SEND nursery in Peacehaven
At Butterfly Nursery, every child is valued for who they are. We welcome children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), offering a warm, inclusive environment where individual needs are understood and every child has the chance to learn, grow and thrive.
The Nest, our quiet, low-stimulus sensory room, offers a calm place to pause and reset when nursery life feels overwhelming. It supports children with SEND and those who need help to regulate their emotions or manage big feelings. On the ground floor, it keeps transitions to a minimum, with easy access to our garden.
The Nest also supports children through:
- Communication and language groups help children develop their speaking, listening and understanding.
- Nurture groups offer extra support for children’s personal, social and emotional development.
Our team receive additional training to support children’s individual needs. Our Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO), Amy, will talk with you if your child could benefit from spending time in The Nest.
A nurturing, individualised approach
We take time to get to know each child — their strengths, interests, personalities, and the support they may benefit from. This helps us create a space where children feel:
- Safe and reassured
- Confident to explore and play
- Understood, respected and encouraged
- Included in all aspects of nursery life
Our experienced practitioners use gentle, consistent strategies to meet children where they are, celebrating the small steps as much as the big ones.
Our dedicated Level 3 SENCO
We are proud to have a qualified, experienced Level 3 SENCO who oversees all SEND provision across the nursery. Their role includes:
- Training and guiding all staff, ensuring our approach is consistent and supportive across every room
- Creating personalised plans to meet each child’s developmental needs
- Working closely with parents and carers, keeping communication open and honest so we can support children together
- Liaising with external professionals when needed, including ISEND, Health Visitors, Speech & Language Therapists, and other specialists
- Reviewing each child’s progress and adapting strategies to help them move forward happily and confidently
Our SENCO is always available to talk through concerns, answer questions, and offer reassurance whenever families need it.
Inclusive activities for every child
All of our activities — from everyday play to group learning — are carefully adapted so that every child can take part meaningfully. We make thoughtful adjustments depending on what each child needs, ensuring they:
- Stay involved with peers
- Access the full learning experience
- Build social confidence
- Feel part of the group at all times
Inclusion isn’t something we “add on” — it’s built into everything we do.
Working in partnership with families
Parents know their children best, and your insight is invaluable. We work in partnership with families from day one, offering:
- Regular check-ins and updates
- Shared goal-setting
- Guidance on strategies that support learning at home
- A compassionate space to talk openly about concerns
Together, we create a support plan that helps children flourish both in nursery and beyond.
A place where every child belongs
Whether a child needs extra time, additional support, sensory adjustments, or just a little reassurance, our team is here to help them feel comfortable, confident, and truly themselves.
Every child deserves a nurturing, inclusive environment — and at Butterfly Nursery, that is exactly what we provide.
Cocoons (under 2s)
A warm, calm space for our youngest children, with cosy surroundings, dedicated milk kitchen and a caring 1:3 adult ratio.
Babies enjoy their own garden area and gentle walks in the local community.
Caterpillars (ages 2 and 3)
Children aged 2 and 3 build confidence through indoor and outdoor play, with garden access, soft play and space to rest. We support growing independence, friendships and toilet training, with staffing ratios of 1:4 for children aged 2 and 1:6 for children aged 3.
Butterflies (preschool)
Preparing for school with more structure whilst still learning through play.
Using the whole building, garden and courtyard, allowing our pre-schoolers to grow in confidence, skills and independence.
Designed for every stage
Our nursery offers thoughtfully designed spaces and resources tailored to each child's age and development. From cosy, calming rooms for babies, to active, creative areas for pre-schoolers. Every environment supports growth, discovery and confidence.
Our classesWhy Butterfly Nursery?
Excellence defines Butterfly Nursery's 30+ years of childcare.
Our safe, vibrant environment inspires children's natural curiosity, supported by excellent facilities and expert staff.
Strong ties to local schools enable seamless transitions, while flexible childcare programs offer families convenience without compromise.
Over 30 years of trusted care
Rated "Good" by Ofsted
Flexible childcare options
Yes, we proudly support children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.
Every child is welcomed, valued and supported as an individual.
Our SEND provision is overseen by a qualified Level 3 SENCO.
They support staff, work closely with families and ensure every child’s needs are met consistently.
Support plans are created by getting to know each child and working closely with parents.
Plans are reviewed regularly and adapted as children grow and develop.
Yes, we regularly work alongside external professionals when needed.
This includes health visitors, speech and language therapists and local SEND services.
Activities are adapted so every child can take part meaningfully.
Inclusion is part of everyday nursery life, not something added on.