Business Details
38 Years
experience
Outdoor Childcare Excellence Since 1988
Ashton House Nursery was founded in 1988 by Margaret Sheppard, a mother of five, driven by a passion for outdoor childcare. Now led by her children Jack and Anna, we continue to prioritise natural environments as the foundation for child development. Our approach fosters resilience, self-belief, and character through daily outdoor exploration, forest school sessions, and hands-on learning. With two Cheshire sites in Ashton Hayes and Frodsham, we provide extensive natural spaces where children thrive. Our highly qualified team embraces our unique ethos, ensuring every child experiences a nurturing, adventurous environment.We prioritise healthy eating with balanced meals prepared on-site, reflecting the latest nutritional guidelines. Our holiday club offers dynamic programmes for school-aged children, and our before-and-after-school care supports local families. Parents consistently praise our staff's dedication, the transformative impact on children, and the exceptional outdoor facilities. We welcome visits to experience our approach firsthand and encourage applications from individuals aligned with our values. For over three decades, we have remained committed to creating lifelong positive memories through nature-based learning.
Services
Forest School
Holiday Club
Outdoor Learning
Healthy Meals
Bike Riding Program
Details
- Year established: 1988
Highlights and features
- Family-owned and operated since 1988 with generational expertise
- Daily outdoor learning in extensive natural environments
- Highly qualified staff committed to our unique ethos
- Nutritionist-approved meals prepared on-site daily
- Proven track record transforming children's confidence and resilience
What people say
Best place for my child
Supportive staff
Love of nature
Positive memories
Amazing activities
Services
Forest School
Our forest school programme delivers authentic hands-on experiences in on-site woodlands. Children develop resilience, confidence, and self-esteem through structured risk-taking and nature connection. This holistic approach nurtures mind, body, and heart, aligning with six established forest school principles.
Holiday Club
Our holiday club provides dynamic outdoor activities for 4-11 year olds during school breaks. Each day features unique adventures led by dedicated staff, ensuring no two days are the same. The programme combines physical challenges with creative exploration in our natural environments.
Outdoor Learning
Daily outdoor exploration forms the core of our curriculum. Children engage with natural elements to develop character, spatial awareness, and problem-solving skills. Our extensive grounds feature balanced challenges that promote physical development and environmental appreciation.
Healthy Meals
We provide nutritionist-approved meals and snacks following Early Years Foundation Stage guidelines. Fresh, locally sourced ingredients are prepared daily, fostering healthy eating habits. Parents consistently praise the positive impact on children's dietary preferences and mealtime experiences.
Bike Riding Program
Our structured bike programme develops balance and coordination using balance bikes. Children progress to pedal bikes without stabilisers through supported practice. Staff actively encourage this skill development as part of our physical activity curriculum.
People
Margaret Sheppard
Founder
Founded Ashton House Nursery in 1988, driven by her vision for outdoor childcare. Her family's adventurous spirit and commitment to nature-based learning continue to shape the nursery's ethos today.
Jack Sheppard
Co-Owner
Co-leads the nursery with his sister Anna, continuing their mother's legacy. Having grown up in the Ashton Hayes grounds, he maintains the family's commitment to outdoor childhood experiences.
Anna Sheppard
Co-Owner
Co-owns the nursery with her brother Jack. Her childhood experiences in the original nursery grounds inform her dedication to preserving the outdoor learning environment for future generations.
Questions
What age groups do you cater for?
We provide childcare for children aged 0-11 years across our nursery and holiday club programmes.
Are meals included in nursery fees?
Yes, all meals and snacks are included, featuring nutritionist-approved menus with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Do you offer holiday care?
Our Holiday Club runs during school breaks for children aged 4-11 at our Ashton Hayes location.
What outdoor facilities do you have?
We have extensive natural grounds with woodlands, balance bike tracks, and adventure play areas at both locations.
How do you support child development?
Our forest school approach combines structured risk-taking with nature connection to build resilience, confidence, and character.
Can parents visit the nursery?
We welcome visits to experience our environment and meet our team before enrollment.
Reviews (5)
Lucy Wilkinson
Jul 17, 2019
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Amazing place for your Children at Ashton House Nursery. It as fabulous surroundings and facilities, the children have so much freedom and space. Thank you for inviting me to entertain your beautiful children today 💜
Danielle Harley
Dec 12, 2018
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After visiting a couple of times to provide Diddi Dance classes and entertainment The atmosphere, staff, setting and of course Children were fantastic It’s a beautiful setting to have your little one in
Natalie Vinton
Jan 27, 2018
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Thank you to everyone at Ashton House for making our little girl welcome. She has settled in so well. Fabulous venue and fantastic friendly staff. Mummy and Daddy wish they could join too for the outdoor activities and chef made meals!
Anna Cook
Aug 28, 2017
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My little girl has been there past 3yrs loved it and had lots of fun! Well looked after and I would highly recommend the friendly and professional staff xx
Laura Parkinson
Aug 24, 2017
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I cannot begin to lavish enough praise on this wonderful place and every member of its team! They have cared for my daughter for the last 3.5 years and I could not have wished for a better place and people to look after her. Incredible connection with Mother Nature, brilliant learning environment and amazing staff! If I could give more stars I would!
