New nursery opens in Guilsborough as school house day care collections expands

A well-loved local childcare provider has expanded its offering in Guilsborough with the opening of two new early years settings, The Baby Barn and Little Paddocks.

Officially opening its doors on Monday 17th November 2025, the new provision is located at Unit 4, York Studios, Cold Ashby Road, Guilsborough, NN6 8QP. The expansion forms part of School House Day Care (SHDCC), which first opened in the village in 2021 during the challenging days of the COVID pandemic.

The new settings allow the charity-run nursery to provide dedicated spaces tailored specifically to each stage of early childhood development. The Baby Barn welcomes babies aged 3 months to 1 year, Little Paddocks caters for children aged 1 to 2 years, and School House Day Care on The Green continues to provide care for children aged 2 to 4 years.

Located in a picturesque barn conversion in the Northamptonshire countryside, The Baby Barn and Little Paddocks offer a cosy, home-from-home environment designed to feel warm, intimate and nurturing. Meanwhile, SHDCC operates from a charming former school house in the heart of the village.

By splitting children into carefully considered age groups, the team can create developmentally focused spaces that support children as they reach important milestones, tailoring activities to their individual needs and interests.

Their vision is clear: to create a nurturing space where every child feels valued, included and celebrated. Diversity is embraced, individual interests are followed, and a lifelong love of learning is inspired through play, discovery and imagination. The team believes childhood is precious, and their role is to make every moment count.

Children benefit from beautiful outdoor spaces and regular walks along local countryside routes, often stopping to visit horses and other village animals along the way. SHDCC also offers a sensory room, forest school opportunities, breakfast and after-school clubs, and holiday provision.

In addition, The Baby Barn has introduced weekly Stay and Play sessions for parents of babies due to start at the setting. Held every Tuesday from 10:30am to 12:30pm, the sessions provide families with the opportunity to experience the environment first-hand. A £2 donation includes hot drinks and cakes for parents, along with snacks for children.

As a charity-run nursery, SHDCC works closely with families, local groups and volunteers. Regular fundraising events help to provide enriching experiences and additional opportunities for children, strengthening its role within village life.

Since opening in 2021, School House Day Care has built a strong reputation locally. The setting is rated GOOD by Ofsted and was recently recognised in the Top 20 Day Nurseries Awards 2025.

Director, Charlotte Woodman said:
“We are absolutely delighted to expand our provision here in Guilsborough. Being based in such a beautiful village allows our children to truly engage with community life while enjoying the benefits of the countryside. As a charity-run nursery, our families are at the heart of everything we do. The opening of The Baby Barn and Little Paddocks means we can support children right from three months old in spaces that are thoughtfully designed for each stage of their development. It’s a very special milestone for us.”