The Barn Nursery is rather special: it is a nursery set in a dedicated play barn in a beautiful one acre garden, in the home of the wonderful Willa Franks. Now in its tenth year, Willa’s primary aim has always been to provide a home-from-home environment for pre-school children in a small, cosy and stimulating setting.
Willa can take children from approximately 20 months of age so long as they are confident walkers (potty training not necessary!). For SO many Test Valley parents, The Barn has given families the perfect first nursery experiences. Providing a brilliant stepping stone for Pre-school or Kindergarten, Willa understands how both Mummies and their little ones feel and makes the experience of separation a really happy and positive one, giving children the opportunity to be stimulated and socialise, and giving parents a few hours of me-time.
The children indulge in all sorts of activities such as singing and dancing, really messy art and craft, collecting eggs from the crazy chickens and, most importantly, lots of playing in the garden and enjoying being outside no matter what the British weather throws at them. Children are encouraged to find the confidence for independent play, with gentle routines put in place and lots of opportunity to socialise with other children. Whether its dressing up, making play-dough pizzas or singing their favourite dinosaur songs, there is always plenty going on to keep your child happy, interested and stimulated.
The Barn Nursery follows the Early Years Foundation Stage, setting standards for learning, development and care for children and observations of the children are recorded on a daily basis. Groups are small, with a maximum of 6 children per session (with current OFSTED ratios). Children thrive in such a small and nurturing environment; strong friendships develop and children leave our care as confident, happy little people. Childcare vouchers accepted.
The Barn Nursery is situated in Over Wallop, near Andover and Stockbridge. It is open during term time only and sessions are either 3 or 4 hours long. Drop off is from 8.45am onwards, and sessions run until 12pm or until 1pm, in which case the children enjoy having a packed lunch together.
The Barn is always open for a visit if you want to pop in and see them all in action – everyone loves visitors and making them feel welcome!