Squirrels Nursery

Squirrels Nursery is part of Northbourne Park School, set in the Kent countryside near Deal.

Children join from age two, in a small, close-knit community built around outdoor life, specialist teaching and the freedom to be curious, confident and happy.

“A very happy nursery where the children walk in smiling”

Nicole Marsh, Head of Pre-Prep

Open for up to 48 weeks of the year

48 weeks

Open per year

8am - 6pm

Wraparound care

Funded hours

15h and 30h funding options

Squirrels Nursery is open for up to 48 weeks of the year. Families can choose term-time attendance or a stretched 48-week option, with sessions from 8.30am to 4.00pm and wraparound care from 8.00am to 6.00pm.

We accept 15-hour and 30-hour government-funded childcare for eligible families, applicable to both term-time and 48-week provision. A totally free place may be available for eligible two and three year olds.

Children can join from the age of two, with flexible start dates depending on availability.

Find out more about our fees and funding offer.

Outside, every day

There are no tarmac playgrounds at Northbourne Park. Nursery children have access to a covered outdoor area, a garden, woodland, an orchard and a dedicated Forest School area, in use whatever the weather. Mud kitchens, a bike and tricycle track and climbing equipment are also part of the daily provision.

Forest School takes place every week, led by a specialist instructor. Children work and play in a natural environment, building confidence and independence through hands-on experiences.

Outdoor learning is not merely an extra-curricular activity, but the foundation of how children grow here.

“A fantastic balance between nurturing and teaching.”

Squirrels Nursery Parent

Learning that grows with the child

Learning at Squirrels Nursery follows the Early Years Foundation Stage, delivered through play, exploration and experiences planned around each child's interests. Children develop language, early numeracy and physical skills at their own pace, supported by adults who know when to guide and when to step back.

Alongside this, children take part weekly in Music and French with specialist teachers. French is taught by a native-speaking teacher, giving children genuine early exposure to authentic pronunciation and natural language, a benefit of being part of a school with a long-established French community.

Outcomes at the end of the Early Years Foundation Stage are consistently above national norms.

Experienced, specialist staff

Every child at Squirrels Nursery has a key person: an experienced member of the Early Years team responsible for their individual wellbeing and learning. All staff receive regular safeguarding training.

Parents receive daily handover updates and access to an online learning journal where the team shares photos and observations. The nursery team is always available by email or telephone.

Part of something bigger

Squirrels Nursery sits within Northbourne Park's Pre-Prep, alongside Reception, Year 1 and Year 2. Nursery children join Pre-Prep assemblies, share break times with older pupils, and take part in school events throughout the year, from the Easter Egg Hunt to Sports Day.

Seeing how older pupils behave and learn is formative. The relationships children build here — with staff, with peers, with the older pupils they see every day — are part of what makes the transition through school feel natural rather than unsettling.

“There is interaction with older children both socially and within structured lessons.”

Squirrels Nursery Parent

The next step

For many families, Squirrels Nursery is the beginning of a longer journey at Northbourne Park.

Children typically move into Reception in the academic year they turn five. For those continuing at Northbourne Park, the transition is carefully managed: children spend time in the Reception classroom during the summer term, meeting their new teacher and becoming familiar with their new environment before September.

By the time they leave Squirrels, children have built strong foundations. Outcomes at the end of the Early Years Foundation Stage are consistently above national norms. Children leave as confident communicators, enthusiastic learners and capable problem-solvers.

The small class sizes, specialist teaching and outdoor life that define Squirrels Nursery continue through Pre-Prep and beyond. For families considering the longer journey, we are happy to talk through what that looks like.

Parents often ask:

What ages do you accept, and when can children start?

Children can join from age two. Start dates are flexible depending on availability — please contact us to discuss.

What are your opening hours?

Sessions run from 8.30am to 4.00pm. Wraparound care is available from 8.00am to 6.00pm. The nursery is open for up to 48 weeks of the year.

What government funding do you accept?

We accept 15-hour and 30-hour government-funded childcare for eligible families, for both term-time and 48-week attendance. A totally free place may be available for eligible two and three year olds. Please contact us to find out what you are entitled to.

What does a typical day look like?

Each day combines child-led play, structured small-group learning and outdoor time. Forest School takes place every week. Children also have weekly Music and French sessions with specialist teachers.

How does the move to Reception work?

Children moving into Reception at Northbourne Park spend time in the Reception classroom during the summer term, meeting their teacher and settling into their new environment before September. The transition is supported at every stage.

Book a visit

Come and see Squirrels Nursery during the Nursery day. Click the link below, email admissions@northbournepark.com or telephone 01304 611215.

Book your visit.

Join us for Stay and Play

Join us for our Stay and Play sessions. These are weekly, themed sessions in term time. An informal opportunity for you and your child to explore the nursery together, with no booking or commitment required.

Find out more.