-
What makes us Special
About Us
About Us
Choosing the right nursery for your child is a big decision. You want a place where your child will feel happy, supported, and confident — somewhere they can learn, grow, and thrive in a safe and secure environment.
At Poppies Nursery, every child is at the heart of what we do. We provide a wide range of activities based on children’s interests and stages of development, helping them build independence, curiosity, and confidence. Our kind, caring, and dedicated team creates a warm atmosphere where safety and happiness come first.
We’re proud to offer exceptional care, great facilities, and a nurturing home-from-home environment. As a parent, you can feel reassured knowing your child is being looked after by professional staff who genuinely care — giving you peace of mind as you go about your day.
Opening Times
We are open Monday to Friday, 7:00am – 6:00pm, for 51 weeks of the year.
(We close for the days between Christmas and New Year.)
We offer a flexible approach to sessions and can accommodate families who work shifts where possible.
Our Rooms
Poppies Nursery is made up of five dedicated units, each designed to support children at every stage:
Bluebells – Baby Unit
-
Sunflowers – 18–24 months
-
Tulips – 2–3 years
-
Daisies – Pre-School Room
-
Orchids – Afterschool Club & Holiday Club
Visit Us
We warmly welcome visits from parents and children. If you would like to arrange a tour, please contact us and we’ll be happy to book an appointment, show you around, and answer any questions you may have.
Staff
• Our annual survey confirms what we already know – Our greatest asset is our dedicated staff
• We believe that the relationships built between the children and the people who care for them are critical. Staff are selected not only for their qualifications, but also for their ability to relate and build strong relationships with children and parents.
• Staff core and personal development training is of high importance, staff regularly attend a variety of training courses, such as First Aid, food Hygiene, Safeguarding and Positive behaviour.
• Children are designated a Key Person when they join the setting.
Facilities
• Children are grouped into self-contained units according to their age and developmental needs.
• We have a unique building which can be adapted to meet varying demands.
• Each room has a designated outdoor area, of which they use as an extension to their room.
• We have a wonderful mud garden out the front of the building where all children can learn about growing food and plants.
Nutrition
• We have kitchen on site with full time chef.
• Menu’s, which are reviewed regularly, are designed to appeal to children whilst providing variety and nutritionally balanced diet. These menus are on view in each of our rooms.
• We use freshly prepared meat and vegetables and offer vegetarian alternative for those children who require it. We also cater for other dietary requirements such as Lactose Intolerance.
• No salt or sugar is used in our cooking.
We offer daily nutritious menus which provide a well-balanced diet for all the children in our care. Our menus are carefully planned with the emphasis on healthy eating. Encouraging children to eat healthily is one of our major goals at Poppies and our staffing team work together to inspire children to indulge in the fruits and vegetables that life has to offer.
Organisation of Nursery
The children are grouped together into self-contained units according to their age and development needs. Each room has a Senior Nursery Nurse and they are assisted by qualified Nursery Nurse and Trainee’s.
Our unit names and age ranges are as follows:
Bluebells: 3mths -24mths
Tulips: 24mths - 36mths
Daisies: 36mths – 60mths
Bluebells: 3mths -24mths
Bluebells: 3mths -24mths, we work on a 1:3 ratio.
Our bluebells room caters for babies up to the age of 18 months. This room provides a safe and stimulating environment with toys/resources suitable for this age range. Our staff cater to each individual child’s routine and welfare requirements to ensure each child’s needs are met. Staff communicates daily with parents to provide daily updates on how their child has been/ eaten/slept etc. Children have daily access outside in their own garden where they will continue to explore and learn through play following EYFS guidelines. Each child’s development is closely followed and monitored and activities are tailored to their individual needs and interests. Staff do this to ensure each child makes positive progress to help reach their milestones. At poppies we believe in healthy eating and children are given healthy freshly cooked food daily but we do cater for those with dietary requirements. Fruit is often given at snack times and for puddings. All nappies and wipes are provided by the nursery, we do ask parents to bring a pot of cream in for their own child. Parents are asked to provide bottles and formula milk for their child.
