Business Details
Trusted Early Years Education in Chester
Tarvin Pre School & Day Nursery is a community-based, not-for-profit nursery and registered charity located within the grounds of Tarvin Primary School. Established over 50 years ago as a home-based playgroup, we have evolved into an Ofsted Outstanding-rated setting under the leadership of Nursery Manager Lyn Jackson, who holds a first-class honours degree and Early Years Professional status. Our team of highly qualified staff provides a secure, stimulating environment where children develop confidence, creativity, and foundational skills through tailored learning experiences. We prioritise outdoor exploration with access to green fields, wooded areas, and purpose-built facilities that support physical development and nature-based learning. Our curriculum balances structured and self-directed activities, ensuring each child receives individual attention through a key person system and a high adult-to-child ratio.With strong links to Tarvin Primary School, we offer seamless transitions and shared educational experiences while maintaining our independent identity. Staff undergo continuous professional development in paediatric first aid, safeguarding, and Makaton, ensuring expertise in child welfare and communication. Our high staff retention fosters stable relationships, crucial for children's personal, social, and emotional growth. We specialise in supporting children with additional needs through dedicated SENCO professionals and individualised care plans. Regular parent engagement, including newsletters and development reports, keeps families informed and involved in their child's progress.
Services
Day Nursery
Pre-School
Forest School
Holiday Clubs
SEND Support
Parent App
Outdoor Learning
Gardening Activities
Concerts & Graduation
Fundraising Events
Highlights and features
- 20+ years of experience in early years education under qualified leadership
- Ofsted Outstanding rating across all inspection areas
- Highly trained staff with paediatric first aid and Makaton certification
- Specialist support for children with additional needs through dedicated SENCOs
- Unique outdoor forest school environment for experiential learning
Associations and certifications
- Ofsted
What people say
Fantastic staff
Loves going to nursery
Positive growth
Support for additional needs
Thriving environment
Services
Day Nursery
Our day nursery provides full-time care for children aged 0-5, combining structured learning with free play. Qualified practitioners deliver individualised care plans, ensuring each child's unique needs are met through a high adult-to-child ratio and key person system. The setting features purpose-built indoor spaces and extensive outdoor areas for holistic development.
Forest School
Forest School sessions utilise our wooded environment to promote physical development and nature exploration. Children engage in supervised outdoor activities that build confidence, teamwork, and environmental awareness through hands-on experiences like den-building, seasonal observation, and sensory play in natural surroundings.
SEND Support
Special Educational Needs support includes individualised care plans, one-to-one assistance, and EHCP guidance. Our qualified SENCOs work closely with families and external professionals to create inclusive learning environments where children with additional needs achieve developmental milestones at their own pace through tailored activities.
Holiday Clubs
Holiday clubs offer structured activities during school breaks, featuring themed play, arts and crafts, and outdoor games. These sessions maintain continuity of care while providing new experiences that develop social skills and creativity. Clubs operate in partnership with Tarvin Primary School's extended facilities.
Parent App
The parent app provides real-time updates on children's daily activities, development progress, and nursery communications. Features include photo sharing, event notifications, and access to assessment reports. This digital platform enhances home-nursery collaboration and keeps families informed about their child's learning journey.
People
Lyn Jackson
Manager & Director
With over 20 years in early years education, Lyn holds a first-class honours degree and Early Years Professional status. She has led Tarvin Nursery to three consecutive Ofsted Outstanding ratings, specialising in child development and educational leadership while maintaining hands-on involvement in daily operations.
Sophie Jackson
Assistant Manager & SENDCO
A Level 5 qualified practitioner with 12 years' experience, Sophie oversees special educational needs provision. As SENDCO, she develops individualised support plans while managing daily nursery operations and mentoring staff in inclusive teaching practices for children with diverse needs.
Katy Perry
Assistant Manager Admin
Originally joining as a fundraising committee member, Katy transitioned to administration management. With over a decade of experience, she oversees operational systems, financial processes, and parent engagement initiatives while maintaining connections to the nursery's community-focused ethos.
Stacy Robinson
Nursery Practitioner
A Level 3 qualified practitioner with 11 years' experience, Stacy specialises in early childhood development. She implements curriculum activities while providing individual care through the key person system, drawing on 15 years' total experience working with young children.
Karen Walker
Nursery Practitioner
With 20 years at Tarvin, Karen progressed from parent helper to qualified practitioner. She holds a Level 3 childcare qualification and specialises in early years care, combining practical experience with formal training to support children's learning through play-based activities.
Questions
What age range do you cater for?
We provide care and education for children aged 0-5 years, with tailored programmes for different developmental stages from babyhood through pre-school.
How do you support children with additional needs?
Our qualified SENCOs create individualised care plans, offer one-to-one support, and collaborate with external specialists. We have experience supporting various needs and help families navigate EHCP processes.
What outdoor facilities do you have?
We feature extensive outdoor spaces including green fields, wooded areas for forest school, and purpose-built play equipment. These environments support physical development, nature exploration, and seasonal learning activities.
How do you communicate with parents?
We use a dedicated parent app for daily updates, photos, and development reports. Regular meetings, newsletters, and topic webs ensure families stay informed about their child's progress and nursery activities.
Are meals provided?
Yes, we offer healthy meals and snacks following nutritional guidelines. Our menu accommodates various dietary requirements while encouraging children to explore new foods through positive mealtime experiences.
What qualifications do your staff hold?
All staff have minimum Level 3 childcare qualifications, with many holding higher credentials. Mandatory training includes paediatric first aid, food hygiene, safeguarding, and Makaton communication techniques.
