New Wootton Park nursery to open in January 2027

A new nursery for children aged two to four will open at Wootton Park School in January 2027, offering high-quality early education and childcare throughout the year.

Wootton Park Nursery will provide a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment in newly renovated Early Years spaces on the school site.

Open for 51 weeks of the year, the nursery will operate from 8am until 6pm, with morning and afternoon sessions available. Families will be able to access funded Early Years places, in line with national entitlements, alongside paid-for childcare.

Children will benefit from welcoming indoor learning spaces and direct access to a secure, covered outdoor play area. The nursery’s wider outdoor provision will include Forest School, a mud kitchen, sand and water play, music and adventure areas.

The new nursery will form part of Wootton Park School, giving children and families access to the school’s established leadership, safeguarding systems and extensive Early Years expertise.

Wootton Park School has been designated by the Department for Education as one of only 45 RISE Reception Network Lead Schools across the country, recognising the strength of its Early Years provision and leadership.

The school was also praised in its 2025 Ofsted report, which stated: “Children in the early years get off to the best possible start.”

CEO Dan Rosser said: “We are incredibly excited to be opening Wootton Park Nursery and extending our provision to children from the age of two.

“Our ambition is to give every child a happy, secure and inspiring start to their education. The nursery will combine carefully designed learning environments with skilled and caring staff who understand how young children learn and develop.

“As part of Wootton Park School, our nursery children will benefit from the expertise, high expectations and strong sense of community that underpin everything we do. We want this to be a place where children feel safe, valued and excited to learn every day.”

The nursery will be led by Kate Clough, Wootton Park’s new Head of Nursery Provision. She brings more than two decades of senior leadership experience in Early Years and primary education and has worked as a primary school headteacher since 2006.

Mrs Clough has previously established and successfully grown a school-based nursery for children aged two to four.

She said: “It is a privilege to be leading this exciting new provision. The earliest years of a child’s life are incredibly important, and our nursery will provide a warm and purposeful environment in which every child can thrive.

“We will work closely with families to understand each child’s individual needs and interests. Through high-quality play, exploration and carefully planned learning experiences, we will help children develop their confidence, communication, independence and early learning skills.”

The nursery’s approach will place equal importance on children’s personal, social and emotional development and their emerging academic skills. Staff will provide tailored support to help every child become a confident, curious and resilient learner.

Mr Rosser added: “Opening our nursery is an important next step for Wootton Park School. It will allow us to build even stronger relationships with local families and provide children with continuity as they begin their journey into school. We look forward to welcoming our first children and families in January 2027.”