Children in the Nursery are confident and engage enthusiastically across all levels of play and learning.
Children in our Nursery are confident and engage enthusiastically across all levels of play and learning.

The emotional perspective

The right nursery can play a crucial role in helping a child feel secure outside the home. A warm, nurturing environment helps develop confidence and social skills. For parents, there is enormous reassurance in knowing their child is happy, settled and forming positive relationships with other children, as well as staff. 

Outdoor play is a daily occurrence at NGHS, while specific Outdoor Learning lessons a regular part of the weekly timetable, led by our specialist team.
Outdoor play is a daily occurrence at NGHS, while specific Outdoor Learning lessons a regular part of the weekly timetable, led by our specialist team.

The academic perspective

While early years education is the foundation for later learning, the academic rigidity of a nursery is not often top of the checklist when looking for a nursery, but it’s well worth the consideration. Nurseries follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), which focuses on communication, language development, early numeracy, creativity and social skills. These early experiences help children become school-ready, building curiosity, resilience and a love of learning long before they step into a reception classroom, so finding the right environment for this is important.

At NGHS Junior school girls work with our younger years in Nursery and Pre-School to guide, support and learn.
At NGHS Junior school girls work with our younger years in Nursery and Pre-School to guide, support and learn. By the time they reach year 6, they can become Tots Ambassadors at our weekly Tots Have Fun sessions.

The practical perspective

Then comes the financial side of it all. Eligible working parents can now access up to 30 funded childcare hours from the term after their child turns nine months old. However, this recent increase in free hours has also increased demand for places, making it more important than ever to plan ahead and secure a nursery that suits your family’s needs.

One of those needs will be whether you require a nursery that operates term time only or all year round. Some nurseries, particularly those attached to schools, follow school terms and close during holidays. This can work well for parents who are teachers or who can arrange childcare during the holidays, but it can create challenges for families who can’t. 

And then there’s the nitty gritty day to day considerations… are nappies and food included? Are dietary needs supported? How much time do the children spend outside? Are they flexible with drop-off and pick-up times?

Choosing a nursery means considering your family’s emotional and practical needs. Look for a setting where your child feels safe, happy and excited to learn, while also considering logistics such as location, hours and cost. The nursery years should mark the beginning of a positive educational journey and a place where your child’s confidence, curiosity and independence can blossom.

Below are some helpful links to help you navigate the process.

Information about NGHS Nursery & Pre-School

Book a Nursery Stay & Play session to get a feel for our environment

Join our Tots Have Fun sessions to introduce your daughter to life at our Nursery & Pre-School