Business Details
37 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Trusted Childcare & Preschool in Reading
Founded in 1989, Orchard Day Nursery is a family-focused childcare provider located in Caversham, Reading. Our outdoor-centric environment, complemented by purpose-built indoor facilities, fosters holistic child development through play-based learning. We integrate globally recognised educational philosophies including Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Forest School principles to create tailored learning experiences. Our team of qualified practitioners prioritises emotional well-being, physical development, and cultural awareness, maintaining a 1:4 staff-to-child ratio for personalised care. We operate 52 weeks annually, offering flexible hours from 8am to 6pm, with structured settling-in sessions to ensure smooth transitions.Our commitment to professional growth is demonstrated through an apprenticeship programme that shapes future early years educators. The nursery's holistic approach combines nutritional meal planning, daily outdoor activities, and comprehensive observation systems to track individual progress. We maintain strong parent partnerships through regular progress reports and an open-door policy, supported by digital communication tools. Our safeguarding practices include daily health checks, individual care plans, and first-aid trained staff. The nursery's community-building initiatives connect families through social networks and cultural events, reflecting our belief in collective child-rearing.
Services
Nursery Care
Pre-School Care
After School Club
Holiday Club
Forest School Programme
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- We implement Forest School principles with daily outdoor learning in half-acre gardens
- Our practitioners maintain 1:4 staff-to-child ratios for personalised attention
- We integrate Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and neuroscience-based play approaches
- Structured settling-in process with free stay-and-play sessions available
- Comprehensive observation system tracks individual development through paper journals and digital portals
Services
Nursery Care
Full-day childcare for children aged 10 months to 3 years, featuring outdoor learning environments, sensory play areas, and individual development tracking. Our practitioners implement Montessori principles and heuristic play to stimulate cognitive growth. Nutritional meal planning and rest routines support physical development, while key person approaches ensure consistent emotional care.
Pre-School Care
Educational programmes for 3-5 year olds combining Reggio Emilia approaches with Forest School principles. Daily outdoor activities develop physical literacy while creative projects foster social skills. Transition support prepares children for primary education through structured learning journeys documented in digital and physical formats.
After School Club
After-school care offering homework support, creative activities, and outdoor play. Programme extends learning through child-led projects and community-building initiatives. Operates during school terms with qualified staff maintaining continuity between nursery and school experiences.
Holiday Club
Seasonal childcare providing structured activities and free play during school holidays. Themed weeks incorporate cultural learning and outdoor exploration. Programme maintains consistency with nursery educational approaches while offering new experiences for continued development.
Forest School Programme
Daily outdoor education focusing on risk assessment, resilience building, and nature connection. Qualified practitioners facilitate experiential learning through environmental exploration. Programme develops physical coordination, problem-solving skills, and environmental awareness through sustained outdoor engagement.
Questions
What age groups do you cater for?
We provide care for children aged 10 months to 5 years through our nursery, pre-school, and after-school programmes.
What are your operating hours?
Our nursery operates daily from 8am to 6pm, 52 weeks a year, with office support available Monday to Wednesday.
What educational approaches do you use?
We combine Montessori principles, Reggio Emilia approaches, Forest School practices, and neuroscience-based play methodologies in our curriculum.
How do you support child transitions?
We offer free stay-and-play sessions and gradual settling-in periods with flexible parent involvement to ease transitions.
What safety measures are in place?
All staff hold first aid qualifications, with regular training updates. We maintain 1:4 staff ratios and implement individual healthcare plans when needed.
How do you involve parents?
We use digital portals and paper journals for progress tracking, offer regular parent consultations, and maintain an open-door policy for communication.
