Top Bananas Pre-School, established in 2016 and expanded into a Day Nursery in 2019, is located within the Life Centre in Moordown. The setting operates under an ethos of collective play, learning, and growth, guided by a team of highly qualified and experienced practitioners.
It features a private entrance via Brassey Road, equipped with a secure door entry system to ensure children's safety, and offers separate entrances for the pre-school and nursery. The facility provides distinct morning, afternoon, and all-day sessions for both pre-school and nursery children, operating 51 weeks a year, with closures during bank holidays, Christmas Eve, and the week between Christmas and New Year.
The curriculum encourages children to choose activities independently while also participating in adult-led small and large group activities to foster new skills and collaborative learning. Outdoor play is emphasised for physical development, health, and environmental awareness.
Meals and snacks are treated as social occasions, with healthy and nutritious food prepared by Burb's Kitchen, and dietary needs are accommodated. The team includes a Managing Director, various practitioners with different qualification levels, a Deputy and Pre-School Room Leader, a Baby Room Leader, a Toddler Room Leader, a SENCO, and an Admin/Finance Co-Ordinator.
Our ethos
Top Bananas Pre-School operates under an ethos of collective play, learning, and growth. The curriculum encourages independent choice alongside adult-led activities to foster new skills and collaborative learning. Outdoor play is emphasised for physical development, health, and environmental awareness, and meals are treated as social occasions.
What it's like
Children arrive happy and keen to attend, forming warm relationships with staff. Babies benefit from a nurturing environment where their care routines are met consistently. Children develop positive attitudes and social skills, playing and cooperating well with others.
Charges are structured on an hourly basis with different rates for babies or toddlers and pre-school children. Additional fees apply for meals, and there is a voluntary weekly contribution.
Funding accepted
Good to know
Opening hours
Pre-School: 8:30am to 12:30pm (Morning Session), 12:30pm to 4:30pm (Afternoon Session), 8:30am to 4:30pm (All Day Session). Nursery: 8:30am to 12:30pm (Morning Session), 12:30pm to 4:30pm (Afternoon Session), 7:30am to 5:30pm (All Day Session). Open 51 weeks a year, closed on Bank Holidays, Christmas Eve, and the week between Christmas and New Year.
Food
Snacks and meals are social times with healthy, nutritious food. Hot lunches are prepared by Burb's Kitchen. Dietary needs are accommodated.
Last inspected 4 December 2023
What it's like to attend
Children arrive happy and keen to attend, forming warm relationships with staff. Babies benefit from a nurturing environment where their care routines are met consistently. Children develop positive attitudes and social skills, playing and cooperating well with others.
Inspector highlights
Areas to develop
Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection
parents say, for example, that staff communicate well, nurture children's development, and reflect children's individuality within the setting.
Inclusion & environment
Staff know the children well. They regularly assess children's learning, and quickly identify any gaps in their development to provide additional support. This helps children to make good progress. Staff work successfully with parents and other professionals involved in children's care and learning to ensure they meet their needs consistently. For example, staff use activities recommended by external professionals to support children's language development.
Children enjoy regular physical and outdoor play throughout the day. Babies practice standing and walking in safe spaces, and older children enjoy physical challenges, such as learning to balance on beams and kick balls.
My son started nursery this week for his settling in sessions and I honestly can’t fault them. As an anxious mum leaving him for the first time, I had so many worries, but the staff have been incredibly understanding and supportive of all my concerns. They’ve been so accommodating to my son’s individual needs and really took the time to learn what comforts him, which has meant the world to me. I truly didn’t think he would settle so quickly after just a couple of settling-in sessions, but he’s done amazingly well. Seeing how excited he is to go to nursery now has completely put my mind at ease. I’m so grateful for how kind, patient, and understanding everyone has been — I couldn’t have asked for a better start for him. And a massive shout out to Sarah who had had to deal with me calling in to check on him & who he’s taken an extreme liking too!
Read on Google
We love this pre school! My daughter only has 2 weeks left until she starts big school and she is so ready thanks to the support and guidance of the teachers at Top Bananas. She made lots of friends and always came home happy and often with special drawings and crafts. I count her/us very lucky to have attended such a friendly, caring and kind yet professional environment. We are very proud to tell other parents she goes to Top Bananas. It has given her a great start to her education. Can't thank the staff there enough. It's also nice that Donna is always around to oversee everything and is very involved too
Read on Google
My daughter has been attending Top Bananas for just over a year. She attends 2 days a week and always comes home smiling and telling me all about her day with her friends. Staff are so friendly and welcoming.. always speak highly of them and would recommend it to anyone looking to place their children in to nursery/pre school.
Read on Google
My little boy went here as his first nursery at 2. I was extremely apprehensive at first but the staff and setting were absolutely fantastic! My little boy loved it immediately and my nerves were settled 🍌 The preschool is a lovely size with fantastic indoor and outdoor activities! Staff are always so willing to help and provide extra support if needed! Uniforms are 1000000% cute as well ❤️ Overall great service great staff and lovely setting!
Read on Google
I couldn't recommend Top Bananas more highly! Both of my children attend/ed here and absolutely love it. Teachers are engaging, friendly and passionate about their work and are fantastic with the children. If you are looking for a preschool in Moordown /Winton area then this is the best!
Read on GoogleReviews from Google for Top Bananas Pre-School. See all on Google Maps
Date: February 2018
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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
