Business Details
38 Years
experience
Trusted Child Care & Early Education in Bournemouth
Seaward Day Nursery School has been nurturing young minds in Southbourne for over three decades, establishing itself as a cornerstone of early years education. Our philosophy centres on creating a home-from-home environment where children develop confidence, creativity, and curiosity through structured play and hands-on learning. Located just minutes from a Blue Flag beach and Fishermans Walk Park, we integrate nature-based exploration with academic preparation, ensuring children thrive both indoors and outdoors. Our dedicated team of qualified practitioners, with over 45 years of combined experience, delivers a rich curriculum encompassing drama, cooking, art, and phonics.We prioritise strong partnerships with families, actively involving parents in their child's journey through regular communication and collaborative events. Accredited by Ofsted and maintaining high food hygiene standards, we provide nutritious home-cooked meals daily. Our unique settling-in policies and flexible attendance options ensure each child transitions smoothly into nursery life. With a proven track record of preparing children for school and beyond, Seaward combines tradition with innovation in a setting where every child's potential is celebrated.
Services
Early Years Education
Creative Curriculum
Outdoor Learning
Nutrition Programme
Settling-in Support
Parent Partnerships
Community Engagement
Specialist Activities
Transition Preparation
Flexible Attendance
Details
- Year established: 1988
Highlights and features
- 30-year heritage as Southbourne's oldest nursery with proven educational outcomes
- Unique beach and woodland access for immersive outdoor learning experiences
- Experienced team with 45+ combined years in early years education
- Award-winning home-cooked meals using fresh, locally sourced ingredients
- Innovative settling-in policies ensuring smooth transitions for new families
Associations and certifications
- Ofsted
- Food Hygiene Rating Scheme
What people say
Fantastic staff
Creative curriculum
Beautiful surroundings
Nutritious meals
Confident children
Services
Early Years Education
Our curriculum develops foundational skills through structured play and themed activities. Children engage in phonics, numeracy, and creative arts while building social confidence. Qualified practitioners deliver tailored learning plans that track individual progress against EYFS standards.
Outdoor Learning
Daily access to beach and woodland environments enhances sensory development and physical coordination. Guided nature walks, pond studies, and outdoor art projects connect children with their coastal surroundings while promoting environmental awareness and scientific curiosity.
Nutrition Programme
Three-course meals use seasonal ingredients prepared daily by our in-house chef. Children participate in cooking classes and bakery sessions, learning about food origins and healthy choices while developing fine motor skills through practical food preparation activities.
Settling-in Support
Gradual introduction programmes include home visits, parent sessions, and flexible scheduling. Personalised 'All About Me' questionnaires help staff understand each child's preferences, ensuring emotional security during the critical adaptation period to nursery life.
Specialist Activities
Weekly drama, dance, and music sessions enhance creativity and self-expression. Language lessons introduce basic French vocabulary through songs and games. Seasonal performances and community projects develop confidence and cultural awareness in a supportive environment.
People
Mila MacDonald
Principal
With 20+ years in early education, Mila combines culinary expertise with leadership. She inspires staff creativity while maintaining high academic standards through imaginative curriculum development and teacher mentorship.
Sophie Probyn
Nursery Manager
A specialist in child engagement, Sophie creates structured yet playful environments. Her theatrical background enhances learning through performance-based activities that captivate young learners and foster confidence.
Carina Petty
Nursery Practitioner
Experienced in emotional development, Carina uses music and movement to support children's wellbeing. Her warm approach helps anxious children build trust while maintaining consistent behavioural expectations.
Crystal Jenkins
Nursery Practitioner
Creative arts specialist Crystal designs sensory-rich activities that stimulate imagination. Her energetic teaching style encourages participation through interactive storytelling and hands-on craft projects.
Delfina Rosasco
Nursery Practitioner
Bilingual educator Delfina introduces Spanish language and Argentine culture. She creates calm learning spaces using songs and gentle routines that support emotional regulation and cultural awareness.
Questions
What age groups do you cater for?
We accept children from 1 to 4 years old, with tailored programmes for different developmental stages.
Are meals included in fees?
Yes, we provide three freshly prepared meals daily using seasonal ingredients from local suppliers.
How do you support transition to school?
Our curriculum aligns with EYFS standards, with specific focus on literacy, numeracy and social skills development.
Can we visit before enrolling?
We offer free trial sessions and encourage prospective parents to schedule a personal tour.
What qualifications do staff hold?
All practitioners hold Level 3 childcare qualifications with many having additional specialist training.
How do you involve parents?
We maintain daily communication through learning journals and hold regular family events and workshops.
