museums, galleries or farms. We are also lucky to have a partnership with the Toy Library at the Tarner Family Hub and weekly dance sessions provided by South East Dance. Last year our children were lucky enough to see the stage productions of The Stick Man and Zog and dance performances from artists from around the world.

Some of our children were also recently involved in producing a fundraising video for South East Dance which showcases the work that they do at the Dance Space: