Secret Garden Day Nursery in Bristol

About this day nursery

Secret Garden Day Nursery, situated in Congresbury, North Somerset, has been a cornerstone of early childhood education for over three decades, with its current owner being the third proprietor. The nursery operates from a charmingly converted barn, retaining much of its original character.

It caters to different age groups across its two floors: the upper level houses the Baby Barn for infants from 6 months, while the ground floor is dedicated to children aged 2 and above, divided into the Fledglings and School Barn rooms. The School Barn boasts direct access to a garden, fostering a free-flow environment where children can choose their preferred indoor or outdoor play.

Additionally, the nursery features a large decked area at the main entrance, accessible year-round, and another garden at the rear for smaller group activities. All meals are freshly prepared and cooked on-site by the nursery's dedicated cook.

Secret Garden prides itself on offering a warm, homely atmosphere and personalised care, enriched by a diverse range of resources and tailored learning experiences. The nursery follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum, a play-based framework for children from birth to five years, encompassing seven areas of learning: communication and language, physical development, personal, social, and emotional development, literacy, mathematics, understanding the world, and expressive arts and design.

These areas are integrated into the daily routines and planning. The nursery also utilises Tapestry, a secure online learning journal, to document children's progress through photos, observations, and comments, and encourages parents to contribute to this record.

They also offer various activities for families including parent evenings held three times a year, trips using a community minibus, photo days twice a year, stay-and-play sessions, and celebrations such as a school leavers' picnic and a Christmas party for all enrolled children.

Our ethos

Secret Garden Day Nursery Limited follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum, which is a play-based framework for children from birth to five years old. They aim to provide a warm, homely atmosphere and personalised care, enriched by a diverse range of resources and tailored learning experiences. Emphasis is placed on a free-flow environment where children can choose their preferred indoor or outdoor play.

What it's like

Children arrive happily and respond positively to nurturing staff who provide emotional support and help them understand their feelings. Children behave well and confidently engage in activities, showing familiarity with rhymes, songs, and stories. They are independent, managing their own care needs and routines.