The Rabbit Patch Journey
After gaining her foundation degree in Early Childhood Studies, founder of Rabbit Patch Alexandra Tabor decided to visit the Loris Malaguzzi International Centre in Reggio Emilia, Italy. After working in nurseries in Sussex for years, Alex had never experienced the child led aspect of learning and development, and empowering children to take pride in their own education.
The nurseries Alex found herself in had been lacking natural environments and that inclusive community feel. This is where the Rabbit Patch journey started.
Coming from a family who run many successful businesses, Alex sought advice from her dad Doug, and the nursery dream began.
It took over a year to find the location of Rabbit Patch Day Nursery and by chance while making the trip from Brighton to Lower Beeding to visit her then boyfriend, Alex drove past a house up for sale and after a bit of research we decided this was the right place for us. Getting to know her in-laws who raised their family up just across the road, I heard the stories of them walking their dogs in the woodland next to our new property and they would refer to it as the rabbit patch.
There is was! the name for our new nursery. Rabbit Patch Day Nursery. It took just over 10 months to create the setting you see today. The project was completed in September 2017. In 2019 we were able to acquire the woodland and now Rabbit Patch Day Nursery actually includes the original ‘rabbit patch’.
Alex lives onsite with her husband, two children and trusty canine companion Toby, who makes regular visits to the children at nursery.
Quote from Alex
“My dream for Rabbit Patch was to create a place for children and families to come together with professionals and share the experience of Early Years together. In a place which inspires curiosity, creativity and a love for nature. I want Rabbit Patch to be a place where children can be children before they start their schooling journey. I feel very lucky to be living on site so I can be on call when needed and pop over to join in the fun whenever I can.”
I just want to say how well you have done with the nursery, the staff are all lovely, and Lottie goes in smiling and comes out happy. It has changed a lot since Darcie went there, and it is now one of the best nursery that I know, thanks again. LJ
Thanks for everything you do, we really do love your amazing nursery. ❤
Our son started at Rabbit Patch when he was 11 months old and I was a typical anxious mum leaving him for the first time. My worries were very quickly laid to rest. The Rabbit Patch is such a wonderful place and the staff are the most kind and caring people you could ever hope for to look after your children. The importance of outdoor learning and the incredible garden and woodland really puts the nursery in a league of its own, especially as we have such an adventurous little one who loves being outdoors. Not to mention all the animals they have for the children to learn about and care for! The staff go above and beyond to make the children and parents feel valued- little touches like the Mother’s Day bacon sandwich I’ve just enjoyed at drop off go a long way to make this a really special place. My son is three now and will be starting school next year. He has loved every moment at the Rabbit Patch and we are already excited for our daughter to be joining soon too- we wouldn’t consider anywhere else! – LO
Our facilities
