Business Details
16 Years
experience
Early Years Education in Worthing
At Reflections Small School, we are driven by a philosophy that combines the Reggio Emilia approach and Forest School principles to create a unique early years environment. Our practice is rooted in listening to children's ideas, fostering creativity, and prioritising outdoor exploration as integral to learning and development. Established in 2010, our nursery occupies two historic buildings in Worthing, offering spacious, light-filled rooms and extensive gardens that inspire curiosity. We utilise open-ended natural resources to encourage imaginative play, while our dedicated team documents children's progress through Tapestry, an online learning journal. Our vision is to cultivate a community where children's voices are heard, relationships are respected, and learning is child-led.We maintain strong partnerships with families, providing regular communication and involving parents in decision-making through our Parent Forum. Our commitment to inclusion ensures every child receives tailored support, with staff collaborating with external specialists when needed. As part of the Dukes Education family, we benefit from shared expertise while maintaining our distinct ethos. Our Ofsted-rated 'outstanding' provision reflects our dedication to excellence in early years education, with staff trained in safeguarding and child development. We host regular open days and free parent-and-baby sessions to engage with the local community, offering families opportunities to experience our approach firsthand.
Services
Forest School Programme
Reggio Emilia Curriculum
Outdoor Exploration
Parent Partnerships
Inclusion Support
Online Learning Journals
Details
- Year established: 2010
Highlights and features
- We implement the Reggio Emilia approach, prioritising child-led learning and creativity.
- Our Forest School programme develops resilience through structured outdoor exploration.
- Dedicated staff maintain a 1:4 adult-to-child ratio for personalised attention.
- We document children's progress through Tapestry, an online learning journal.
- Our historic buildings feature extensive gardens and natural play resources.
Associations and certifications
- Ofsted
What people say
Best start to education
Adore the Forest School
Settled in immediately
Highly recommend
Thriving in care
Services
Forest School Programme
Our Forest School sessions develop resilience and environmental awareness through structured outdoor activities. Children engage in den-building, nature exploration, and seasonal crafts, with staff trained in woodland safety and pedagogy. This approach fosters physical development, risk assessment skills, and a deep connection to nature.
Reggio Emilia Curriculum
Inspired by Reggio Emilia principles, our curriculum prioritises child-initiated projects and creative expression. Teachers document learning journeys through photographs and observations, creating individualised pathways that respect children's theories and questions while meeting Early Years Foundation Stage requirements.
Parent Partnerships
We maintain daily communication through verbal updates and Tapestry journals, supplemented by parent forums and regular newsletters. This two-way dialogue ensures families remain informed about their child's progress and helps shape nursery policies through collaborative decision-making.
Inclusion Support
Our inclusive practice accommodates children with diverse needs through individualised support plans developed in consultation with parents and external specialists. Staff receive regular training in additional needs provision, ensuring all children access our curriculum and activities fully.
Online Learning Journals
Tapestry digital journals provide real-time updates on children's development, featuring photographs, observations, and learning milestones. Parents access these secure records 24/7, enabling them to participate in their child's educational journey and share achievements with extended family.
People
Jo Allen
Principal
With extensive leadership experience, Jo Allen oversees Reflections Nursery's strategic direction. She champions the Reggio Emilia approach, ensuring high standards of care and education across all operations.
Rachel Martini
Senior Head of Nursery
Rachel brings 20+ years of early years expertise, having established Ofsted-registered nurseries and served as a freelance Early Years Inspector. She leads staff training and quality improvement initiatives at Reflections.
Becca Bakter
Head of Nursery
As Head of Nursery, Becca ensures daily operations align with our educational philosophy. She coordinates safeguarding procedures and maintains the nursery's exceptional learning environment.
Libby Nicholas
Managing Director
Libby oversees Dukes Education's strategic growth while ensuring Reflections maintains its unique ethos. Her leadership supports staff development and inter-nursery collaboration.
Dominika Derwich
Head of Finance
Dominika manages financial operations, ensuring resources support educational quality. She implements budgeting strategies that maintain the nursery's high standards and facilities.
Questions
What educational philosophies do you follow?
We combine Reggio Emilia's child-led approach with Forest School's outdoor learning principles, creating a unique curriculum that prioritises creativity, exploration, and natural resources.
How do you involve parents in their child's education?
We use Tapestry online journals for daily updates, host parent forums, and provide regular newsletters. Staff maintain open communication through daily conversations and formal meetings.
What facilities do you offer?
Our nursery occupies two historic buildings with three floors each, featuring spacious classrooms, extensive gardens, and dedicated Forest School areas with woodland resources.
How do you support children's individual needs?
We create personalised learning plans, adapt resources for accessibility, and collaborate with external specialists. Our 1:4 staff ratio ensures tailored attention for every child.
What outdoor activities are available?
Forest School sessions include den-building, seasonal crafts, and nature exploration. Children access our gardens daily for physical play, gardening projects, and weather-based learning experiences.
How can I visit the nursery?
We host regular open days, offer individual tours, and provide free 'Little Acorns' parent-and-baby sessions. Book visits through our website or contact us directly.
