Sisters set to open new preschool in Worthing with play-based approach to learning

Nurse Laura Cuthbert and Rebecca Mardell, who has a background in childcare, have dreamed of building a business together, where little ones can feel safe, loved and truly at home.

They will launch Caterpillar Corner Preschool in Broadwater in September and are already registering parents.

The preschool will be operating Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 3.30pm, term-time only at the Girl Guides Hall, in Forest Road, and will take children aged two to four.

Laura, who has been a nurse for 25 years, said: “We have been saying we wanted to do something together and this hut came up out of the blue. It was a preschool before.”

Rebecca said they had been looking for a hall for some time and had tried everywhere, to the point they had almost given up.

With four children of her own and the youngest now eight, she felt it was 'time to go big', so finding the right venue was a dream come true.

There will be zoned areas include a book corner, construction area, small world with toy garage and house, a physical area for things like yoga, adult-led activity table, role play with dressing up outfits, a maths table and creative table. There is also a secure garden with activities including a water station.

Rebecca said: “It is really nice that we can have it free flow, so they can take their pick. We will see how it builds up, but there will be a maximum of 32 children.”

They sisters feel preschool gives children a playful start to a lifetime of learning. They believe childhood is best spent exploring, imagining and discovering.

Laura said: “It is good socially. Children learn to share and play with others. We have started with the basics and over time we will add to it. It will be child focused.”

The screen-free, play-based environment will encourage creativity and curiosity. The sisters want it to be a place where children feel at home.

Visit www.caterpillarcornerpreschool.co.uk for more information or email [email protected]. The preschool is due to open on September 1.