Family-run since 2013. Not a franchise, not a chain.
Every Mini Explorers setting is part of the same close-knit, family-run group — decisions made by people who know your family, not a national head office. It's an approach to early years care built around real relationships, warm familiar faces, and time outdoors every single day.
Everything you'd want from a top nursery — with the closeness of a family-run one
EYFS curriculum, Montessori & Reggio Emilia inspired
Play-based, child-led learning built on the EYFS framework, drawing on Montessori and Reggio Emilia principles to help every child explore, discover and grow at their own pace.
Outdoor learning & Forest School, every day
Time outdoors isn't an occasional treat — it's part of every single day, with Forest School-style sessions among the enrichment activities on offer, not a rare add-on.
Enrichment included, not bolted on
Music, dance, sport and sensory play are woven into the week for every child, included in our Enhanced Provision Package rather than charged separately session by session.
Safeguarding-first
A named DSL, Deputy DSL and Head Safeguarding Lead in every setting, with robust, regularly reviewed policies and a culture where safeguarding comes before everything else.
SEND-inclusive as standard
A dedicated SENCO team, an Assess–Plan–Do–Review process for every child, and a published SEND Local Offer, so needs are identified and supported early.
Freshly cooked food, every day
Home-cooked meals and snacks planned to EYFS and Eat Better, Start Better guidance, catering for every dietary need.
Funding made simple
Universal 15 hours, working parent 15 & 30 hours, DAF and EYPP all accepted, as term time or stretched across the year — we'll help you make sense of what you're entitled to.
Close family partnership
Daily handovers, Tapestry updates and termly focus letters keep you close to what your child's been up to, even on the days you can't be there.
Family-run since 2013
Four settings, one family-run group — not a corporate chain. Decisions are made by people who know your child's name, not a head office.
How we teach, day to day
Everything we do is built on the EYFS framework, with the seven areas of learning woven into child-led play rather than delivered as separate lessons.
A typical day balances free-flow, child-led exploration with gentle adult guidance — following each child's interests rather than a fixed timetable, with time outdoors built into every day regardless of the weather. It's an approach that draws on Montessori and Reggio Emilia principles: real materials over plastic toys, children trusted to make choices, and learning that happens through doing rather than sitting still.
- ✓ Communication & Language
- ✓ Physical Development
- ✓ Personal, Social & Emotional Development
- ✓ Literacy
- ✓ Mathematics
- ✓ Understanding the World
- ✓ Expressive Arts & Design
“The best way to know if we're right for your child is to come and see for yourself.”
From one nursery to four, and still family-run
Mini Explorers started as a single nursery in 2013 and has grown, setting by setting, into four warm and welcoming spaces across West Sussex — each one run with the same values as the first.
Read our storyCome and meet the team who'll get to know your family
Book a visit to any of our four West Sussex settings — no pressure, just a chance to see if we're the right fit.
Book a visit