Business Details
37 Years
experience
Trusted Childcare & Early Education in Chepstow
Mathern Day Nursery was founded in April 1989 by Mandy Gore, who continues to lead the business. As the first day nursery in the Chepstow area, we have maintained a family-oriented atmosphere while expanding our services to cater for children from 6 weeks to 5 years. Our team of 21 qualified practitioners ensures a stable, nurturing environment with low staff turnover. We follow the Developmental Pathways curriculum for pre-schoolers and are an ESTYN-approved provider. Our rural setting allows for regular outdoor exploration, with a large garden and secure field for safe play. We offer flexible hours from 7:00am to 6:00pm, with optional early starts and tailored meal plans.Our sister nursery in Caerwent extends our reach, while maintaining consistent quality across locations. We prioritise individual attention, with staff ratios of 1:3 for babies, 1:4 for toddlers, and 1:8 for pre-schoolers. Our facilities include dedicated rooms for different age groups, an art studio, and outdoor learning spaces. We accommodate special dietary needs and maintain a nut-free environment. Over 35 years, we have evolved to meet changing family needs while preserving our core values of care, education, and community integration.
Services
Baby Care
Toddler Programs
Pre-School Education
Flexible Hours
Outdoor Learning
Nutritious Meals
Allergy Support
Rural Exploration
Welsh Language Integration
Developmental Pathways Curriculum
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- 35 years of childcare expertise since 1989
- Low staff turnover ensures consistent care relationships
- Specialised rooms with enhanced staff ratios (1:3 for babies)
- Nutritious home-cooked meals with allergy-friendly options
- Outdoor learning spaces including a dedicated field
Associations and certifications
- ESTYN
Services
Baby Care
Our Green Room provides nurturing care for babies aged 6 weeks to 2 years with a 1:3 staff ratio. Stimulating activities promote early development through sensory play and one-to-one interactions. Regular village walks enhance learning experiences while maintaining a secure, family-like environment.
Toddler Programs
The Red Room caters for 2-3 year olds with age-appropriate activities fostering social and cognitive development. Structured group sessions and free play encourage numeracy and literacy skills. Outdoor spaces include a craft shed and mud kitchen to support exploratory learning.
Pre-School Education
Our Blue Room follows the Developmental Pathways curriculum for 3-4 year olds. Focus areas include communication, physical development, and Welsh language introduction. Children engage in science experiments, allotment gardening, and creative arts to prepare for primary school transition.
Outdoor Learning
Daily outdoor activities utilise our extensive grounds featuring a field, sandpit, and nature shed. Loose parts play encourages physical development while woodland walks promote environmental awareness. Secure play equipment supports risk-assessed exploration in a rural setting.
Flexible Hours
We offer childcare from 7:00am to 6:00pm with optional early starts at additional cost. Flexible session options accommodate working families while maintaining continuity of care. Bank holiday provision available with reduced charges during festive periods.
People
Mandy Gore
Director
Founder with 35 years' experience in childcare leadership. Holds CMI Level 5 Management qualification and NVQ Level 3 in Childcare. Specialises in safeguarding, autism awareness, and early years curriculum development. Manages both Mathern and Caerwent nurseries.
Jennifer Light-Hook
Manager
Early years specialist with 9 years' experience, including 2 at Mathern. Qualified to Level 5 in Leadership and holds a BA in Primary Education. Expertise in safeguarding, outdoor play, and autism education. Oversees daily operations at Mathern nursery.
Hayley Bull
Deputy Manager
Experienced childcare professional with 10 years' experience, including 1 at Mathern. Level 4 NVQ qualified with specialist training in safeguarding and first aid. Leads staff development and ensures compliance with childcare regulations.
Stacey Smith
Green Room Leader
19 years' childcare experience, including 10 at Mathern. Level 3 qualified with expertise in early communication strategies and autism support. Specialises in birth-3 schemas and sensory play techniques for infant development.
Kathleen Deveuve
Nursery Assistant
27.5 years' experience in childcare, 8.5 at Mathern. Level 2 qualified in child development and playwork. Focuses on health & safety compliance, first aid provision, and multicultural workshop delivery for diverse learning experiences.
Questions
What are your operating hours?
We operate Monday-Friday 7:00am-6:00pm with optional early starts from 7:00am. We close only for bank holidays and 3 days at Christmas.
Do you cater for special dietary needs?
Yes, we accommodate food allergies and intolerances with individually tailored meal plans while maintaining a nut-free environment.
What qualifications do your staff hold?
All staff hold minimum Level 2 childcare qualifications, with many possessing Level 3 and 4 certifications. We maintain enhanced staff ratios and regular safeguarding training.
How do you support outdoor learning?
Our extensive grounds include a field, sandpit, nature shed, and loose parts play areas. Daily outdoor activities promote physical development and environmental awareness in a secure rural setting.
What curriculum do you follow?
We follow the Developmental Pathways curriculum for pre-schoolers, focusing on communication, physical development, and Welsh language introduction through structured and exploratory learning activities.
Reviews (2)
Rosie Brown
Jan 10, 2021
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Emailed 3 times asking about enrolling child. No response AT ALL. Finally got a response via telephone.. no availability. Completely understand if business is full to capacity but I shouldn't need to almost beg for an answer. Really poor show in my opinion.
Chris Dadswell
Jan 04, 2013
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This is Mathern village hall not a day nursery. The day nursery is further down the road in the old Mathern school. It's a very good nursery too!
