West Downs Day Nursery

About this day nursery

West Downs Day Nursery in Winchester provides exceptional care and education for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years, operating Monday to Friday from 7:30 am to 6:30 pm. The nursery prides itself on a warm and welcoming atmosphere where each child's individual needs are met and their interests are nurtured.

The curriculum, designed in line with Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) principles, is delivered by a team of highly skilled and knowledgeable staff. Children benefit from daily access to a fantastic outdoor space, recognising the positive impact of nature on their social, emotional, and physical development.

The nursery encourages children to engage in activities like planting and harvesting vegetables, which are then prepared by the dedicated Nursery Chef. As an accredited Green Flag Award holder, West Downs Day Nursery integrates sustainability and environmental education into its year-round activities, including recycling projects and nature exploration.

The fully inclusive service covers all activities, formula milk, nappies, nappy cream, baby wipes, sun cream, and nutritionally balanced meals and snacks. The nursery also incorporates specialised programmes such as Sing and Sign and Boogie Mites sessions across all age groups.

Parent involvement is highly valued, with regular communication about children's progress and access to the "childbase@home" parent website and app for updates and resources. The nursery is committed to providing a safe, secure, and healthy environment, with dedicated health and safety professionals and officers ensuring high standards.

Children are grouped into "Caterpillars" (youngest), "Ladybirds," "Bumblebees," and "Preschool," each with a tailored focus on language development, independence, social skills, and school readiness, including a "Ready, Steady, Grow" programme for phonics and structured learning.

Our ethos

West Downs Day Nursery's philosophy is rooted in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) principles, emphasising a child-led, play-based approach within a stimulating and nurturing environment. They integrate sustainability and environmental education, as evidenced by their Green Flag Award, encouraging outdoor learning and nature exploration. The nursery focuses on holistic development, including social, emotional, and physical growth, alongside school readiness, with specialised programmes like Sing and Sign and Boogie Mites to enhance learning.

What it's like

Children show very high levels of motivation as staff skilfully adapt activities to follow their interests. Children of all ages consistently develop their social and emotional skills, and older children who need additional support make significant progress because they are taught how to self-regulate their emotions. Children show that they feel safe and secure, and their behaviour is exemplary.