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Description

Squirrels Day Nursery was established in September 1991 with support from Richmond upon Thames Education Department and Richmond upon Thames College to provide daycare as an incentive for staff recruitment and retention.   We are located on the premises of Nelson Primary School, but operate totally independently.

Squirrels Day Nursery is unusual in that it operates as a not-for-profit organisation, managed by a voluntary committee of parents of children attending the nursery.  Run by parents for parents, since we are not aiming to make a profit, we are able to plough any surplus income back into the nursery in the form of new equipment and resources, while at the same time ensuring that our nursery remains THE most affordable childcare provider in Whitton.

Contact Information
  • Phone Number
    020 8893 3645
Categories
Details
  • Group/Owner
    Squirrels Nursery Association
  • Person in Charge
    Adella Bernard (Nursery Manager)
  • Number of Staff
    7
  • When Closed
    Bank Holidays & 3 days between Christmas & New Year
  • Type of Service
    Day Nursery – Privately OwnedOpen all yearFull Day CareSessional Day Care
  • Total Places for children
    25
  • Age range
    from2 years 0 monthsto5 years 0 months
  • Directions
    Based in The Nelson Primary School - Walk through the main gates and the nursery is based at the side of the school - Privately
  • Opening Days
    Mon-Fri
  • Opening Hours
    0800-1800
Funding & Fees

Location
  • Gray Jarvis
    September 27, 2024 at 7:11 pm

    The team are so hardworking and create imaginative, educational tasks for the kids to do. There is a variety of facilities and activities for the kids to do, and they don’t want to leave when I pick them up. Both my kids adore attending this childcare centre.

  • Indigo Randall
    October 11, 2024 at 9:08 am

    It is situated within a primary school and the childcare centre itself is a lovely setting for kids to learn and playtime within. The team are exceptionally inviting, attentive and make every effort to provide a high level of childcare. Kids are supported in their early development with a range of activities that are both stimulating and enjoyable and whilst also being supported with activities that prepare them for the transition to primary schooling.

    I would highly suggest parents who are considering nurseries for their kids to make a call or book a visit to view this childcare centre as I know you will be as impressed as I was when I first went to visit. This is, without doubt, one of the nicest childcare centre’s you will find in the borough of Richmond.

  • Justice Frost
    October 22, 2024 at 4:30 am

    The new manager has transformed the – already highly great – care into outstanding. The activities and ideas that the team provide are outstanding, they all truly care about the kids, and our key worker is so enthusiastic and passionate about helping our kid thrive.
    The manager is clearly experienced and understands what is required to create a secure and well-maintained setting for the kids.
    I sense this childcare centre offers outstanding value for money, particularly given the quality and energy of the manager and her team. We are so cheerful with the care at Squirrels Day Childcare centre.

  • Avery Frost
    October 29, 2024 at 12:12 pm

    Throughout the pandemic, they have maintained a highly high level of care, and we consistently felt truly comfortable with him being there. When he did have a few upsets with other kids, it was managed in a compassionate and expert way and communicated to us effectively. Now they have also started using an online tracking system, we are getting regular updates in addition to the daily report sheets. Would highly suggest it. Due to moving jobs, our son has changed childcare centre a few times, and have to say that whilst Squirrels is the cheapest in terms of the daily cost, it certainly is the best in terms of the quality of care. Our son truly enjoys his time at Squirrels, and we are cheerful with the way the team have encouraged his interest in drawing, imaginative playtime as well as his counting skills and discovering to write his name.

  • Lennon Lawson
    December 10, 2024 at 1:15 am

    Our son has recently left Squirrels to start school – but had the most incredible time here.
    He was also excited to go, loved playing with his friends, and made a mess with the art supplies!
    The team are fantastic, the food is excellent, the childcare centre has loads of outside space, and it’s conveniently located.
    The childcare centre is a parent-run not-for-profit, so it’s the cheapest around, and all the money is spent on supplies and attentive for the kids.

  • Parker Lang
    December 13, 2024 at 2:17 pm

    The manager and the educators are all compassionate and lovely. My son never gets home sad from school, rather cheerful. Spotless setting as well. Squirrels Day Childcare centre is an setting every kid in a childcare centre needs to be.

  • Logan Delaney
    December 21, 2024 at 1:32 pm

    They have been exceptionally welcoming to our daughter and our family. Our daughter looks forward to going, is happily playing when picked up and consistently comes home singing a song from the day! I would highly suggest Squirrels childcare centre.

  • Casey Griffin
    January 2, 2025 at 3:21 am

    Everyone we met at each childcare centre were lovely, but the team at Squirrels were not only lovely, they also seemed to be that bit more passionate. They clearly all delight in what they do and I think that comes across in their whole approach to childcare.
    Their awards and qualifications speak for themselves and the ambition they have in terms of what they teach the kids, whilst making sure they have enjoyable the whole time they are there, are highly impressive.
    Our son could not be happier there. To the point where on the days he is not at childcare centre and we ask him what he wants to do he checks first if childcare centre is closed as that would be his first choice! Not sure how I sense about that but it is a huge endorsement for Squirrels! We looked round quite a few nurseries before we decided on Squirrels.

