Business Details
Trusted Childcare & Early Education in Chester
The Spinney Day Nursery is an independent, family-run childcare provider established over 20 years ago in Chester. Our ethos centers on nurturing children through family values, offering a supportive environment that mirrors the care of a home setting. With two nurseries in Chester and Pulford, we provide tailored childcare for children aged 0-11 years, including nursery, pre-school, breakfast club, after-school club, and forest school programs. Our team of experienced practitioners follows the Early Years Foundation Stage framework, ensuring personalized development plans for each child. We prioritize staff retention and professional development, maintaining high standards through regular appraisals and training.Our facilities include dedicated baby and toddler areas, outdoor learning spaces, and forest school sites. We offer flexible transportation services for school drop-offs and pickups, with extended hours from 7:30 am to 6:30 pm. Our commitment to transparency and parental involvement is demonstrated through regular OFSTED reports and open communication channels. The nursery has received consistent positive feedback for its nurturing environment and professional approach to childcare.
Services
Nursery Care
Pre-school Education
Breakfast Club
After School Club
Forest School
Holiday Club
Highlights and features
- We have over 20 years of experience in specialized childcare provision
- Our family-run approach ensures personalized care and attention
- Regular OFSTED inspections confirm our childcare standards
- We employ a qualified Forest School Leader for outdoor education
- High staff retention ensures continuity and familiarity for children
What people say
Highest standards of childcare
Supportive and flexible staff
Crucial in child's development
Loving and safe environment
Second to none care
Services
Nursery Care
Our nursery provides full-day childcare for children aged 0-5 years, following the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. Each child receives personalized attention through dedicated key workers who develop tailored learning plans in partnership with parents. The program includes sensory activities, outdoor play, and structured learning sessions across purpose-designed facilities with separate baby and toddler areas.
Forest School
Forest School sessions develop children's physical and social skills through nature-based learning. Qualified leaders guide activities like den-building, nature exploration, and environmental education at our woodland sites. The program follows Scandinavian outdoor education principles, promoting confidence, teamwork, and environmental awareness through regular sessions for pre-school and toddler groups.
After School Club
Our after-school service provides childcare for 4-11 year olds with transportation from local schools to our nursery sites. The program runs until 6:30 pm daily, offering structured activities, homework support, and recreational play. Parents benefit from flexible pickup options at either nursery location, making it convenient for working families in Chester and surrounding areas.
Holiday Club
The Spinney Holiday Club operates during school holidays with themed activities and outdoor adventures. The program includes the popular Spinney Adventurers Club, offering forest school experiences, bushcraft skills, and nature exploration for children aged 4-11 years. Sessions combine educational elements with recreational activities, available on daily, weekly, or full-holiday booking options.
Pre-school Education
Our pre-school program prepares 3-4 year olds for formal education through play-based learning. Qualified practitioners create stimulating environments with role-play, creative activities, and outdoor classroom sessions. The curriculum focuses on developing independence, social skills, and foundational knowledge while maintaining strong communication with parents about their child's progress.
People
Alison Thomson
Owner
With over 30 years' experience in education, including special needs teaching, Alison holds an Honours degree in Education and provides strategic leadership for the nursery's childcare provision.
Rhiannon Thomson
Managing Director
Rhiannon manages both nurseries and marketing operations. She is a qualified Forest School Leader with a CIM marketing diploma and expertise in paediatric first aid and outdoor education.
Louise Dugdale
Officer in Charge
As Bell Meadow's manager, Louise brings over 10 years' experience with NVQ Level 4 qualifications in childcare and playwork, plus specialist certifications in paediatric first aid and food hygiene.
Sarah Parry
Deputy Officer in Charge
Sarah serves as Designated Safeguarding Lead with a Foundation Degree in Early Years and advanced safeguarding certification, ensuring child protection standards across nursery operations.
Emma
Officer in Charge
As Hoole Village manager, Emma holds NVQ Level 4 qualifications in childcare and management, with specialist expertise in paediatric first aid and safeguarding practices.
Questions
What age groups do you cater for?
We provide childcare for children aged 0-11 years across our nursery, pre-school, and after-school programs.
Are you OFSTED registered?
Yes, we are regularly inspected by OFSTED with reports available for parents to review.
Do you offer forest school programs?
Yes, we have qualified Forest School Leaders at both locations with dedicated woodland learning environments.
What are your operating hours?
Our standard hours are 7:30 am to 6:30 pm for most services, with flexible booking options available.
Do you provide transportation?
Yes, we offer school drop-off and pickup services for children attending our after-school club.
How do you support child development?
We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage framework with personalized learning plans and dedicated key workers for each child.
Reviews (2)
R. S.
Jan 30, 2020
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Our experience has been anything but positive and satisfactory. Sent my son home hungry repeatedly and didn't even listen to our pleas for basic food like toast to be given to him. Whether the menu is a balanced healthy meal or not, when the children don't eat the Malaysian fish curry and jambalaya, any benefit in the food prepared is useless and ends in the bin. They rarely respond to messages or emails and claim they didn't receive these. MD stepped in to deal with an 8 weeks old outstanding issue only when I said I was making a formal complaint. Still wouldn't recommend them.
Andy D.
Oct 01, 2019
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First class - our little one loves every minute there and the staff are absolutely brilliant across the nursery. Highly recommended!
