Barleylands Day Nursery and Pre-School, located at Billericay’s Barleylands Farm, has officially opened its doors, attracting an impressive response from parents.

With over 400 applications, the nursery has already started a waiting list. The unique setting offers a hands-on learning experience, with daily farm-based activities like egg collecting and feeding goats. Aimed at children aged six weeks to five years, the nursery blends nature with education, offering both indoor and outdoor play in a free-flow setting. Funded spaces are available for eligible children from 9 months.

Case Study: Barleylands Day Nursery – A Nature-Based Education Model

The opening of Barleylands Day Nursery marks an exciting new direction in early years education, blending learning with hands-on nature experiences. Located at Barleylands Farm, this unique pre-school offers a fresh approach to childcare, combining indoor education with outdoor exploration and interaction with farm animals.

One of the key factors behind the nursery’s success is its integration with Barleylands Farm. Children are not only exposed to traditional early years learning but also have the opportunity to interact with animals daily. Activities like egg collecting, feeding goats, and petting smaller animals allow youngsters to experience farm life firsthand, creating an exciting and stimulating learning environment that’s truly one-of-a-kind.

This farm-based approach gives children the chance to explore and engage with the world around them in ways many urban nurseries cannot offer. The connection with nature is shown to enhance children’s emotional development, offering them a unique way to connect with animals and the environment. Many studies have highlighted the positive impact nature-based learning has on young children’s development, particularly in improving their cognitive and motor skills, problem-solving abilities, and social interactions.

The free-flow setting allows children to transition effortlessly between indoor and outdoor activities, giving them the freedom to choose where they play and learn. This flexible structure is designed to foster independence and decision-making skills, which are vital components of early childhood development. Whether it’s reading inside or running around in the fresh air outside, children can engage in various activities that suit their interests and energy levels.

With the centre’s popularity soaring, Barleylands Nursery is launching an active waiting list to accommodate the hundreds of families eager to enrol. The initial response shows just how much parents appreciate the nursery’s unique combination of nature and education.

The pre-school’s appeal doesn’t just lie in its picturesque farm setting. The management at Barleylands understands the demands of modern families, and the nursery has been designed with convenience in mind. The centre offers both full-day and half-day sessions for flexibility, as well as convenient drop-off and pick-up points to accommodate working parents. Funded places are also available for children from nine months, ensuring that more families can access this innovative education model.

In addition to the daily farm activities, Barleylands aims to inspire a love for the natural world while promoting social responsibility and hands-on learning. The unique curriculum allows children to engage in purposeful play, discovery, and exploration, all while developing vital life skills.

“It’s a place where children can truly discover, learn, and grow.” – Sharon Elliott, Managing Director, Farm Day Nurseries

Barleylands Nursery has set a new benchmark for pre-school education in the Billericay area, and its innovative approach is expected to inspire other nurseries to rethink their models. With its strong ties to nature and a clear vision for nurturing the next generation, Barleylands Day Nursery looks set to be a game-changer in the field of early childhood education.