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
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Phone Number020 8893 3645
Categories
Details
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Group/OwnerSquirrels Nursery Association
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Person in ChargeAdella Bernard (Nursery Manager)
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Number of Staff7
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When ClosedBank Holidays & 3 days between Christmas & New Year
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Type of ServiceDay Nursery – Privately OwnedOpen all yearFull Day CareSessional Day Care
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Total Places for children25
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Age rangefrom2 years 0 monthsto5 years 0 months
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DirectionsBased in The Nelson Primary School - Walk through the main gates and the nursery is based at the side of the school - Privately
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Opening DaysMon-Fri
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Opening Hours0800-1800
Elizabeth P
November 13, 2017 at 12:00 amI would highly recommend Squirrels Nursery. My son attended Squirrels for two years and he received excellent care. All the staff at Squirrels are wonderful.
Joe Z
November 21, 2017 at 12:00 amThis is, without doubt, one of the nicest nursery’s you will find in the borough of Richmond. It is situated within a primary school and the nursery itself is a lovely setting for children to learn and play within. The staff are extremely warm, caring and make every effort to provide a high level of childcare. Children 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 recommend parents who are considering nurseries for their children to make a call or book a visit to view this nursery as I know you will be as impressed as I was when I first went to visit.
Enisa B
November 23, 2017 at 12:00 amVery friendly and warm welcoming staff who make every day play interesting for my son. 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 nursery is offering indoor and outdoor space, especially the extra room which is a classroom and children can learn during play.
I recommend the nursery to all parents in the area.
Alexandra G
April 10, 2019 at 12:00 amThe best place ever, my little girl loves everyone. All the staff treat them like family members and they have fun and different activities every day. Never had a problem and I know she is safe and they have healthy meals from start to finish every day.
Mihaela V
April 11, 2019 at 12:00 amSuch a great nursery! My daughter absolutely loves it, the staff are very friendly and great with the kids. Affordable prices and I love that they have outdoor space as well. Highly recommended!
Sheromee G
April 23, 2019 at 12:00 amMy daughter is thriving at Squirrels. The staff are exceptionally well trained and have a good connection with the children. I would recommend Squirrels to anyone who wishes to put their child into a kind, nurturing environment.
Greg E
April 23, 2019 at 12:00 amOur three-year-old daughter really enjoys her time at Squirrels. She has made strong friendships with other children and bonded well with the staff team. She settled in surprisingly quickly and looks forward to her time there.
Naomi E
April 23, 2019 at 12:00 amI would highly recommend Squirrels nursery. They have been extremely welcoming to our daughter and our family. Our daughter looks forward to going, is happily playing when picked up and always comes home singing a song from the day!
Dave O
May 8, 2019 at 12:00 amWe looked round quite a few nurseries before we decided on Squirrels. Everyone we met at each nursery were lovely, but the team at Squirrels were not only lovely, they also seemed to be that bit more passionate. They clearly all enjoy 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 children, whilst making sure they have fun the whole time they are there, are very impressive.
Our son could not be happier there. To the point where on the days he is not at nursery and we ask him what he wants to do he checks first if nursery is closed as that would be his first choice! Not sure how I feel about that but it is a huge endorsement for Squirrels!
Ruth C
May 3, 2021 at 12:00 amMy child has only been at Squirrels Day Nursery for three months and settled in very well, thanks to all the staff. All the staff are friendly and welcoming both to parents and children. The manager gave very good advice when thinking about joining. The communication to parents is excellent and all staff come across as though they have time to speak to you and update you on your child’s education. The outdoor and indoor area compliment each other well. Children make friends easily. This is thanks to the open door policy that staff have.
Al CL
July 7, 2021 at 12:00 amOur little ones love Squirrels Day Nursery. We know that they’re being well looked after and cared for by a lovely team. You can really tell the amazing bonds that they form with all of the children. The nursery 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 children always tell us exciting things they’ve been up to each day and how much fun they’ve had and what they’ve learnt. I’d highly recommend Squirrels. Communication between staff and parents is great. Also, it’s the cheapest nursery in the area too! What’s not to love!
