Business Details
35 Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Childcare and Early Learning
Established in 1991, Barnowls Nursery was founded on the principle of providing quality childcare in a home-from-home environment. Our philosophy prioritises children's happiness and security, fostering growth through play and individualised care. With decades of experience, we maintain high standards across our facilities, offering stimulating indoor and outdoor spaces. Our team of qualified professionals delivers tailored educational experiences aligned with the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. We specialise in nurturing environments for children aged 3 months to 5 years, with dedicated rooms catering to different developmental stages.Our commitment extends to flexible care options including after-school clubs and holiday provision. Nutritional needs are carefully managed with home-cooked meals, while our outdoor areas promote physical development. Regular parental engagement ensures continuity between nursery and home environments. The leadership team combines extensive industry experience with ongoing professional development. Our reputation for excellence continues to grow through consistent delivery of compassionate, child-centred care.
Services
Childcare
Early Years Education
After-School Clubs
Outdoor Activities
Special Dietary Support
Details
- Year established: 1991
Highlights and features
- We provide home-from-home childcare environments with dedicated outdoor spaces
- Our staff team includes qualified nursery nurses with decades of combined experience
- We offer individualised care plans tailored to each child's developmental needs
- Special dietary requirements are expertly managed with home-cooked meals
- After-school clubs operate at local schools with flexible booking options
Associations and certifications
- Ofsted
What people say
Enthusiastic, supportive & thoughtful
Loving, fun and secure environment
Fantastic keyworkers
Brilliant at managing special diets
Attentive and caring staff
Services
Childcare
Our childcare provision caters to children aged 3 months to 5 years across five dedicated rooms. Each space is designed to match developmental stages, with qualified staff delivering individualised care plans. Outdoor areas feature age-appropriate play equipment to support physical development.
Early Years Education
Following the Early Years Foundation Stage framework, we deliver structured learning through play. Our curriculum covers seven key areas including literacy, mathematics, and creative arts. Activities are tailored to each child's learning pace and interests.
After-School Clubs
Operating at local schools, our after-school and holiday clubs provide safe, engaging environments. Activities include homework support, creative projects, and outdoor play. Flexible booking accommodates working parents' schedules.
Outdoor Activities
Our extensive outdoor facilities feature separate play zones for different age groups. Children develop motor skills through climbing frames, gardening areas, and structured games. All spaces meet strict safety standards.
Special Dietary Support
We expertly manage food allergies and dietary requirements with home-cooked meals. Our nursery cook creates balanced menus meeting nutritional guidelines while accommodating individual needs.
People
Colleen Snookes
Proprietor
Founder with managerial background in high-tech industry. Established Barnowls Nursery in 1991 after identifying childcare needs. Maintains original philosophy of home-from-home care while overseeing growth.
Claire Ryan
Nursery Manager
Qualified with Diploma in Nursery Nursing since 1997. Joined Barnowls in 1998, progressing to management role. Oversees daily operations and staff development.
Nila Henderson
Nursery Deputy Manager
Diploma-qualified since 1997 with extensive nursery experience. Joined Barnowls in 2002, managing after-school clubs and supporting room operations.
Emma Wells
Senior Nursery Nurse
Qualified in 1999 with specialist SENCO training. Provides expert support for children with additional needs while mentoring nursery staff.
Questions
What age groups do you cater for?
We care for children from 3 months to 5 years across five dedicated rooms.
Are meals provided?
Yes, we serve home-cooked meals with special dietary requirements expertly managed.
Do you offer after-school care?
We operate after-school clubs at local schools with flexible booking options.
How do you support child development?
Our curriculum follows the Early Years Foundation Stage framework with individualised learning plans.
What safety measures are in place?
All staff are qualified with enhanced DBS checks and regular safeguarding training.
