'Outstanding' children's nursery relocates to Bicknacre: 'We cater to children's imagination'
By Chloe Brewster 21st Aug 2023
Small Steps Day Care is relocating to Bicknacre from Mundon and staff hope to continue their "outstanding" child-led holistic care at their new and improved site.
The nursery will move to a recently-upgraded site at Oak Lodge Farm in Leighams Road, on September 11. The Day Care recently moved from Blind Lane, Mundon, where it was open for 15 years, due to rental issues.
Manager Hayley Barness told Nub News about her excitement for the new site which includes a redesigned barn, private woodland, paths, dens and paddocks with farm animals.
"We want children to have the freedom of choice," she said.
"We are outdoor-based and we go out in all weathers - the children love it. Their imaginations go all over the place - if they want to do something, we will try and make it happen.
"The children learn to be outdoors and leave for primary school with this amazing confidence."
Although the relocation has come as a "shock", all current staff will be moving to the new site.
The Day Care has been rated 'Outstanding' by Ofsted for the last eight years. It is hoped that will continue, with the new opportunity to improve their Forest Schools programme.
The pre-school will welcome 26 children every day, from ages two to four.
Hayley says the pre-school does not follow a regular timetable, adding "restriction doesn't learn". However, it does follow a curriculum with holistic outdoor learning. It will be term-time only, open from 9am until 3pm with the possibility of a breakfast and after-school session on some days.
An open day is set to take place on September 2, from 10am until 1pm. Parents and children are invited to enjoy refreshments and take part in craft activities. For more information, contact Small Steps Day Care.
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