Tulips: 24mths - 36mths
Tulips: 24mths – 36mths, we work on a 1:4 ratio.
Our Tulips room caters for children ages between 2-3years. This room provides a safe and stimulating environment with toys/resources suitable for this age range. Our staff cater to each individual child’s welfare requirements to ensure each child’s needs are met. Staff communicates daily with parents to provide daily updates on how their child has been/ eaten/slept etc. Children have a busy morning taking part in activities and after lunch have their sleep. Activities continue again in the afternoon. Children have daily access outside in their own garden where they will continue to explore and learn through play following EYFS guidelines. Each child’s development is closely followed and monitored and activities are tailored to their individual needs and interests. Staff do this to ensure each child makes positive progress to help reach their milestones. At poppies we believe in healthy eating and children are given healthy freshly cooked food daily but we do cater for those with dietary requirements. Fruit is offered at snack times and for puddings.
Daisies: 36mths – 60mths
Daisies: 36mths – 60mths, we work on a 1:8 ratio.
Our Pre-school room cater for children aged between 3-5 years. This room provides a safe and stimulating environment with toys/resources suitable for this age range. Our staff cater to each individual child’s welfare requirements to ensure each child’s needs are met. Staff communicate daily with parents to provide daily updates on how their child has been throughout the day. Children have a busy morning taking part in activities and after lunch activities continue again in the afternoon. Children have daily access outside in their own garden where they will continue to explore and learn through play following EYFS guidelines. Each child’s development is closely followed and monitored and activities are tailored to their individual needs and interests, Staff do this to ensure each child makes positive progress to help reach their milestones and help the children prepare for school. At poppies we believe in healthy eating and children are given healthy freshly cooked food daily but we do cater for those with dietary requirements. Fruit is offered at snack times and for puddings.
Orchids - Our Afterschool and Holiday Club
Afterschool Club
Holiday Club
Our Rooms & Daily Care
Supporting School Transitions
Working Together With Parents
Afterschool Club
We provide after-school collection from:
Ferndale
St Mary’s School
Swindon Academy (Beech Avenue)
Ages: 4–12 years
Ratios:
- 1:8 for children under 8
1:10 for children aged 8–12
Once children arrive back at Poppies, we provide a light afternoon tea and can also support with reading and homework. A range of activities are available, and children also use the local park/field for outdoor play.
Holiday Club
Holiday Club is available throughout the school holidays, with theme weeks and a variety of activities to keep children entertained and engaged.
We open Holiday Club in line with the published school holidays from Swindon Borough Council.
Food provided throughout the day:
Breakfast
Hot cooked lunch
Tea
Our Rooms & Daily Care
Each of our rooms is self-contained and includes:
Nappy changing facilities
Potties and toilets
All rooms follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. We are continuously supported and monitored through our Early Years Consultant from Swindon Borough Council, and we work closely with other professionals, including:
Speech and Language Therapists
Health Visitors
Children’s Centres
SAMS and other SEND professionals
Supporting School Transitions
The EYFS continues into the Reception Year. We work closely with the schools we feed into to ensure a smooth transition for every child.
Working Together With Parents
We believe strong communication with parents is essential. We offer:
Parents’ evenings twice a year (January and July) to discuss progress and view your child’s Learning Journey
Daily updates from staff on how your child has been and what they have been doing
Time to meet with your child’s Key Person for more dedicated support
We encourage parent involvement because parents know their children best, and working together helps every child thrive.
We also operate an open-house policy, meaning parents are welcome to visit the nursery at any time. We share a newsletter each half term to keep you informed about what’s happening at Poppies.
Useful links and support for families
Here are some useful links for additional guidance:
What we Offer
- Open Mon-Fri 7am to 6pm
- Registered and Insured Provider
- Qualified Nursery Staff
- Meals and Nappies included in fees
- Flexible Childcare
- Monthly Bookings, only pay for the sessions you need
- All Childcare Voucher Schemes accepted
- Free funded Nursery Grant sessions