Nursery Life

Our goals are to have happy, healthy and thriving children

Enrolment Process

A Day At The Ark For Your Little Ones

Our daily routine provides a balance of structure and flexibility, tailored to each child’s individual needs. The day is filled with opportunities for outdoor play, free play, and a mix of child- and adult-led activities.

We emphasise learning through play, using continuous provisions – open-ended resources and activities available throughout the day. Each room is designed with equipment at the children’s level, encouraging independence and exploration.

To enrich the experience, smaller group sessions with a Key Person take place in spaces like the Sensory Room, Library and Dining Room. These sessions offer a change of environment and focus on activities like dancing, cooking, quiet time, reading, and games.

Stay Connected To Your Child’s Day

Stay connected to your childs day through the Famly App, where you’ll receive updates, photos, and videos of their activities, which you can share with your family.

07:15 – 08:30 Breakfast (in the Dining Room)
08:30 – 09:30 Welcome and play to learn
09:30 – 10:00 Snack
10:00 – 11:15 Play to learn
11:15 – 12:00 Lunch (main meal in Dining Room followed by sleep time if required, dependant on age)
13:00 – 15:15 Play to learn
15:15 – 16:00 Tea (light meal in Dining Room)
16:00 – 18:15 Play to learn

Parent Partnership

At The Ark, we believe that strong parent partnerships are key to ensuring happy, healthy, and thriving children. We use the Famly app to keep parents actively involved, sharing daily updates and milestones in your childs development. Celebrating achievements through photos brings joy to both staff and parents alike.

We also keep parents informed with term dates for events such as Christmas parties, Parents Week, Grandparent Day, and various adventures. Our quarterly newsletters provide updates, ensuring you’re always connected to your childs journey.

Extra-Curricular Activities

Extra-curricular activities play a vital role in fostering childrens all-around development. At The Ark, we provide internal sessions such as Mini Minds Matter to support emotional wellbeing.

Additionally, we offer external provider sessions such as Jo Jingles (music and movement), Moo Music (interactive music) and Soccer Stars (football and physical movement). These activities can be subscribed to on a termly basis, giving children opportunities to explore new interests and skills beyond the classroom.

Funded Term Dates

2025/26 Funded Term Dates
Opens Monday 8th September 2025 Closes Friday 24th October 2025
Opens Monday 3rd November 2025 Closes Friday 19th December 2025
Opens Monday 5th January 2026 Closes Friday 13th February 2026
Opens Monday 23rd February 2026 Closes Thursday 2nd April 2026
Opens Monday 13th April 2026 Closes Friday 22nd May 2026
(excludes May Day Monday)
Opens Monday 8th June 2026 Closes Friday 17th July 2026
2026/27 Funded Term Dates
Opens Monday 7th September 2026 Closes Friday 23rd October 2026
Opens Monday 2nd November 2026 Closes Friday 18th December 2026
Opens Monday 4th January 2027 Closes Friday 12th February 2027
Opens Monday 22nd February 2027 Closes Thursday 25th March 2027
Opens Monday 5th April 2027 Closes Friday 28th May 2027
(excl. May Day Monday)
Opens Monday 14th June 2027 Closes Friday 16th July 2027
2024/25 Funded Term Dates
Opens Monday 2nd September 2024
Closes Friday 25th October 2024
Opens Monday 4th November 2024
Closes Friday 20th December 2024
Opens Monday 6th January 2025
Closes Friday 14th February 2025
Opens Monday 24th February 2025
Closes Friday 4th April 2025
Opens Tuesday 22nd April 2025
Closes Friday 23rd May 2025
(excludes May Day Monday)
Opens Monday 2nd June 2025
Closes Friday 11th July 2025
2026/27 Funded Term Dates
Opens Monday 7th September 2026
Closes Friday 23rd October 2026
Opens Monday 2nd November 2026
Closes Friday 18th December 2026
Opens Monday 4th January 2027
Closes Friday 12th February 2027
Opens Monday 22nd February 2027
Closes Thursday 25th March 2027
Opens Monday 5th April 2027
Closes Friday 28th May 2027
(excl. May Day Monday)
Opens Monday 14th June 2027
Closes Friday 16th July 2027