Work to start on construction of college's new day nursery building
Work will start soon on the construction of a new year-round day nursery at Ratcliffe College.
The facility will be for children in the surrounding area aged from six months to four when it opens in the spring of next year, if all goes to plan.
It will run alongside the existing early years education provision on the 200-acre campus at Ratcliffe-on-the-Wreake with work due to begin during the summer holidays.
The new nursery will operate 51 weeks of the year, with opening hours from 7.30am to 6pm, offering greater flexibility for modern family life.
Eligible families will also be able to access government-funded childcare support, helping to make high-quality childcare and education more affordable.
Headmaster, Jonathan Reddin, said: “We are truly delighted to share that our new Ratcliffe College Day Nursery provision will open in Spring 2027.
"Welcoming children from six months old, it will offer a warm, nurturing environment where every child is cherished and encouraged to explore at their own pace.”
The day nursery will be built adjacent to the college’s Preparatory School, and the children will benefit from daily access to the wider grounds and facilities.
They will visit the woodland areas, enjoy Forest School experiences and creative outdoor play spaces.
Head of Nursery and Preparatory School, Sharon Boccaccini, commented: “We are absolutely thrilled to open our doors to our youngest learners, and I am personally looking forward to this exciting new venture.
"The first few months of a child’s life are a time of incredible wonder and rapid development.
"By extending our educational values to babies from 6 months old, we are providing a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment where they can thrive.
"This offers parents total peace of mind during these crucial formative stages, while preparing children for their continued education at Ratcliffe College.”
Ratcliffe College’s existing pre-school provision will also move to a 51-week year-round model when the new day nursery opens.
Register an interest in the new day nursery at https://eu.jotform.com/form/261498611429060 and you can also attend an Open Morning at the college on Saturday September 19, from 9.30am to noon, to find out more.