Tours are now available for prospective new parents at Mulberry Garden Nursery and Pre-school in Bathampton. With places available for children aged from babies to pre-schoolers, as well as after-school care for older children, there is plenty to discover at the nursery.
Nestled between green fields and the canal in the heart of Bathampton, Mulberry Garden Nursery and Pre-school was relaunched in June 2022 by its new owner and manager, Lucy Purnell. Since that time, it continues to attract local parents and those new to the area, as well as receiving its first Good Ofsted rating earlier this year in June.
With a university background in early education, Lucy is a strong advocate for accessible and inclusive play for children in their crucial early years, and has worked hard to creative a welcoming and cosy nursery. She leads a friendly team who have a child centred approach, which is at the heart of all play and educational development.
“We count ourselves lucky to spend time with the children here,” says Lucy. “Parents love that it feels so rural. We’re away from the hustle and bustle of the Bath traffic, but close enough to the city centre to make it easy for parents to drop their children with us.
“One of the things that makes Mulberry Garden special is its beautiful environment. Children make full use of the large garden, perfect for creating delicious meals in the mud kitchen, climbing, swinging from the tree, having camp fires or simply exploring and having wonderful adventures. Forest School sessions run by forest leader Isa Richter take place each week, and canal walks are a regular experience.”
The interior of Mulberry House, a converted eighteenth century barn, offers plenty of space for the children to enjoy play and creative activities. There are three dedicated rooms for babies, toddlers and preschoolers and also space for the children from Bathampton Reception classes who are collected for after school care.
“As a small and independently run nursery, we’re fortunate to have our own dedicated chef, cooking delicious and home cooked meals for the children,” added Lucy. “Roast dinner, chicken curry and vegetable lasagne are current favourites, as well as the special recipes that accompany the nursery’s themed days.”
“We’re one big family and can enjoy important family values such as eating our meals together,” added Dani in the Babies room. “We really treasure our relationships with families, and the partnerships we build together.”
Along with activities and event such as story evenings, sensory time and tummy time, Mulberry Garden has just created its very own Little Free Library. Books donated by the local community, parents and children sit in a purpose built upcycled bookcase just outside the nursery entrance.
“This bookcase and library absolutely represents our core values,” Lucy explains. “It’s a creative idea, it’s recycled and upcycled, shares our love of reading and is for the whole community.”
For more information, visit mulberrygardenbath.co.uk or email email hidden; JavaScript is required to arrange a nursery tour Monday-Thursday at 9:30am or 2pm