A lovely nursery in a beautiful setting, overlooking fields and animals. First used the nursery from 2011 for my first son and it was the obvious choice to use for my second son. The children take part in a great selection of activities and are looked after by lovely staff. I have found the nursery to be a great headstart to the children's learning and is a brilliant way to prepare for school.
Bluebell Wood
A place where curiosity grows...
Bluebell Wood - Where Curiosity Grows!
Our Setting:
Nestled within part of a beautiful historic hall on the edge of Heathfield, Bluebell Wood Children's Nursery offers a warm, nurturing environment where children can learn, explore and thrive. Surrounded by open fields and woodland, our unique setting inspires curiosity, creativity and a love of the natural world, while providing the care and reassurance families are looking for.
Our bright, thoughtfully designed nursery provides engaging spaces where children can play, discover and grow in confidence. Every area has been carefully created to support children's development through meaningful, play-based learning, while our private enclosed garden offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventures, exploration and imaginative play.
Safe Adventure:
At Bluebell Wood, the safety and wellbeing of every child is our highest priority. Our nursery and garden are fully enclosed, giving children the freedom to explore in a secure environment and parents complete peace of mind.
Convenient Location:
Conveniently located on the eastern outskirts of Heathfield, Bluebell Wood enjoys a peaceful countryside setting just minutes from the town centre and local schools. With ample on-site parking and easy access from surrounding villages including Mayfield, Mark Cross, Buxted and Battle, our nursery is an ideal choice for local families and commuters alike.
Starting your child at our nursery in Heathfield
Starting your child at nursery is a big change in a baby or child’s life, as well as a parent, so we want to make that transition as easy as possible for you.
Each child is unique and the amount of time that a child takes to settle into nursery can vary enormously. Therefore, children will be given time to settle in at their own pace, so as to make them feel welcome, safe and confident in a new environment.
As part of our settling-in process, we offer a home visit, and settling in sessions that will allow your child to develop relationships with our staff and other children in their room, and also provide an opportunity for parents to discuss individual needs and routines with the key person.
Our staff
Our staff are all highly qualified and experienced in early childhood education. They are passionate about providing children with the best possible care and education. We are committed to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all children and families.
Key persons
A key person is a named member of staff assigned to an individual child to support their development and act as the key point of contact with that child’s parents or carers. The key person system helps build and develop positive relationships with children and between parents, carers and staff.
Nursery Life at the Wood
Starting in ‘Bunnies’ and moving through to 'Squirrels’, The Wood caters for children aged 3 months to 5 years.
The rooms are bright and homely and the garden is spacious and secure. Our outside space reflects the indoor learning environment with opportunities to grow fruits and vegetables, dig, explore and get crafty.
To promote independence and celebrate the child’s voice, we use visual cards in each room for the babies and children to select where they would like to explore. This enables our staff to respond to each individual choice and ensure that children are given opportunities for endless outdoor play.
We provide everything your baby needs during their time with us, including formula milk, organic purees and nappies.
We feel it is important that individual routines and care needs are discussed and agreed in partnership with you to ensure that their care at the nursery is consistent with their care at home and meets their unique patterns and routines.
We are passionate about ensuring that children leave us ready and excited for school. The transition to school is often a daunting time for parents which is why we offer additional support and guidance on ‘School Readiness’.
Our curriculum focuses on building independence for all. From the age of 1, children are encouraged to prepare their own snacks and pour their own drinks.
Meet the Team
Abbie
Nursery Manager
Lydia Rees-Webbe
Deputy Manager
Lydia has worked with children for almost ten years and has always loved working in Early Years. She is passionate about watching children grow, develop and reach important milestones throughout their time at nursery. Lydia particularly enjoys the nurturing side of her role and is committed to creating a safe, happy and caring environment where every child feels supported and valued. She loves being part of their early years journey and helping children build confidence as they learn and discover the world around them.
Harriet Crouch
Group Operations Manager
Harriet has many years of experience working in Early Years and has been part of the Bluebell family for several years. She originally joined Bluebell as the Nursery Manager of Bluebell Wood before progressing into her current role as Group Operations Manager.
Harriet now oversees the day-to-day running of all three Bluebell nurseries, supporting the management teams and helping to ensure each setting provides a high standard of care and education.
She is passionate about creating positive environments for both children and staff and enjoys supporting the wider Bluebell team.
Charlotte Robinson
Nursery Manager
On Maternity Leave
Charlotte is our fabulous Nursery Manager at Bluebell Wood. Charlotte joined the team in 2019.
Charlotte studied at Canterbury University, where she gained her Level 6 in Early Childhood Studies. She loves working with children and is passionate about outdoor play and supporting children in building the skills to create lifelong friendships.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are your opening hours?
We're here to help Monday to Friday, from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM, making sure you have flexibility to suit your family’s schedule!
What ages do you look after?
We welcome little ones from 3 months up to 5 years. Each age group has specially designed activities to help them learn and grow.
How do you help children settle in?
We know starting nursery can be a big step, so we offer home visits and gentle settling-in sessions. This way, your child can feel right at home while getting to know their new friends and teachers!
What are your outdoor play facilities like?
We have lovely walled gardens and natural play areas where children can safely explore, run around, and get plenty of fresh air!
Do you provide meals?
Yes! We offer nutritious meals and snacks, and we’re happy to cater to any specific dietary needs or preferences your child may have.
How secure is the nursery?
Your child's safety is our top priority! Our nursery in Heathfield is fully enclosed, and we have strong security measures in place to keep the environment safe and sound.
What is the staff-to-child ratio?
We ensure personalised care with recommended staff-to-child ratios: 1:3 for under-twos, 1:4 for toddlers (ages 2-3), and 1:8 for preschoolers (ages 3-5).
Do you offer government funding?
Absolutely! We accept 15 and 30-hour government funding for eligible 9-month-olds and 2-, 3- and 4- year-olds. We’re happy to guide you through the process.
How can I arrange a visit?
We’d love to show you around! Call us at 01435 868949 or book a visit online to come and experience the nursery for yourself.
What is a key person, and why is it important?
Each child is assigned a key person who really gets to know them. This special caregiver helps with their development and is your go-to person for updates, ensuring a strong connection between home and nursery life!
How do parents stay updated about their child's day?
We use the Nursery in a box app to keep parents informed with real-time updates, photos, and daily reports on meals, naps, and activities. It also allows two-way communication with staff and easy access to important notices.
News
Bluebell Wood Contact Details:
Bluebell Wood Children’s Nursery
Goward Hall
Cade Street
Heathfield
East Sussex, TN21 9BS
Phone: 01435 868949
Email: wood@bluebellnurseries.co.uk
What Our Parents Say
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