Ashbourne Day Nurseries at Bricket Wood

About this day nursery

Ashbourne Day Nurseries at Bricket Wood offers a comprehensive full-day care programme for infants and young children, operating from modern facilities within the St Stephens Parish Centre. As part of the larger Ashbourne group, it is distinguished by its investment in staff development and a structured approach to early years education, emphasising strong foundational learning.

The nursery provides a nurturing environment where education and care are intertwined, focusing on preparing children for primary school through play-based learning activities aligned with the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. This includes fostering communication skills, personal and social development, early literacy, and mathematics.

The setting prides itself on a homely atmosphere, maintained through small group sizes and a key-person approach, promoting emotional security and confidence. Staff are consistently praised for their thoughtfulness and dedication, building strong bonds with children and communicating regularly with parents about their child's progress and daily experiences.

The nursery benefits from good leadership and management, reflected in positive inspection outcomes and robust safeguarding procedures. Children enjoy varied indoor resources and extensive outdoor spaces for physical activity and exploration, which are highly valued by parents.

Daily routines balance structured activities with free play, rest, and nutritious meals, catering to individual needs and dietary requirements. The nursery group is committed to inclusive practices, providing support for children with additional needs through personalised plans and collaboration with external professionals.

Overall, Ashbourne Day Nurseries at Bricket Wood is a well-regarded choice for families seeking a warm, education-focused setting that prioritises children's wellbeing and readiness for school.

Our ethos

The nursery provides a play-based learning environment aligned with the Early Years Foundation Stage framework, focusing on foundational learning and preparing children for primary school. They emphasise a key-person approach to promote emotional security and provide strong communication between staff and parents, alongside inclusive practices and support for children with additional needs.

What it's like

Children are eager to arrive and explore the wealth of exciting learning opportunities. Staff create a wealth of exciting activities based on children's interests, who play an active role in determining what they learn. Children are learning to be independent in age-appropriate ways, which supports their growing confidence.