Caterpillars Pre-school (Sussex) Ltd

Both my boys have attended the Caterpillars Southgate and West Green settings from the age of 1 to 5. Although there have been a few changes over the years as to be expected, many of the core staff have remained the same. The managers really do care about the children and parents, whilst ensuring the business can continue to operate under very restricted government funding.They regularly put on activities and events for the children and parents (Easter, Jubilee & Christmas parties, Nativity, Graduation Ceremony for school leavers, parents sessions, baking, crafts and face painting etc) and never ask for contributions towards the cost of these. They also provide extended hours and holiday clubs, and even offer a breakfast and after school option for children at Hilltop Primary. They are extremely flexible and understanding of the needs of working parents.Both my boys have thrived here - running in happily every day, being encouraged to use the potty, wash their hands and eat healthily, and having lots of outdoor play as well as lots of learning through play. I definitely recommend arranging a viewing with Cathie, and sending your children to Caterpillars.

Always closed and bad communication. Amd you can not get in touch with anyone anytime. Really bad management

I had high hopes for this pre-school but they’re unprofessional, chaotic and understaffed. They lack communication, had no routine or structure for the child’s day and seemed the children are just left to run riot. At the end of each day collecting my child was a mission. One day we were allowed in to rummage threw the mass amount of belongings that are everywhere to find our child’s stuff, and then the next day they’ll bring them to the door, usually with half their stuff missing. There is no routine and this isn’t good for the children either. They never updated tapestry so I never knew what my child had been up to or their progress. It wasn’t a great over all experience. I didn’t even get introduced to my child’s key worker or learn the member of staffs names.

Excellent