Welcome to

our school

Welcome to Graffham Nursery School – “Fostering creativity, inspiring curiosity, nurturing respect.”
We understand that choosing a setting for your young child can be a daunting decision. We are always happy to meet with prospective families and warmly invite you to contact us to arrange a visit, discuss any questions you may have or enquire about availability of places.
At Graffham Nursery we follow the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum and its underlying principles of a unique child, positive relationships and enabling environments. We promote individual learning and development. Our curriculum provides opportunities for learning and development in all 7 areas of the EYFS framework.

Our beautiful nursery is situated within the main building of Graffham Infant School in the idyllic South Downs village of Graffham, between Petworth and Midhurst. Close links to Graffham School provide fantastic opportunities for the nursery children.

Why Graffham Nursery?

OUR TEAM

Our team of staff use their various skills, interests and strengths to support the development of the children in their care. They come from a diverse range of backgrounds but are certainly united in their dedication and passion for working with young children in a child-led, play-based way. They are highly qualified and experienced practitioners and each member of the team is DBS, Disqualification and Health checked which ensure they are eligible to care for and work with your children.

MANAGEMENT & PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT

Graffham Nursery School is a registered charity managed by a voluntary committee of parents with children at the Nursery and Associates of Graffham Infant School.
When your child starts at Nursery, you automatically get family membership to Graffham Nursery School. This means that one parent or guardian can vote at any general meetings of the Nursery and be eligible to join the committee. There is at least one general meeting per year.
More details can be found in our constitution, a copy of which is available at Nursery.

SJ Wethered

Early Years Leader

Nikki Moore

Nursery Manager

Chihiro Harrison

Early Years Practitioner

Emma Bailey

Early Years Practitioner and Forest School Leader

Sonya Gillespie

Nursery Administrator

Bank Staff

We always welcome interest and CVs

A Hygge Atmosphere

We believe that children learn best when they are calm, happy, safe and have a sense of belonging. Through our Hygge In the Early Years Accreditation we have been developing our learning environment to ensure each child’s voice is heard, that they and their families feel welcomed and respected. We are slowing down and enjoying each little moment of joy which makes up a life, from watching a butterfly in the garden, to enjoying a homemade cookie and glass of milk together, to snuggling in a blanket and sharing a story.
We know that many children in the modern world are exposed to far less time outside and far more time inside in front of screens. We are passionate about reversing this imbalance. We are embracing the unique opportunities the natural world can offer children, going on walks, building dens and hunting for creatures. We are also bringing warmth and nature into the classroom with plants, natural treasures, gentle lighting and soft furnishings so that children always have a homely space to relax in, watch the world and speak with friends.
We endeavour to ensure all aspects of our provision are set up in an accessible and thoughtful way with the interests of the child at heart. Children can access the paint, playdough, their wellies or coats. Children thrive on freedom to make decisions and time and space to be independent, solving their own problems, building on their resilience. We want our classroom to reflect all of the adults and children who use it, for it to be inviting and homely, somewhere we can all fulfil our potential!

What the parents say

“This wonderful nursery is located in a beautiful, peaceful and inspirational setting. The children regularly enjoy being outside and love learning about nature under the watchful eye of the caring and attentive staff. My son is very happy there, I could not recommend Graffham nursery more.”

Georgie

“We couldn’t be happier with the nursery. The staff provide a nurturing environment which allows the children to feel comfortable and gain confidence from a young age. Our daughter has made some lovely friends and she loves attending the nursery.”

Holly

Mother of 3-year old

“I was worried when my two-year-old daughter started at nursery as she’d never been away from me before. Graffham Nursery was so brilliant at helping us both to settle in. Now she loves it and can’t wait to go!”