  • Justice Jarvis
    January 15, 2025 at 4:03 am

    Our daughter truly enjoys her time at the childcare centre and looks forward to going back in the morning. After the change from childminder due to term time only, we were little concerned whether our daughter will settle in the new place, but the manager and team are genuinely interested, enquired about her/liking and then tailored to develop her interest. Highly great childcare centre with a large outdoor area and highly competitive prices! Squirrels childcare centre provides the right compassionate of setting for kids to learn and grow.

  • Jamie Quinn
    February 20, 2025 at 10:28 pm

    My daughter absolutely loves it, the team are highly welcoming and excellent with the kids. Affordable prices and I adore that they have outdoor space as well. Highly recommended! Such a excellent childcare centre!

  • Cameron Pierce
    February 23, 2025 at 5:55 am

    My son attended Squirrels for two years and he received outstanding care. All the team at Squirrels are fantastic. I would highly suggest Squirrels Childcare centre.

  • Dakota Taylor
    February 25, 2025 at 12:04 am

    I’m so glad we found it, and our little boy settled in and made friends with the educators and other kids almost immediately. Having seen a few of the alternatives, Squirrels offers a much nicer setting for the kids to playtime and learn in with a massive outdoor area on the edge of the playgrounds, which makes it seem even larger. The team are incredible, work hard at providing for the kids and clearly adore each and every one. Also great is the parent involvement aspect where everyone gets an actual say on how the childcare centre is run and operates. Do not hesitate to send your kids here. Such a excellent childcare centre.

  • Fallon Walker
    March 3, 2025 at 11:05 pm

    She has made strong friendships with other kids and bonded well with the team team. She settled in surprisingly quickly and looks forward to her time there. Our three-year-old daughter truly enjoys her time at Squirrels.

  • Finley Norris
    March 14, 2025 at 11:20 am

    The team are exceptionally well trained and have a great connection with the kids. I would suggest Squirrels to anyone who wishes to put their kid into a compassionate, nurturing setting. My daughter is thriving at Squirrels.

  • Parker Hobbs
    April 2, 2025 at 8:01 am

    All the team treat them like family members and they have enjoyable and different activities every day. Never had a problem and I know she is secure and they have healthy meals from start to finish every day. The best place ever, my little girl loves everyone.

  • Riley Irwin
    April 5, 2025 at 11:22 pm

    We know that they’re being well looked after and cared for by a lovely team. You can truly tell the incredible bonds that they form with all of the kids. The childcare centre setting has two large rooms as well as a kitchen where they prepare all meals. There’s a large garden with loads of playground equipment and activities and our kids consistently tell us exciting things they’ve been up to each day and how much enjoyable they’ve had and what they’ve learnt. I’d highly suggest Squirrels. Updates between team and parents is excellent. Also, it’s the cheapest childcare centre in the area too! What’s not to adore! Our little ones adore Squirrels Day Childcare centre.

  • Taylor Quinn
    May 22, 2025 at 4:15 pm

    All the team are welcoming and welcoming both to parents and kids. The manager gave highly great advice when thinking about joining. The updates to parents is outstanding and all team come across as though they have time to speak to you and update you on your kid’s education. The outdoor and indoor area compliment each other well. Kids make friends easily. This is thanks to the open door policy that team have. My kid has only been at Squirrels Day Childcare centre for three months and settled in highly well, thanks to all the team.

  • Dakota Parker
    June 23, 2025 at 8:13 pm

    It’s so important that they come home cheerful every day, and Squirrels certainly achieves that. The team are all lovely and genuinely care for the kids, and have built some excellent bonds with them. The childcare centre has a lovely setting in the middle of a school, so feels integrated into the next stage of their discovering. There is a focus on discovering through playtime, and they do a wide variety of activities. There’s also a lovely outdoor playtime area with a climbing frame. Breakfast, lunch and tea are cooked and served on-site, and we consistently get reports it’s all been eaten up! An electronic log provides updates and photos of daily activities. Daily fees are exceptionally competitive for the area. I would certainly suggest Squirrels. Our twins have been at Squirrels for just over a year and are thoroughly enjoying it.

  • Justice Hobbs
    July 1, 2025 at 12:27 pm

    My daughter settled immediately and is exceptionally cheerful; she is consistently excited on Sunday evening, knowing she will see all her friends the next day. I truly like the fact that it is a not-for-profit childcare centre. It has a lovely, attentive, community sense, and the team members are highly compassionate and genuinely interested in each kid. It truly is a home from home. There is great outside space with a trampoline and other equipment, and as it is in the grounds of the school they can sometimes access the playtime space there during the holidays. Updates with parents is outstanding; we adore getting daily updates and photos through the app. The kids do all sorts of engaging activities, and I know my daughter will be well prepared for reception as she tells me all about the daily routine they follow. Currently, her favourite game is playing ‘Squirrels’ and singing all the songs they use, like the ‘tidy up’ song. Plus, she loves the food! I am so glad we found this lovely place. We adore Squirrels!

  • Logan Sutton
    July 1, 2025 at 5:27 pm

    I have noticed a big improvement in my son’s speech, behaviour and courage to socialize and make friends. I like the fact that the childcare centre is offering indoor and outdoor space, especially the extra room which is a classroom and kids can learn during playtime.
    I suggest the childcare centre to all parents in the area. Highly welcoming and inviting welcoming team who make every day playtime interesting for my son.

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