Lauren R
July 7, 2021 at 12:00 amOur son really enjoys his time at Squirrels, and we are happy with the way the staff have encouraged his interest in drawing, imaginative play as well as his counting skills and learning to write his name. Throughout the pandemic, they have maintained a very high level of care, and we always felt really comfortable with him being there. When he did have a few upsets with other children, it was managed in a compassionate and professional 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 recommend it. Due to moving jobs, our son has changed nursery 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.
Rachael M
October 20, 2021 at 12:00 amOur twins have been at Squirrels for just over a year and are thoroughly enjoying it. It’s so important that they come home happy every day, and Squirrels certainly achieves that. The staff are all lovely and genuinely care for the children, and have built some great bonds with them. The nursery has a lovely setting in the middle of a school, so feels integrated into the next stage of their learning. There is a focus on learning through play, and they do a wide variety of activities. There’s also a lovely outdoor play area with a climbing frame. Breakfast, lunch and tea are cooked and served on-site, and we always get reports it’s all been eaten up! An electronic log provides updates and photos of daily activities. Daily fees are extremely competitive for the area. I would certainly recommend Squirrels.
Katharine W
October 20, 2021 at 12:00 amWe love Squirrels! My daughter settled immediately and is extremely happy; she is always excited on Sunday evening, knowing she will see all her friends the next day. I really like the fact that it is a not-for-profit nursery. It has a lovely, caring, community feel, and the staff members are very kind and genuinely interested in each child. It really is a home from home. There is good outside space with a trampoline and other equipment, and as it is in the grounds of the school they can sometimes access the play space there during the holidays. Communication with parents is excellent; we love getting daily updates and photos through the app. The children 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.
Alistair m
November 1, 2021 at 12:00 amSuch a great nursery. I’m so glad we found it, and our little boy settled in and made friends with the teachers and other kids almost immediately. Having seen a few of the alternatives, Squirrels offers a much nicer environment for the kids to play and learn in with a massive outdoor area on the edge of the playgrounds, which makes it seem even larger. The staff are amazing, work hard at providing for the kids and clearly love each and every one. Also good is the parent involvement aspect where everyone gets an actual say on how the nursery is run and operates. Do not hesitate to send your kids here.
Claire S
November 8, 2021 at 12:00 amOur son has recently left Squirrels to start school – but had the most amazing time here.
He was also excited to go, loved playing with his friends, and made a mess with the art supplies!
The staff are wonderful, the food is great, the nursery has loads of outside space, and it’s conveniently located.
The nursery is a parent-run not-for-profit, so it’s the cheapest around, and all the money is spent on supplies and caring for the children.
Tracey B
April 20, 2022 at 12:00 amBoth my children love attending this nursery. The staff are so hardworking and create imaginative, educational tasks for the children to do. There is a variety of facilities and activities for the children to do, and they don’t want to leave when I pick them up.
Lynne H
April 24, 2022 at 12:00 amWe are so happy with the care at Squirrels Day Nursery. The new manager has transformed the – already very good – care into outstanding. The activities and ideas that the staff provide are excellent, they all really care about the children, and our key worker is so enthusiastic and passionate about helping our child thrive.
The manager is clearly experienced and understands what is required to create a safe and well-maintained environment for the children.
I feel this nursery offers excellent value for money, particularly given the quality and energy of the manager and her staff.
Salma H
May 4, 2022 at 12:00 amSquirrels Day Nursery is an environment every kid in a nursery needs to be. The manager and the teachers are all kind and lovely. My son never gets home sad from school, rather happy. Clean environment as well.
Satish K
May 11, 2022 at 12:00 amSquirrels nursery provides the right kind of environment for children to learn and grow. Our daughter really enjoys her time at the nursery 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 staff are genuinely interested, enquired about her/liking and then tailored to develop her interest. Very good nursery with a large outdoor area and very competitive prices!