Business Details
22 Years
experience
Trusted Child Care Services in Hastings, St Leonards & Brighton
Established in 2004, Bear's House Nursery & Pre-School has become a trusted provider of early years education and childcare across Hastings, St Leonards-on-Sea, and Brighton. Our three purposefully designed nurseries offer secure, stimulating environments where children aged 3 months to 8 years thrive through structured learning and play. With a team of qualified practitioners holding Paediatric First Aid certifications and specialisms in Early Years Studies, we prioritise individual care routines that mirror home environments while fostering independence. Our Forest School approach integrates outdoor exploration with curriculum learning, supported by purpose-built gardens for hands-on activities like growing vegetables and den-building.A dedicated chef prepares nutritionally balanced meals following Children's Food Trust guidelines, accommodating all dietary requirements while promoting healthy eating habits. Regular community engagement through care home visits and local trips reinforces our commitment to holistic development. Registered with Ofsted and holding a 5-star Food Standards Agency rating, we maintain rigorous safety and quality benchmarks across all locations.
Services
Child Care Services
Early Years Education
Holiday Club
Forest School Activities
Healthy Meal Programs
Details
- Year established: 2004
Highlights and features
- We have over 20 years of experience in early childhood education
- Our team consists of certified experts with extensive experience
- We provide healthy, nutritious meals prepared by dedicated chefs
- Our nurseries offer safe, secure outdoor spaces for learning and play
- We hold a 5-star food safety rating and Ofsted 'Good' ratings
Associations and certifications
- Ofsted
- Food Standards Agency
What people say
Nurturing environment
Qualified staff
Excellent food
Ofsted 'Good' ratings
Engaging activities
Services
Child Care Services
Our comprehensive childcare services cater to infants from 3 months through pre-school age. Each nursery provides age-appropriate learning environments with dedicated key workers ensuring individual care routines mirror home settings. Specialised baby rooms feature sensory play areas and separate sleep spaces, while toddler zones encourage social development through structured activities and free play.
Forest School Activities
Forest School programs integrate nature-based learning with curriculum requirements. Children engage in den-building, gardening, and seasonal exploration across secure outdoor spaces. These activities develop physical coordination, environmental awareness, and problem-solving skills through hands-on experiences like vegetable cultivation and weather observation.
Healthy Meal Programs
Award-winning chef-prepared meals follow Children's Food Trust guidelines with three-week rotating menus. Fresh, locally sourced ingredients create balanced breakfasts, lunches, and snacks while accommodating dietary restrictions. Mealtimes incorporate cultural education through themed dishes and promote independence with child-led serving practices.
Early Years Education
Our Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum prepares children for formal schooling through play-based learning. Qualified educators deliver seven-area development programs focusing on literacy, numeracy, and social skills. Pre-school rooms emphasize transition readiness with structured activities that balance educational goals with creative exploration.
Holiday Club
Holiday Club extends care to children up to 8 years during school breaks. Themed activities include arts and crafts, sports days, and local excursions to attractions like Blue Reef Aquarium. The program maintains consistent safety standards and staff ratios while offering flexible booking options for working families.
People
Sara Lee
Nursery Manager
Early years specialist with extensive management experience joining from 1 September 2025. Holds current Paediatric First Aid certification and specialises in curriculum development for pre-school children.
Questions
What age groups do you cater to?
We care for children from 3 months to 8 years, with dedicated baby rooms, toddler zones, and pre-school areas across all locations.
Are meals provided?
Yes, our award-winning chef prepares three-course meals following Children's Food Trust guidelines with special menus for dietary requirements.
What outdoor facilities do you have?
Each nursery features secure gardens with balance bikes, growing areas, and Forest School spaces for year-round outdoor learning activities.
How do you support school readiness?
Our Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum combines play-based learning with structured activities to develop literacy, numeracy, and social skills for formal education.
Are you Ofsted registered?
Yes, all our nurseries are Ofsted-registered and have received 'Good' ratings in recent inspections.
Do you offer holiday care?
Our Holiday Club provides care for children up to 8 years during school holidays with themed activities and local excursions.