Ivy Cottage
Balcombe Road
Horley
Surrey
RH6 9SW
Tel: 01293 825192
ivy@cranbrooknursery.co.uk
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Download our Ofsted Report
Welcome to our highly regarded nursery situated on Balcombe Road, where children are welcomed into a nurturing and enriching environment designed to inspire learning, growth and exploration. With capacity for up to 72 children, our nursery offers a vibrant and dynamic setting for young minds to flourish. One of the standout features of our nursery is our expansive outdoor space, spanning over an acre, providing ample room for children to play, discover and connect with nature.
The nursery is thoughtfully organised into three dedicated rooms, each designed to meet the developmental needs of different age groups.
Our baby rooms offers a warm, calm and reassuring environment for up to 15 little ones, complete with a separate sleep room and sensory room to support early development and secure relationships. Our toddler room provides a stimulating and engaging space for 25 children aged between 18 months and 3 years, encouraging curiosity, independence and early social interactions through play-based learning. Our pre-school room, designed for 32 children, supports the steps towards primary education by nurturing confidence and problem-solving skills through a balance of structured activities and child-led exploration.
Our outdoor environment is a central part of life at Ivy Cottage. The large space gives children endless opportunities to discover, investigate and learn through nature. We are proud to have our own on-site Forest School, where children develop teamwork, resilience and practical skills through hands-on outdoor experiences. Our compost wormery helps children to learn about sustainability in an enjoyable and meaningful way, while our friendly pet ducklings offer valuable lessons in empathy, responsibility and caring for living creatures. Through these rich outdoor experiences, children develop curiosity and build a lifelong appreciation for the natural world.
We believe strongly in the value of community and are fortunate to have our own minibus, which allows children to explore and engage with the wider area regularly. We enjoy close links with Wykeham House Care Home, where children visit to take part in shared activities and bring joy to the residents through warm and meaningful interactions. We also take pride in participating in local events. A highlight was our involvement in the community carnival in 2025, where the children proudly represented Ivy Cottage and won the award for Best Walking Float.
With a focus on holistic development, creativity and social responsibility, Ivy Cottage provides a well-rounded and enriching early years experience. Through a blend of play-based learning, purposeful activities and strong community connections, we aim to empower children to reach their full potential and to grow into confident, compassionate young learners.
Our management team
Jodie Day, Nursery Manager
Jodie joined the company in 2009 as a dedicated member of staff with a passion for early years education. She was supported in completing her Level 3 childcare qualification and has since enjoyed a career filled with growth and progression. In 2017 she became Team Leader at Acorn Cottage, followed by a promotion to Deputy Manager in 2020. In April 2023, she and her manager were proud to lead their team to an Outstanding Ofsted result. Jodie became Nursery Manager at Ivy Cottage in June 2023 and remains committed to upholding Cranbrook’s high standards, striving to achieve Outstanding once again.
Her decision to pursue a career in childcare was inspired by her family’s background in the sector. She values the opportunities at Cranbrook to work across different nurseries and to introduce creative and innovative ideas that enhance children’s learning experiences. Jodie is passionate about creating a nurturing environment, supporting her staff team, and building strong and trusting partnerships with parents.
Outside of nursery life, Jodie is a devoted Crystal Palace supporter and follows the team across the country. She also enjoys baking and challenging herself through physical activities, including completing the London to Brighton bike ride three times. She is dedicated to ensuring every child at Ivy Cottage receives a caring, enriching and memorable early years experience.
Natasha Crowder, Deputy Nursery Manager
Natasha has been a valued member of our nursery team since 2009, bringing a wealth of experience and a heartfelt commitment to supporting families and children across many of our settings. Her warm and caring nature, combined with her dedication to early years education, makes her a trusted and much-loved member of the team.
Outside her professional role, Natasha enjoys spending quality time with her children and grandchildren, creating happy and lasting memories. She also embraces new challenges and once took part in a charity skydive, demonstrating her adventurous spirit and her desire to make a positive difference.
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