Business Details
24 Years
experience
Your Trusted Child Care Partner in Melksham
Established in 2002, Rocking Horse Nursery provides a nurturing, home-from-home environment where children develop through play, exploration, and structured learning. Our philosophy prioritises outdoor activities, fostering independence and social skills while aligning with the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. With a dedicated team holding NVQ Level 3 qualifications and specialised training, we ensure high-quality care tailored to individual needs. Daily routines integrate fresh, healthy meals prepared on-site, considering dietary requirements and developmental stages. We actively engage parents as partners in their childs learning journey, offering regular communication and collaborative events.Our flexible approach balances structured education with child-led interests, preparing children for school as confident, lifelong learners. The nurserys design encourages cross-room interaction, ensuring children feel comfortable with all staff members. Safety and hygiene standards are rigorously maintained, including a five-star food hygiene rating. Fiona Milner, the owner-manager, draws on 13 years of international childcare experience to create a service that mirrors parental care. Continuous professional development ensures staff remain at the forefront of early years best practices. Our commitment to diversity, equality, and community values underpins every aspect of our provision.
Services
Nursery Care
Early Years Education
Outdoor Learning
Parent Partnerships
Healthy Meal Provision
Details
- Year established: 2002
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of childcare expertise with NVQ Level 3 qualified staff
- Our five-star food hygiene rating ensures safe, nutritious meals prepared on-site
- Daily outdoor activities promote physical development and natural curiosity
- Personalised learning plans align with the Early Years Foundation Stage framework
- Regular parent engagement builds strong home-to-nursery partnerships
Services
Nursery Care
Our nursery provides full-day childcare for children aged 2-5 years, operating 8am-6pm. Staff with NVQ Level 3 qualifications create a safe, stimulating environment where children develop social and cognitive skills through structured play and outdoor activities. The service integrates with educational frameworks to prepare children for school transitions.
Early Years Education
We deliver curriculum-based early education aligned with the Early Years Foundation Stage. Learning combines child-led exploration with guided activities covering literacy, numeracy, and personal development. Our approach balances formal teaching with natural play, ensuring children build foundational academic and social skills in an engaging environment.
Outdoor Learning
Daily outdoor sessions encourage physical development and environmental awareness. Children engage in active play, gardening, and sensory exploration across purpose-designed spaces. This approach fosters independence, risk assessment skills, and appreciation for nature while meeting physical activity guidelines for early childhood development.
Parent Partnerships
We maintain daily communication with parents through informal updates and formal meetings. Parents contribute to learning journeys by sharing home observations, while regular events like Christmas parties strengthen community connections. This collaborative approach ensures consistent support for each child's developmental needs.
Healthy Meal Provision
Fresh meals are prepared daily by a Level 3 qualified cook adhering to five-star hygiene standards. Menus accommodate allergies and developmental requirements, incorporating produce grown by children in our nursery garden. Meal times serve as social learning opportunities where children develop independence and healthy eating habits.
People
Fiona Milner
Owner/Manager
With 13 years of international childcare experience across three countries, Fiona established Rocking Horse Nursery in 2002. Her approach combines global best practices with local needs, creating a nurturing environment that mirrors parental care standards.
Questions
What age range do you cater for?
We provide care for children aged 2-5 years, with staff trained to meet developmental needs at all early years stages.
Are meals included in nursery fees?
Yes, we provide three fresh meals daily prepared on-site by our Level 3 qualified cook, considering dietary requirements and allergies.
How do you support school readiness?
Our curriculum aligns with the Early Years Foundation Stage framework, focusing on literacy, numeracy, and social skills through play-based learning.
Can parents get involved in nursery activities?
We encourage parental participation through daily discussions, learning journey contributions, and social events like summer parties and Christmas celebrations.
What outdoor facilities do you offer?
Children access purpose-designed outdoor spaces daily for physical play, gardening, and sensory exploration in a secure environment.
How do you ensure staff qualifications meet standards?
All staff hold or are working towards NVQ Level 3 qualifications, with mandatory first aid and child protection training refreshed regularly.
Reviews (3)
Kerrie Wainwright
Jul 03, 2018
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Love everything about this nursery. We chose it initially as our daughter loves to be outside and the outdoor space is literally amazing. Staff always friendly and informative. Brilliant place who worked really hard to boost our daughters self confidence, cannot recommend enough.
Rebecca Broughton
Feb 02, 2017
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Really couldn't recommend rocking horse enough as soon as I came to look around I new it was the nursery for Molly and she loves it! The staff are great and the out door area is great for the children great communication from all nursery teachers I will miss bringing Molly here when she goes to school such a warm and welcoming place :)
Nic Johnstone
Aug 04, 2015
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Betsy absolutely LOVES nursery! The staff support the children immensely with their development. The garden is amazing, and they spend a lot of time outdoors. The food smells delicious and its rare for Betsy to not have seconds. Definitely the best nursery in the area! :)
