Buttercup Barn
Haywards Heath Road
Balcombe
Haywards Heath West
Sussex
RH17 6NL
Tel: 01444 811202
buttercup@cranbrooknursery.co.uk
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Welcome to our nursery located in the heart of Balcombe, West Sussex, offering families a welcoming and homely setting surrounded by beautiful countryside. Registered for 56 children, we provide a caring and stimulating environment where little ones can learn, explore and grow at their own pace.
The nursery is arranged into four age-specific rooms. Our Babies, Toddlers, Unders, Overs and Preschool rooms are each carefully designed to support children through every stage of early development. Every space is thoughtfully resourced to inspire curiosity, independence and a genuine love of learning.
What makes Buttercup Barn particularly special is our commitment to being an eco-friendly, nature-led nursery. We take great pride in our thriving allotment, wormery and resident chickens, which offer children meaningful hands-on experiences in sustainability, care and responsibility. Outdoor learning is central to everything we do. Children spend time planting, exploring and observing the world around them, learning first-hand how to respect and care for the natural environment.
We are also proud to be deeply connected to the Balcombe community. The village and its surroundings have been fully risk assessed so that we can safely extend learning beyond the nursery grounds. From nature walks and visits to local landmarks to taking part in community events, children gain a strong sense of belonging. Our relationships with local residents and businesses enrich the nursery experience and help children to understand their place within the wider community.
At Buttercup Barn, our approach is nurturing, play based and tailored to each child as an individual. We follow the EYFS framework but build upon it, creating meaningful learning opportunities that celebrate curiosity, kindness and connection.
Our team is made up of experienced and passionate practitioners, many of whom have been part of Buttercup Barn for a number of years. Their dedication, warmth and consistency lie at the heart of our nursery, ensuring every child feels safe, valued and supported throughout their journey with us.
Our management team
Kelly Pearce, Nursery Manager
Kelly began her childcare journey in 1997 and is proud to have started her career at Cranbrook immediately after completing her childcare qualification at college. Beginning as a student, she has enjoyed many opportunities to grow and develop within the company, eventually becoming the Manager at Buttercup Barn.
Her passion for childcare began while watching her nieces and nephews grow and develop, inspiring her to pursue a career dedicated to supporting young children. Kelly values Cranbrook’s commitment to allowing each nursery to reflect the personalities and experiences of its team, helping to create warm, characterful environments where children can thrive.
Situated in a picturesque rural setting on farmland, Buttercup Barn benefits from scenic views and a strong sense of community within the village. Kelly has built strong partnerships with local organisations, including the church, care home and allotment, enriching the experience for children and families alike.
Outside of nursery life, Kelly enjoys staying active through country walks and visits to the gym. She has a passion for football, has played semi-professionally and previously swam for Sussex. She is dedicated to ensuring that Buttercup Barn provides a nurturing, enriching and joyful environment for every child.
Alicia Phillip, Deputy Nursery Manager
Alicia has been the enthusiastic Deputy Manager at Buttercup Barn since February 2024. Her journey began as an apprentice in 2020, and with the invaluable support of Cranbrook she achieved her Level 3 childcare qualification. This experience inspired her to encourage and guide other staff members as they begin their own careers in early years education.
Alicia chose to work in childcare because she wanted to support the individual journeys of each child as they grow and navigate their futures. She enjoys the variety that each day brings and embraces the unique challenges that come with the role. Celebrating milestones together is something she values deeply, and she is committed to creating a safe and nurturing environment where every child can grow into a confident, curious and independent individual.
She has a keen interest in the natural world and, with Cranbrook’s support, has helped to develop wonderful natural learning areas at Buttercup Barn. These include a chicken coop, a worm composting farm and our nursery allotment. Together, these features provide children with rich opportunities to explore nature, understand sustainability and discover the world around them.
Hours open
Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 6:00pm, with the option of an early start from 7:30am or a late finish up to 6:30pm
Age range
3 months to 5 years