Nurture
in Nature

A child led learning environment where every child is valued for the individual they are. We have built an inclusive learning family setting where children are able to navigate their own path at the beginning of their learning journey.

Inspired by the Curiosity Approach, your little ones will learn at their own pace by exploring the world around them, using every-day objects, and the best possible playground, the beautiful natural environment of the Suffolk Heritage Coast. Old Hospital Nursery has its own outdoor play area. It is a short walk to Southwold beach and across the street from Tibby’s Green playground. Next door is Southwold Library and The Canteen, where the children get to explore a variety of new foods provided by local Suffolk producers.

Every child is unique.

We help children to develop by celebrating their uniqueness. Allowing them to develop confidence, a sense of self worth, independence and a love to learn attitude.

Stress-free Learning.

Our children learn through play in an unpressurised environment where children navigate their own learning journey through guided exploration. This lays the foundation for the life-long skills of problem solving and critical thinking.

Educating the heart.

We educate your children’s hearts by nurturing them in a place that is an extension of home, not a watered down version of school. With us, they absorb the values of sharing, respect, kindness and empathy.

Treasuring our Natural Environment.

We encourage in our little ones a sense of awe and wonder at the natural world. Our children spend lots of outdoor time in all kinds of weather.

A safe, calm and tranquil place.

Modern life is full of auditory and visual stimulation, by providing a safe calm learning environment were children are secure in routines and expectations we help to minimise these stressors.

Beauty and Authenticity.

Young children are drawn to beauty and authenticity. Our setting is a light and beautiful space, full of natural light, where children will use real household objects to stimulate their imaginations.

What we offer at Old Hospital Nursery

Music and movement

Nature all around to discover and explore

Access to the Canteen's market garden where the children help to grow and harvest edible plants

A safe, nurturing, carefree space

Access to the library, all the books a child could need. Regular visits to the nursery from the librarians.

5 minute walk to the beach and selections of parks.

Aims and Values

Our aim is to provide individualised care in a homely, nurturing, secure and stimulating environment where the individuality of each child is recognised. We want all of our children to develop at a pace that harmonises with their needs, gaining in self-confidence, learning kindness and empathy, respecting our natural environment, and becoming attuned to the beauty of the world around them. Our dedicated staff value and encourage parental involvement in the life of the nursery.

Our Ethos

Our Vision

Information to support a smooth transition to Nursery

To see all of our privacy policies, please click here: Nursery Policy Agreements

0-2 our daily journey

0-2 Nursery needs

2-5 our daily journey

2-5 Nursery needs

What to expect in the EYFS

Curriculum Overview

Meet our staff

Elaine Glendinning
Nursery Director

Elaine is a retired head teacher for Southtown Primary School in Great Yarmouth and more recently Hempnall Primary School near Bungay. A member of the SouthGen Management Committee, she is also a Trustee for the Waveney Valley Academies Trust and Search Manager for Suffolk Lowland Search and Rescue [sulsar.og.uk], a charity that helps the emergency services find missing children and vulnerable adults. Elaine, who has taught children from diverse backgrounds, is committed to providing individualised care in a secure and kindly environment.

Sam Hamlet
Nursery Manager

Sam has worked in Outstanding Early Years Departments both in the UK and Internationally. A keen edu-nerd she uses research and best practice from around the world to develop teaching and learning to enable children to be independent, inquisitive and enthusiastic learners. Sam is passionate about children’s bodies being physically ready for learning and that their learning opportunities allow them to challenge themselves appropriately. She is keen to share curriculum support and training not only with the staff team and parents but the wider community also.

Victoria Jones
Deputy Manager

I am a mum of two children who began her Early Years journey 8 years ago. I have experience of working with children from 4 months to 5 years and believe all children should have equity in provision. I enjoy looking at how learning and environments can be adapted to enable every child to be the best version of themselves.

Nancy Cox
Nursery Practitioner

I love working with younger children and planning provocations that support their learning and next steps. I believe that relationships are key to children's success and spending time with families working collaboratively to ensure they feel safe, valued and secure. I enjoy the flexibility of supporting children across two age ranges as this allows continuity of care.

Nicola Leggett
Nursery Practitioner

I see my role as a privilege supporting our youngest children at the very beginning of their learning journey. Each day brings new adventures and surprises in each child's development. I am passionate about building strong and secure relationships with the children and parents that I care for.

Pricing

Open 50 weeks/year 8.00am to 6.00 pm for ages 3 months to 4 years

Fees

Full day 9:00 – 17:00
£48

Half day 9:00 – 13:00
or 13:00 – 17:00
£24

6 hour session 9:00 – 15:00
£36

Additional time, charged per hour at
£6

Early Start / Late Finish, Prior to 9:00 & after 17:00 (available upon request)
£7

Holiday Cover

We also provide holiday cover subject to availability at £10 per hour

Funded Sessions

We provide government funded sessions for children of 3-4 years up to 30 hours per week. Government funding is intended to cover the delivery of early education and care only.

We are also registered for working tax credit for childcare.

Our Supporters