Nursery Advice
Claim Your Nursery

Garden House Nursery School

Ofsted: Good
(Mar 2023)
·Rex Rhodes Building, Malleson Road, Cheltenham, GL52 9ET · Gloucestershire
Number of places
24 places
Age range
2–5 yrs
Last inspected
Mar 2023
Local authority
Gloucestershire

About this day nursery

Garden House Nursery School, established in 1983 in the picturesque village of Gotherington, offers a Montessori-based learning environment for children aged two to five years. The nursery focuses on fostering a child's natural desire to learn through play and active exploration.

They provide a stimulating and friendly atmosphere within the Rex Rhodes building and Gotherington Village Hall, boasting scenic views of Woolstone Hill and Nottingham Hill from their secure outdoor play area. Emphasising the importance of outdoor experiences, Garden House Nursery School provides access to an enclosed garden, a purpose-built play area, a playing field, and a dedicated Forest School area.

A trained Forest School Leader guides weekly sessions encouraging problem-solving, thinking skills, and gross motor development in the natural environment. The Montessori approach allows children to progress at their own pace through the Early Years Foundation Stage, developing self-discipline, confidence, and independence in preparation for school.

Parents are encouraged to participate in their child's educational journey, with activities designed to extend learning from the nursery to home.

Our ethos

‘‘The goal of early education should be to cultivate the child’s own natural desire to learn” Montessori, 1906. 'Enjoy, Learn, Achieve'

What it's like

Children eagerly enter the setting, confidently greeting friends and staff, and independently preparing for play. They engage in confident interactions, sharing recent events and expressing their activity preferences upon arrival. Staff encourage children's self-esteem and emotional well-being through consistent praise and open-ended questions.

Montessori-basedForest SchoolEstablished 1983

Pricing & funding

Pricing on request

This nursery doesn't publish its fees online. Contact them directly for an up-to-date price list and availability.

Request pricing →

Key facts

Opening hours

8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday

Age range

two to five years

Term time / All Year

Term Time

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Garden House Nursery School

Last inspected 8 March 2023

Safeguarding effective
Overall effectiveness
Good
Quality of education
Good
Behaviour and attitudes
Good
Personal development
Good
Leadership and management
Good

What it's like to attend

Children eagerly enter the setting, confidently greeting friends and staff, and independently preparing for play. They engage in confident interactions, sharing recent events and expressing their activity preferences upon arrival. Staff encourage children's self-esteem and emotional well-being through consistent praise and open-ended questions.

Inspector highlights

  • Children eagerly enter the setting and confidently engage with staff and peers.
  • Staff plan exciting, well-considered activities that capture children's curiosity, such as sensory play.
  • Children behave well, are kind to friends, and develop early writing skills through engaging activities.
  • Staff respond quickly to children's suggestions, fostering positive attitudes to learning and good communication skills.
  • Children learn about their local community and diversity through walks and discussions of different cultures.

Areas to develop

  • 1support staff to help children understand the behavioural expectations during large group activities so that they are ready to learn
  • 2enhance systems for communicating with parents, and involve them even further in supporting their child's learning at home
  • 3review the organisation of transitions and routines to maximise children's learning
Inspection #10263018 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

What parents say

Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection

They comment how friendly staff are and how their children love to attend.

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

Outdoor space

As the snow falls, children ask to go outside to play in the snow. They mimic the swirling snowflakes as they spin and twirl in the garden. Later, during a yoga session, children ask: 'Can we do a snowman pose and a Jack Frost pose? Can we do a snow pose?' Staff encourage children to do this with their bodies.

Inspection history

Most recent inspection

8 March 2023

Good

Only one graded inspection on record — a trend chart will appear here once a second graded report is published.

View full Ofsted report

Frequently asked about Garden House Nursery School

Nearby day nurseries in Cheltenham

Other Ofsted-registered day nurseries close to Garden House Nursery School.

Are you the owner of this nursery? Claim this listing to manage photos, hours and contact details.

Claim listing

Share this nursery

Send to a partner, friend or family member.

This listing has been compiled from official Ofsted records, the nursery's own website, details provided directly by the nursery where available, and other trusted public sources. We regularly review and update listings to keep the information as accurate as possible. Learn more