Childcare Near Carterton
Manor Farm Nursery offers a unique Early Years experience near Carterton in converted farm buildings on a large Cotswold farm.
Our nursery setting
Each age group has its own room, designed especially for babies, toddlers and preschoolers.
At our unique nursery and preschool setting, children can enjoy outdoor play with climbing equipment, sandpits, the mud kitchen, construction play area, sensory garden and vegetable patch. They can also spend time with animals in a safe environment through hands-on activities, like feeding the chickens and saying hello to our friendly ponies. For the older Holiday Club aged primary school children they may also groom and ride the ponies under the supervision of the knowledgeable owners.
Our approach is child-led, encouraging curiosity from an early age, with plenty of outdoor play that lets young children explore and discover things at their own pace.
Childcare from 3 Months to 2-Year-Olds (Ducklings, Hoglets and Owlets)
Our Ducklings room welcomes babies from 3 to 12 months with calm, nurturing care that follows their home routines. Hoglets and Owlets look after the more mobile toddlers between 12 and 24 months, offering individual attention and plenty of outdoor exploration, whilst also focusing on the importance of communication and language in these early stages.
Children take part in sensory play and visit the farmland, discovering new things while developing confidence and communication skills in a safe environment.
Childcare for 2 to 3 Year Olds (Kits)
The Kits rooms are for those ready to grow in their independence, who are becoming more curious each day. Here, children spend time developing their love or art, music, dance and reading, whilst also frequently heading outside to explore the surroundings to burn off that energy and play safely on the age specific equipment, of climbing frames, swings, bikes and trikes, all under the close supervision of experienced practitioners who understand their individual needs.
Your child’s daily activities are based on what they find the most interesting, helping them learn new things naturally through the great outdoors.
Preschool for 3 to 4 Year Olds (Cubs & Fawns)
Our preschool is based in 2 rooms; Cubs and Fawns. Children will move upstairs to our preschool Cubs classroom, between 2 and 6 months and 3 years of age. During this class there is an important shift in independence. Then in a child’s final transitional year before primary school, children will join our Fawns class. Learning stays play-based, with phonics and numeracy slowly introduced through both child led and adult led activities.
When children are with other preschoolers of a similar age their needs are best met and their development thrives. In the Fawns class it also soon becomes a good time for parents to talk about school applications and get to know each other. Our experienced team prepares those children for the upcoming transition to school, including visits from their new primary school teachers.
A Typical Day at Our Farm Nursery & Preschool
Each day at Manor Farm Nursery follows a flexible routine shaped around your child’s age and preferences. Their time is shared between adult-led activities and learning, mealtimes, free play and, importantly, regular time outdoors on the farm, in the sensory garden or on the bikes and trikes or chatting away to the animals. Some children spend longer in active play, while others need more quiet time. Staff adjust the day to your child’s needs so they feel comfortable every day.
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Here’s what their daily routine may look like:
A Flexible, Child-Led Routine
In their Early Years, your young child will be at the height of their curiosity. We recognise this and adjust activities based on your child’s interests. Our staff guide them with care, allowing them to follow their individual needs and build confidence and knowledge through every experience.
Outdoor Play Every Day
Outdoor time is part of daily life at our nursery and happens in all seasons. The fresh air and open space in our setting supports physical development, mental wellbeing and gives every child the ability to regulate, in a safe and contained, familiar environment.
Creative & Sensory Activities
Creative play allows children to express ideas and build fine motor skills and understand their senses (of touch, smell etc.) These activities often include painting, sticking, colouring, construction, roleplay and much much more.
Your child gains the opportunity to share the joys of creativity alongside their friends of a similar age, whilst developing physically and learning more about the world, within planned weekly topics, such as Chinese New Year or People Who Help us.
Group Time & Communication
Group moments are essential for your child to build listening skills and learn to share space, time and attention of adults, with others. Through these moments children learn more about social interaction and the value of friendship.
Calm, Nourishing Mealtimes
Our chef prepares nutritious and fresh meals for lunch and tea every day, keeping your child’s dietary requirements and allergies or religious preferences (if any) in mind. Meals are served with milk or water and some vegetables are grown by the children themselves in the vegetable patch. This helps them understand where our food comes from and feel proud of what they’ve grown.
Snacks
Children enjoy a morning and afternoon nutritional snack, such as fresh fruit, vegetables with crackers or ricecakes, for example.
Rest & Sleep That Suits Your Child
Sleep routines are based on your child’s needs and follow patterns discussed with you. Some toddlers rest once during the day, while other children may need more frequent sleep. Our staff checks on your children regularly and ensures their rest times are healthy, helping them recharge before returning to play.
Travelling from Carterton to Manor Farm Nursery?
Manor Farm Nursery is a short drive from Carterton, making daily drop-offs simple for families living there. By car, the journey takes around 10-15 minutes over roughly 7 miles via local roads towards Lechlade.
Leave Carterton on the B4477 towards Lechlade, then follow signs for Burford Road (A361), where the nursery is located.
Public transport in this area is available, but it can take longer than a car or a taxi. For families interested in learning more about the childcare options at Manor Farm Nursery, we recommend arranging a visit in advance so you can plan your journey and see what our nursery has to offer.
“The staff are incredible with the little ones — patient, caring and completely tuned in to their needs.”
— Parent
Why Choose Our Daycare for Your Baby or Toddler?
When you choose Manor Farm Nursery, from as young as 6 months, your child is cared for by teachers and staff who learn their routines and respond to their individual needs. This consistency helps your child to settle in faster and feel comfortable each day.
Offering so much more than indoor play, your child is exposed to time outdoors, contact with animals, and growing food in the garden to nurture learning beyond traditional classroom environments.
Our aim is to make daycare an exciting place that encourages curiosity and early confidence.
In terms of parental involvement, we’re always happy to keep parents involved through regular communication, so you know how your child spends their time at nursery!
Contact us today to arrange a visit or find out more about our childcare options.
FAQs
Do you follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
Yes. We follow the EYFS framework, helping children learn through play and exploration across all key areas of development.
Are your staff qualified and DBS-checked?
All of our team hold enhanced DBS checks. We also provide ongoing training to ensure consistent, high-quality care for your child.
Can I visit before enrolling my child?
Absolutely. You can book a visit to meet the team and explore the nursery and farm setting before you make a decision.
Is the nursery easy to reach from Carterton?
Yes, Manor Farm Nursery is about a 10-15 minute drive from Carterton along the B4477 and A361, making daily drop-offs simple for busy families.