Three parts to who we are: our ethos, the nursery itself, and the charities we support. Jump to any section below.
We listen to children's theories and give them the opportunity to test their hypothesis. We allow children to explore their interests freely during play, encouraging them to achieve their full potential.
We believe all children should be encouraged as individuals and be given the space to develop as creative competent learners within an inspiring space. We work on trying to make the environment different by offering open-ended natural resources for the children so they can add their imaginations and creativity.
The Bristol Standard is recognised nationally as an outstanding self-evaluation framework and the benefits and impact of its approach have been well evidenced. Through team reflection and discussion, the strengths of the settings are celebrated and future priorities become clear.
A balanced diet and an encouraging environment help form healthy eating habits. We treat every meal time as an important social occasion where children are encouraged to share and talk with their friends and teaching staff. We support our children to be independent, helping them to self-serve and prepare their own food and snacks. We have prepared a rotational menu so your child will get a diet that is nutritionally balanced.
At Gooseberry Bush we embrace the EYFS and introduce our own methods to inspire the children. The aim of the EYFS is to ensure that every child is given the opportunity to learn through high quality play experiences and that they will be supported through this journey with their key person. It consists of a statutory framework for the Early Years which sets the standards for learning, development and care for children from birth to five years.
We welcome contributions to the learning that takes place at Gooseberry Bush. The key person will plan experiences based upon your child's interests and stages of development. They will observe and monitor your child's development and wellbeing.
We have unique outdoor areas and natural spaces encouraging the children to have positive learning experiences in all weathers. We recognise the impact that being outdoors can have on your child's learning and development.
Our team of childcare professionals work hard to provide all children with the opportunity to develop their skills and knowledge during their time with us.
Gooseberry Bush Day Nursery is situated between Tetbury and Cirencester within a single storey building featuring high specifications and facilities to ensure a safe and stimulating environment for all children.
Ofsted rating: Good
We offer places to children from 3 months to 5 years.
We are open 7.30am – 6pm, Mon–Fri, 51 weeks a year (minus bank holidays). We offer full and part time places.
We provide three main meals and two snacks during the course of each day. If you would like a copy of our menu, please request this from the office.
We accept Nursery Education Grant funded places for eligible 9-month olds, two, three and four year olds. Our afternoon sessions can be funded using the government's Nursery Education Grant.
We accept all brands of childcare vouchers which you might get from your employer.
Gooseberry Bush Day Nursery has procedures for illness & communicable diseases. If you would like a copy of this please request this from the office.
Nursery Education Grant — funded hours per term
Any other sessions are charged at our normal price. (See fee structure below.)
Our childcare fees include nappies, meals and everything your child may need during their time with us. To make paying for your childcare easier we accept payment by standing order and company childcare vouchers and offer discounts for full time bookings.
| Session | Time | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Full Day | 08:00–18:00 | £83 |
| Half Day AM | 08:00–12:45 | £46 |
| Half Day PM | 13:15–18:00 | £46 |
| Early start | 07:30–08:00 | £7.25 |
| Voluntary service charge — NEF (Extracurriculars, Events, Nappies, Wipes) | per funded session | £2.10 |
| Voluntary service charge — NEF (Snack, Dinner, Pudding) | per funded session | £5.25 |
If you do not wish to pay for specific consumables, for example because you wish to provide your own, please make your nursery aware so next steps can be discussed.
Our rating means we are an effective, high-quality provider meeting all national EYFS standards for child safety, education and welfare. It signals a safe, nurturing environment where children make strong progress and are well-prepared for school.
We are proud to have achieved the Millie's Mark award, which is an exceptional achievement as it shows that we are going above and beyond the minimum requirements in keeping children safe.
We practise good food hygiene at all times to make sure the food we produce is healthy, nutritious and safe. We continue to receive 5* in our food hygiene inspections.
We are members of the National Day Nurseries Association, a charity, specialising in Early Years. This supports us with developing highly skilled individuals across both of our nurseries and keeps us up to date with policies and practices.
We are currently taking part in a self evaluation framework known as 'The Bristol Standard.' This focuses on a whole team approach and encourages self reflection to improve the quality and effectiveness of our provision.
We have taken part in the Eat Out Eat Well Award scheme to promote nutrition and increase healthier food choices for consumers.
The Foundation for Infant Loss are committed to providing first class education in Infant Loss and Bereavement. They offer studies and training to raise awareness of this topic. We are proud to say we are accredited members of this association.
We feel it is vital to make a difference in the world by encouraging our staff and families to support the wider community. These charities are close to our heart.
Down Syndrome UK
Down Syndrome UK (DSUK) is a charity supporting families and individuals with Down syndrome through education, resources, and community, with a focus on promoting a positive perspective. Their work includes family support from birth, early development resources like the PEGS course, and the “Positive about Down syndrome” (PADS) initiative supporting expectant parents after a prenatal diagnosis.
Down syndrome occurs in around 1 in 1,000 UK births and is caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21. With the right support, people with Down syndrome lead fulfilling lives, attend mainstream school, and work.
The Pied Piper Appeal
The Pied Piper Appeal is Gloucestershire's leading children's charity, founded in 1992 to support sick and disabled children across the county. It funds child-friendly medical equipment beyond what the NHS provides, supports Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) schools, and improves paediatric mental health facilities.
Their work includes funding the Children's Centre at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, providing resources to SEND schools, and offering “Wish Holidays” for children with life-limiting illnesses. As a local charity, it relies on community fundraising and has raised millions since its founding.
