Business Details
36 Years
experience
Your Trusted Day Nursery & Pre-School in Dodford
Established in 1990, Holbourn House is a family-run Day Nursery & Pre-School located in the village of Dodford, Northamptonshire. Our Ofsted-rated 'Good' setting is built on a Forest School ethos, prioritising outdoor learning and free-flow environments to nurture children's development. With a team of highly qualified professionals, we provide a safe, homely atmosphere where children aged 9 months to 5 years can grow at their own pace. Our approach combines structured education with natural play, ensuring equal opportunities for all children to reach their full potential. We hold specialist expertise in early years education, including SEND support and outdoor learning leadership.Our staff maintain first aid certifications and undergo continuous professional development to uphold our standards. As a multi-generational family business, we combine decades of collective experience with modern pedagogical practices. Our facilities include both indoor and outdoor spaces designed to stimulate creativity and independence. We offer government-funded childcare options and maintain transparent communication with families through regular updates. Our commitment to quality has made us a trusted choice for local families seeking exceptional early years care.
Services
Day Nursery
Pre-School
Forest School
Child Care
Early Years Education
Details
- Year established: 1990
Highlights and features
- We have over 30 years of experience in early years education
- Our Forest School Leader holds NVQ Level 3 outdoor learning qualifications
- We offer 15/30 hour government-funded childcare options
- All staff maintain first aid certifications and specialist training
- Our multi-generational family team combines tradition with modern practices
Associations and certifications
- Ofsted
Services
Day Nursery
Our Day Nursery provides full-day care for children aged 9 months to 5 years in a secure, stimulating environment. Qualified staff deliver structured learning alongside free-play opportunities, following individual development plans. The service includes nutritious meals prepared on-site by our specialist nursery chef.
Forest School
Forest School sessions develop children's confidence and independence through nature-based activities. Led by our NVQ Level 3 qualified leader, these sessions incorporate risk assessment, environmental awareness, and sensory exploration in our purpose-designed outdoor space.
Pre-School
Our Pre-School programme prepares children for formal education through play-based learning aligned with EYFS standards. Small class sizes ensure individual attention, with a curriculum covering literacy, numeracy, and social skills development in both indoor and outdoor settings.
SEND Support
Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) support includes tailored learning plans and specialist resources. Our qualified SENDco works with parents and external professionals to create inclusive environments that accommodate diverse learning requirements and developmental needs.
Government Funded Childcare
We offer eligible families 15 or 30 hours of government-funded childcare weekly. This service covers children from 9 months to school age, with flexible booking options and transparent eligibility assessments conducted by our admissions team.
People
Rachel
Managing Director
Rachel has led Holbourn House since 2007, holding a BA (Hons) in Early Years Studies. She specialises in creating optimal learning environments and ensuring regulatory compliance while maintaining the nursery's founding ethos.
Bernie
Director / SENDco
Co-founder Bernie brings over 30 years' experience in early years education, holding a BA (Hons) and specialist SEND qualifications. She oversees special educational needs provision and maintains the nursery's pedagogical standards.
Cliff
Director
Cliff co-founded Holbourn House in 1990, managing facilities and financial operations. His background in business administration ensures the nursery maintains high standards of physical infrastructure and operational efficiency.
Sarah
Forest School Leader
Sarah, our NVQ Level 3 qualified Forest School Leader, has over 15 years' experience in outdoor early years education. She designs nature-based curricula that promote physical development and environmental awareness.
Alison
Deputy Nursery Manager
Alison, a BA (Hons) graduate, serves as Designated Safeguarding Lead. With prior childminding experience, she ensures child protection policies are rigorously implemented while supporting staff professional development.
Questions
What age range do you accept?
We care for children from 9 months to 5 years old.
Are you Ofsted registered?
Yes, we are Ofsted registered with a 'Good' rating (Number: 2805251).
Do you offer funded childcare?
We provide 15/30 hour government-funded childcare options for eligible families.
What qualifications do your staff hold?
All staff have relevant childcare qualifications up to Level 7 and maintain first aid certifications.
Is outdoor learning available?
Yes, our Forest School programme operates daily in purpose-designed outdoor spaces.
How do you support special educational needs?
Our qualified SENDco provides tailored support plans and specialist resources for children with additional needs.
Reviews (6)
Rose Petruso-Haynes
Jan 30, 2020
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I’m so glad we chose Holbourn and couldn’t wish for a better place to send my daughter! It’s such a wonderful, loving and caring environment. The staff are amazing, nothing is too much. As a parent they really listen to you and they see the children as individuals. The activities are always varied and stimulating. My little one is always excited when we pull up outside and comes home happy and well fed. A truly wonderful place for little ones, I can’t recommend it enough!
Shannon Seymour
Jul 23, 2019
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Amazing nursery! My son started here with very little speech, hardly any social skills, limited eye contact and destructive behaviour - because of the work put in by the staff and myself through their guidance he’s came on in leaps and bounds and you wouldn’t believe he’s the same little boy! They are so dedicated to helping families 💕
My second… son is just about to leave to go to school in September and it really is like it’s his second family, home away from home. Looking forward to my daughter being able to start! Thank you for all you’ve done over
My second… son is just about to leave to go to school in September and it really is like it’s his second family, home away from home. Looking forward to my daughter being able to start! Thank you for all you’ve done over
Aga Waskowska
Apr 02, 2019
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Both of our toddlers absolutely love it. They wake up in the morning and shout they want to go to Birnie. We were so lucky to find this nursery, the staff is amazing and you can feel real passion and feeling of joy when you leave your kids with them. Outdoors and playground area is great encouraging kids to explore, role play and be creative not to mention the Forest School, which is absolutely fantastic for their development and learning about living closely with nature. All in all we are so happy our kids are in Holbourn House:))
Laurel C. Kriegler
Dec 18, 2017
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My daughter attended for 8 months, and we couldn't have been happier. With a focus on keeping the children happy, the team offered a gentle introduction to a new environment - something I and my daughter greatly appreciated. Over time, I realised just how much the team cares for the children in their care. No matter who greeted me at the door at pick up time, they always knew who my child was, could update me on any issues that were had, and could give reassuring feedback that was genuine. Words cannot express how grateful I am to the team for all their dedication and hard work. One of the best
Hayley Charlesworth
Dec 10, 2017
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My son Harry is severely disabled and that has not phased them ... they get on with things and are incredibly inclusive, adaptive and supportive. The nursery is warm and homely and the staff are incredible. Nothing is too much trouble, you will not find a lovelier environment (or people) to look after your little ones! The care, knowledge and experiences they provide children is top notch!!
Claudette Louise Gardner
Dec 06, 2017
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Highly recommend - my daughter was non verbal , low in confidence who didn't enjoy playing much or new people, now diagnosed as having autism she is well settled in nursery she's found her non verbal voice… through the hard work and passion from holbourne , signing and seeking out company or others , confident and having so much fun and laughter with all the team. This place has changed our lives and consider them as family! It's a pleasure leaving her , something I never imagined !! X
