Business Details
30 Years
experience
Trusted Childcare Services at HMS Collingwood
Established in 1996, Woodentots Nursery was created to address the childcare needs of Service Personnel and contractors at HMS Collingwood. Our team understands the unique challenges faced by military families, offering tailored support during deployments while maintaining a nurturing environment. As an Ofsted-registered provider, we deliver high standards of care and education for children aged 4 months to 5 years. Our facility combines modern indoor spaces with extensive outdoor areas, fostering holistic development through play and structured learning. We prioritise creating a 'home from home' atmosphere, accommodating individual family needs rather than imposing rigid structures.Our experienced practitioners work closely with parents through the WPSA group to enhance the nursery community. Nutritious meals are prepared on-site daily, and our bespoke curriculum focuses on wellbeing and skill development. Located within a secure military establishment, we provide peace of mind alongside educational excellence. With 27 years of dedicated service, we continue to support military families in Fareham and surrounding areas. Our approach combines professional expertise with personal understanding to ensure every child thrives.
Services
The Nest
The Explorers
The Investigators
The Preschool
Forest School
Parent Engagement
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- We specialise in supporting military families with tailored childcare solutions
- Our 'home from home' environment accommodates individual family needs
- Located within a secure military establishment for added peace of mind
- Nutritious meals are freshly prepared on-site daily by our dedicated cook
- Experienced practitioners deliver a bespoke wellbeing curriculum for early development
What people say
Home from home
Supportive staff
Military family understanding
Child development progress
Welcoming environment
Services
The Nest
Our dedicated baby unit provides a warm, secure environment for infants aged 4-12 months. The room features separate sleep areas and changing facilities, with direct access to enclosed outdoor spaces. Staff focus on building trust through consistent care routines while introducing sensory experiences. The home-from-home atmosphere supports emotional development during this critical early stage.
The Explorers
Designed for children aged 1-2 years, this room encourages physical development through play-based learning. Age-appropriate resources promote motor skills while staff guide social interactions. The space includes safe outdoor access for weather-dependent activities. Individualised care plans adapt to each child's emerging needs during this transitional phase.
Forest School
Our Forest School programme delivers nature-based education for children aged 2-5 years. Qualified practitioners lead sessions that develop resilience and environmental awareness through hands-on activities. The curriculum aligns with EYFS requirements while fostering independence in natural settings. Regular outdoor learning supports physical development and risk assessment skills.
Questions
Who is eligible for nursery places?
We prioritise Service Personnel, MOD civil servants and contractors with access to HMS Collingwood. One parent must hold appropriate security clearance.
What are your operating hours?
We operate Monday-Thursday 07:30-18:00 and Friday 07:30-17:00, 51 weeks annually excluding public holidays and Christmas week.
Are meals provided?
Yes, we provide freshly prepared nutritious meals daily, including morning and afternoon snacks, tailored to children's dietary requirements.
Can I visit before enrolling?
We strongly recommend booking a personal tour to explore facilities, meet staff, and discuss your child's specific needs with our team.
How do you support military families?
Our staff understand military life challenges, offering flexible support during deployments and maintaining continuity of care for service personnel.
