Business Details
Trusted Child Care Services in Moffat
Wise Owls Nursery Moffat Nursery & Out of School Club is a small independent business dedicated to providing a home-from-home environment for children and families in Moffat, Dumfries and Galloway. Established by experienced professionals with over 25 years of combined expertise in early years education and speech and language therapy, the nursery prioritises individualised care for up to 36 children daily. Our curriculum focuses on tailored learning, outdoor exploration, and fostering communication skills, with flexible session options to accommodate diverse family needs.We maintain high adult-to-child ratios and offer 1140 funded hours for eligible children, alongside specialised SLCN training for practitioners. Our team of qualified staff and apprentices ensures a nurturing, inclusive environment that values community, sustainability, and intergenerational connections.
Services
Early Learning
Childcare
SLCN Training
Out of School Club
Holiday Care
Funded Childcare
Forest School
Speech Therapy Training
Highlights and features
- Experienced team with 25+ years in childcare and speech therapy
- Small group sizes ensuring personalised attention
- Flexible 48-week childcare with term-time/holiday options
- Specialised SLCN training developed by industry experts
- Forest school sessions and outdoor learning focus
What people say
Home-from-home environment
Flexible session options
Experienced practitioners
Speech development focus
Outdoor learning opportunities
Services
Early Learning
Our early learning program caters to children aged 0-5 years with carefully planned curricula and 1:3-1:5 adult-to-child ratios. We focus on individual interests through indoor/outdoor play, forest school sessions, and communication development. Spaces are available for 9 babies, 10 two-year-olds, and 27 preschoolers.
SLCN Training
Specialised training for early years practitioners covers speech sound development, cued articulation, and communication strategies. Delivered via face-to-face sessions, Zoom webinars, or pre-recorded courses priced from 10-350. Includes practical tools for identifying and supporting language delays.
Funded Childcare
We offer 1140 funded hours for 3-5 year olds and eligible 2-year-olds, with options to combine sessions across providers. No registration fees apply, and meals are included. Priority is given to existing private attendees when allocating spaces.
Out of School Club
Extended care for school-aged children operates at Moffat Academy with flexible drop-off/pickup times. Activities include homework support, outdoor play, and creative projects. Managed by experienced practitioners with specialist knowledge of school-age development.
Forest School
Weekly forest school sessions develop resilience and environmental awareness through nature-based activities. Qualified practitioners guide children in risk assessment, teamwork, and creative exploration of our garden and woodland areas.
People
Catherine
Co-founder and Manager
Speech and language therapist with 25 years' experience across international nurseries. Specialises in early language development and communication-friendly environments. Oversees daily operations and curriculum design.
Mark
Co-founder
Key figure in establishing Ivy House nursery premises. Focuses on strategic development while maintaining operational oversight of facility standards and compliance requirements.
Vicky
Out of School Club Manager
Original team member with expertise in school-age childcare. Combines outdoor education, music therapy, and creative arts in her management of after-school programs at Moffat Academy.
Koren
Room Lead
Former children's entertainer with drama qualifications. Specialises in early years engagement through play and creative activities. Leads the Owlets and Branchers rooms since 2024.
Claire
Room Lead
Modern Apprentice graduate with Level 4 qualification. Focuses on calm, structured environments for fledgling room children. Combines parenting experience with formal childcare training.
Questions
What age groups do you cater for?
We care for children from infancy up to 5 years old across our nursery rooms and out-of-school club.
How does funded childcare work?
We accept 1140 funded hours for 3-5 year olds and eligible 2-year-olds, with options to combine sessions across providers.
Are meals provided?
Funded children receive one meal daily; full-day private sessions include lunch and dinner prepared on-site.
Do you offer after-school care?
Yes, our Out of School Club at Moffat Academy provides care before/after school and during holidays.
What safety measures are in place?
We maintain strict adult-to-child ratios, enhanced cleaning protocols, and secure premises with controlled access.
Can I visit before enrolling?
We encourage prospective parents to arrange visits through our online registration form.
