Business Details
Trusted Child Care & Early Education in Great Casterton
Casterton Childcare Centre has been delivering high-quality early education and childcare in Rutland for over two decades. Situated within the grounds of Casterton College, we leverage exceptional facilities to create a stimulating environment for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years. Our approach prioritises natural learning through exploration, with dedicated Forest Garden sessions and a focus on sensory experiences using authentic materials. We maintain a homely atmosphere across all rooms, fostering independence and curiosity while supporting children's social, emotional, and intellectual development.Our team comprises experienced professionals committed to nurturing each child's unique potential, with strong partnerships maintained with families through regular communication and the Famly online learning journal. We accommodate diverse family needs with flexible session options, term-time-only places, and support for children with additional needs or from Armed Forces families.
Services
Early Years Education
Holiday Club
Forest Garden Sessions
Key Person Support
Flexible Session Options
Highlights and features
- We offer over 20 years' experience in early years education
- Our college grounds provide exceptional outdoor learning spaces
- Experienced team with international nursery expertise
- Flexible session options to suit working families
- Armed Forces Covenant supporters with dedicated family liaison
Associations and certifications
- Ofsted
What people say
Outstanding facilities
Dedicated team
Excellent communication
Creative learning
Happy environment
Services
Early Years Education
Our Early Years Foundation Stage programme combines structured learning with free play, following national curriculum guidelines while encouraging natural curiosity. Children develop essential skills through themed activities, sensory exploration, and outdoor learning in our college grounds. Our approach nurtures social development, creativity, and early literacy/numeracy in a supportive environment.
Forest Garden Sessions
Daily Forest Garden sessions immerse children in nature-based learning through seasonal exploration and hands-on activities. We follow Scandinavian-inspired approaches to develop resilience, environmental awareness, and practical skills. Children engage with natural materials, observe wildlife, and participate in sustainable practices that build scientific understanding and physical coordination.
Holiday Club
Our Holiday Club provides fun, educational childcare for school-aged children during school breaks. The programme includes themed activities, outdoor adventures, and creative projects that maintain learning continuity while offering social opportunities. Sessions run daily during term breaks, excluding Christmas and Bank Holidays.
Questions
What are your opening hours?
We operate Monday-Friday from 7:30am-6:00pm, 51 weeks annually, closing only for Christmas and Bank Holidays.
Do you offer funded childcare places?
Yes, we provide government-funded sessions for eligible children including 15-30 hour entitlements, with additional hours available at standard rates.
How do you support children's learning development?
We use the Famly online journal for daily updates and observations, maintain key person relationships, and provide home learning suggestions to support continuous development.
What outdoor facilities do you have?
Our dedicated Forest Garden and college grounds offer extensive outdoor learning spaces with seasonal activities, nature exploration, and physical play opportunities.
Reviews (4)
Elaine Yvonne Wells
Aug 28, 2020
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My daughter attended her last day at Preschool yesterday. She started in the Bumble Bee room. Casterton Nursery has variety in activities and has really developed my daughter so much. I love the way the staff use natural resources. They offer extra curricular activities and take the children out for walks around the village. The staff are extraordinary. They go above and beyond. Susie (Team Leader in the Preschool room) and Jo (Nursery Manager) have gone above and beyond forour family! All the staff are 'stars' in my eyes. Communication is conducted so well. They have so much time for the family
Jennifer Hodgkiss
Nov 27, 2019
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A superb setting for curious minds! All 3 of our children have benefitted from an Casterton’s established team of well trained staff. Great facilities, parking on site is an absolute winner and ours love the food; always dipping into 2nds!! Finding fitness, forest school and lots walks around the fields mean the children are always being exposed to new challenges but in a safe and very caring environment.
In Hot Property
Sep 26, 2018
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Excellent friendly helpful staff! Our 3 children have thoroughly enjoyed their time at the nursery. Thank you to all the staff.
Nicole Baines-Knox
Jun 10, 2018
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My daughter is so happy here, the staff are lovely and trustworthy, they put a lot of effort into helping the children grow and develop their skills.
