Nursery

Our Magical Nursery in Greenwood

Welcome to the enchanting woodland glade that is Greenwood, happy home to our Early Years children. This is where magic happens before our eyes every day! There is nothing more exciting than seeing our youngest children gaze with awe and wonder at life and its mystery unfolding before them, and we revel in providing the very best opportunities to nurture their curiosity, enthusiasm and love for learning.

Yarrells Nursery Babies (Video) (2)

Exciting New Baby Provision

Opening Spring 2026 – From 6 Months Old

We are excited to announce that Yarrells Nursery will be introducing a dedicated baby room in Spring 2026, welcoming children from 6 months of age. This new provision will offer a warm, nurturing and purpose-designed environment for our youngest learners and will operate on an all-year-round basis.

✓ We follow YOUR baby’s routine

✓ Settling-in sessions included

✓ Fully qualified Level 3 practitioners

✓ All-year-round care with flexible sessions

Be part of something special from the start

Click here to read more information about our Baby Room

Nursery at Yarrells

A nurturing start, exceptional opportunities

At Yarrells, our youngest children begin their learning journey in Greenwood, our eco-friendly Early Years setting, tucked into a snug and secure corner of our beautiful woodland site in Poole, Dorset. Purpose-built and thoughtfully designed, Greenwood provides a calm, inspiring environment where children feel safe, valued, and excited to learn.

The Nursery is led by an experienced, qualified teacher, ensuring that standards and expectations remain consistently high and fully aligned with those of the main school. From the very start, children benefit from being part of the wider Yarrells community, enjoying exceptional facilities, specialist teaching, and a strong sense of belonging.

Flexible Nursery Provision to Suit Every Family

We recognise that every family has different and specific needs. Our Nursery offers a range of flexible options, combining high-quality early education with dependable childcare.

Pips – Baby Unit (6 months–2 years)

Our Baby Unit welcomes children from 6 months of age and provides all-year-round care in a warm, nurturing setting with a reassuring ‘home from home’ ethos.

Babies learn and develop through carefully planned play, including songs, stories, sensory experiences, and interactive activities that support early communication, emotional security, and engagement.

Sessions available:

8:00am–3:30pm
8:00am–6:00pm

Nutkins (2–3 years)

From the age of 2, children can access wraparound care from 7:30am to 6:00pm. Families may choose term-time only provision or all-year-round care, allowing you to select the arrangement that works best for your family.

Nutkins is a lively and supportive environment where children thrive as part of our extended school family. Days are filled with hands-on learning, indoor and outdoor play, music, dance, PE, and Forest School adventures. With the guidance of our skilled practitioners, children begin to explore independence while always feeling secure and supported.

Squirrels (3–4 years)

In Squirrels, children continue to flourish in a setting that carefully balances learning and care. A rich, play-based curriculum supports children’s growing confidence, curiosity, and social development.

Alongside core Early Years learning, children benefit from specialist lessons in French and swimming, helping to prepare them smoothly and confidently for Reception.

Additional Flexibility

Subject to availability, ad-hoc sessions can be booked during term time or school holidays. We are always happy to meet with families to discuss individual circumstances and help find the right solution for your child.

Outstanding Facilities and Opportunities

Nursery children benefit from all the exceptional facilities and opportunities available at Yarrells, including:

A secure garden and safe outdoor play areas where children can explore freely
Highly qualified, specialist, and dedicated staff committed to every child’s development
A dynamic and inspiring curriculum designed to foster curiosity and achievement
A beautiful estate, with the main school housed in a Georgian mansion alongside modern classroom buildings
Extensive grounds including sports fields, play areas, woods, and gardens
Forest School and outdoor education spaces for hands-on learning in nature
A covered, heated swimming pool and outdoor netball/tennis courts
Delicious hot meals and snacks prepared by our excellent catering team
A fully equipped gym and performance hall

Learning in the Early Years (EYFS)

Children in the Early Years are at the heart of our school community. All classes are taught by specialist Early Years practitioners, and learning is guided by the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework.

This forms the foundation of a broad, engaging curriculum that supports children’s development and progress across all areas of learning. From the age of 2, children enjoy specialist teaching in Forest School, cookery, gymnastics, and outdoor sports. In addition, our pre-school classes benefit from dance, French, and swimming, all delivered by expert practitioners.

Learning is play-based, creative, and purposeful, encouraging children to develop independence, resilience, self-assurance, and strong collaborative skills.

A Seamless Transition

We provide a seamless transition from Nursery to Reception and beyond, ensuring children feel confident, secure, and excited about the next stage of their education within Yarrells.

From their very first steps, our youngest children are welcomed into a warm, family-like community. Nursery life is filled with discovery, play, and friendships that grow alongside learning. In Squirrels and Reception, each child is paired with a senior school ‘buddy’, creating meaningful connections through shared reading, play, and special moments across the generations.

Visit Our Nursery

Choosing the right Nursery is an important decision. We warmly welcome families to visit Greenwood, meet our team, and experience the unique early years environment at Yarrells.

To arrange a visit or discuss availability, please contact Kristal Bowdler, Admissions Registrar.

Email: admissions@yarrells.co.uk

Call: 01202 622229

At Yarrells Nursery, we lay the foundations for a lifelong love of learning in a supportive, inspiring, and joyful environment.

Smooth Transition from Nursery to School

Moving from Yarrells Nursery to Reception is an exciting and smooth step for children! Here’s what makes the transition special:

Familiar Environment - Children already know the layout, staff, and routines.
Consistent Learning - Nursery and Reception share the same nurturing educational approach.
Social Support - Children build on friendships with familiar faces.
Tailored Support - Reception teachers prepare children with structured guidance.
Developmental Continuity - A play-based approach helps children grow academically and creatively.
Holistic Growth - Focusing on emotional resilience, independence, and communication.
Encouragement of Independence - Gaining confidence to take on new challenges.
Fostering a Love of Learning - Nurturing curiosity and a passion for discovery.