Choosing the right nursery is one of the most important decisions that you will make for your child's future. At Orchard Head, we understand its importance, which is why we provide a nurturing and inclusive space for your children to grow and learn. Our caring and experienced team help to build confidence, independence, and a love of learning. We use play-based activities to prepare children for the next chapter in their journey, and we offer a diverse range of developmental areas in our provision, such as sensory zones, quiet corners, interactive stations, and a safe outdoor playground.
We believe that fostering relationships with children and their families, as early as possible, is fundamental in providing a seamless transition from nursery to reception class and beyond. Happy, settled children are key to future success. They thrive support from educational experts and a strong curriculum. We look forward to helping your child begin their educational journey with us.
We offer nursery during term time only:
| Morning Session | 8.45 - 11.45 |
| Afternoon Session | 12.30 - 15.30 |
| Full Day Session | 8.45 - 15.30 |
Parents must provide a packed lunch for children with us for the full day session.
Nursery Curriculum
Our nursery curriculum is designed to support every aspect of your child's development. We focus on building a love of learning through our EYFS Framework, which provides children with a holistic education that covers everything from literacy and numeracy, to understanding the world around them.
Children in our nursery follow the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework, which is based on seven areas of learning and development as outlined below:
Three Prime Areas
Personal Social and Emotional Development.
Children learn about relationships and develop self-confidence and awareness of themselves. They learn how to navigate their feelings and how to adapt their behaviour to various situations. Children also learn about good hygiene and how to look after their bodies.
Physical Development
Children develop their fine motor skills and learn how to move their bodies in synchronisation with the activities they are undertaking.
Communication and Language
Children develop the skills they need to listen to each other attentively and maintain focus. They also develop their communication skills, both verbal and non-verbal, to support them to communicate effectively with others.
Four Specific Areas
Literacy
Children develop their reading and writing skills. They are introduced to phonics and learn how to draft stories, create rhymes, and develop their vocabulary.
Mathematics
Children start to manipulate numbers and learn how to use them in the real world. They begin the foundations of mathematical application, such as adding and subtracting. They also start to look at shapes and measurements in their immediate environment.
Understanding the World
Children start to explore their role in the world. They begin to understand their connectedness to others, including family members and friends. They will explore people that are different to themselves and start to think about the importance of healthy bodies and relationships.
Expressive Arts and Design
Children explore sounds and start to manipulate materials, exploring the outcomes when they mix diverse types of media. Roleplay is also developed as children are encouraged to bring storylines and narratives into their play and social interactions with others.
Apply for a Nursery Place
All of our nursery places are funded using the free childcare scheme and children can join us from the term after they turn 3 years old.
We offer the Universal 15 hours for children aged 3 to 4 years old. From September 2025, working parents could also be eligible for an additional 15 hours free childcare (total 30 hours per week). Check if you're eligible.
