Mohair Centre Nursery, After School Club & Holiday Playscheme

Farm animals give this Whitesmith setting its character: in June 2026, even the youngest children watched and helped feed them, while older children explored animal care and lifecycles. These encounters became learning material, rather than simply a break outdoors.

At its June 2026 inspection, Ofsted judged achievement, behaviour and routines, welfare, curriculum and teaching, inclusion, and leadership to be Strong standard, with safeguarding standards met. The nursery has capacity for 71 children and accepts ages 12 to 60 months.

The early years foundation stage is the framework for children's learning and care, bringing play, communication and growing independence into the day. In June 2026, animal encounters progressed from watching and naming to understanding how animals live and what they need.

Outdoor exploration also supplied opportunities for counting and conversation. Children investigated leaves, insects and seasonal changes; adults introduced vocabulary and mathematical ideas through these discoveries. Building an obstacle course required children to choose materials, discuss moving a heavy log and test their solutions. Practical problems gave cooperation a purpose.

Indoors, children chose resources and pursued their interests. Stories invited predictions and discussion, while everyday independence developed through self-feeding, putting on wellies and handwashing after animal contact. Learning reached beyond organised activities.

At the June 2026 inspection, Ofsted found that individual support plans, progress monitoring, signing and specialist referrals supported children with additional needs and helped them make rapid progress. Staff adapted farm activities so children could participate, and allowed movement during stories where this helped a child stay involved.

In June 2026, younger children's sleep followed their individual routines, with activities arranged so longer sleepers could still participate. Children sought adults for comfort and shared discoveries with them. Behaviour expectations were consistent, and staff helped children practise turn-taking and resolve disagreements.

Meals were sociable, supervised occasions with healthy food choices. Outdoors, children learned to recognise hazards such as nettles, making safety part of their understanding of the farm.

Staff development included training, reflective meetings and supervision. Work with families included following up attendance and discussing home routines; collaboration with school teachers supported preparation for children's next stage.

The address is Mohair Centre, Brickfield Farm, Whitesmith, Lewes, BN8 6JG. The nursery operates across the year, closing on bank holidays and for one week at Christmas. That closure matters for families arranging continuous childcare.

• Farm-based routines. Animal contact and extended outdoor exploration shaped the June 2026 experience. Consider whether this emphasis matches your child's interests and comfort around animals.
• Individual support. The June 2026 next steps called for greater impact for disadvantaged children and those facing barriers to learning or wellbeing. Families needing additional support should discuss how goals and progress would be agreed for their child.
• Attendance arrangements. Year-round operation includes a Christmas closure. At a visit, ask which booking patterns and opening hours would apply to your intended attendance.

Mohair suits families drawn to animal encounters, outdoor investigation and practical independence, with a June 2026 inspection that gives substantial weight to those experiences. Its next challenge is to deepen the difference it makes for children facing disadvantage or additional barriers. The farm character is compelling; the individual support conversation remains an important part of choosing it.