At Ratcliffe College, the educational journey begins in our Nursery, where children from the age of 6 months - 4 years are welcomed into a warm, creative, and nurturing environment.
Ratcliffe College expands Day Nursery with New Year-Round Childcare for children from 6 months old - Opening Spring 2027
Ratcliffe College is delighted to announce the expansion of its Day Nursery, introducing dedicated year-round childcare for children aged six months to four years from Spring 2027, subject to final approvals.
Designed to support working families across Leicestershire, Leicester, Loughborough and surrounding areas, the new Day Nursery will provide exceptional Early Years education and childcare within the beautiful grounds of Ratcliffe College.
Families will benefit from flexible, high-quality childcare in a nurturing environment, with children enjoying a seamless educational journey from infancy through to Preparatory School and beyond.
Eligible families will be able to access government-funded childcare support and Early Years vouchers, helping make outstanding childcare and education more accessible.
Nursery at a glance...
6 months to 4 years
Flexible childcare
Government-Funded Childcare Support
and Early Years Vouchers
Wraparound Care
7.30am - 6pm
Open 51 weeks
Monday to Friday
Creative and Discovery Play
Stimulating Outdoor Spaces
Small Class Sizes
Excellent staff-to-child ratios
Daily Outdoor Learning
Year-Round Childcare
The new Ratcliffe College Day Nursery will operate for 51 weeks of the year, helping parents balance family life and work commitments with confidence.
Nursery Opening Hours
- Monday to Friday
- 7.30am - 6.00pm
- 51 weeks per year
Day Nursery Preview – Opening Spring 2027
An early glimpse of our exciting new Day Nursery.
A stimulating and caring environment
Located within Ratcliffe College's stunning 200-acre campus in Leicestershire, the Day Nursery will provide a safe, stimulating and caring environment during the most important years of a child's development.
Children will benefit from an educational approach that combines:
- Play-based learning
- Personalised care
- Outdoor exploration
- Early communication and language development
- Social and emotional growth
- Creative and physical development
Our experienced Early Years team will create an environment where children feel secure, valued and inspired to learn every day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Day Nursery Fees:Please use the following fees as a guideline for Nursery provision. These fees are provided for reference only and are subject to change upon opening in 2027.
Session Time Fee (per session) Morning Session 07:30 – 12:45 £45 Afternoon Session 12:45 – 18:00 £45 Full Day Session 07:30 – 18:00 £90
Please note: Nursery fees are subject to annual review. Eligible families will be able to access government-funded childcare support and Early Years vouchers, helping to reduce childcare costs.
When will the expanded Day Nursery open?Subject to final approvals, we are hopeful that the expanded Day Nursery will open for children aged 6 months and above from Easter 2027. Provision for children aged 2 years and above may be available slightly earlier, subject to the progress of the building works and the necessary final approvals. We will keep registered families updated as the project progresses and further details become available.
How will the Day Nursery operate?The Day Nursery will offer 51 weeks of the year, all-year-round day care, providing families with flexible childcare throughout the year. Further information about Day Nursery hours and sessions will be shared with families as we approach registration.
When can I officially register my child for a place?For now, the most important thing you can do is register your interest.
By registering your interest, you will receive the latest information about the Day Nursery expansion, opening timelines and registration process.
Our Nursery Team anticipates sharing further information about formal registration during the Autumn Term 2026 and Spring Term 2027. Families who have registered their interest will be among the first to receive these details.
Do I need to pay a deposit to register my interest?No. There is no deposit required at this stage.
Simply register your interest to ensure you receive updates and information about the nursery as plans progress.
Will you accept Government-funded childcare and childcare vouchers?Yes. The Day Nursery will accept eligible Government-funded childcare entitlements, as well as childcare vouchers, subject to the relevant eligibility criteria and funding arrangements. Further details about funding and fees will be shared ahead of registration.
Why choose Ratcliffe College Day Nursery?The new Day Nursery will offer children an inspiring and happy start to their educational journey, combining high-quality Early Years provision with the exceptional facilities, grounds and educational expertise of Ratcliffe College.
Why choose a Ratcliffe College Day Nursery education?- A seamless step into Reception and the Prep School. For families who choose to continue their child’s education at Ratcliffe, Ratcliffe College Day Nursery provides a familiar nurturing start. Children get to know the school, its surroundings and the people around them, helping them feel confident as they take their next steps into Reception Class.
- Getting children ready for school. Through everyday experiences, play and learning, we help children build the confidence, independence, communication and social skills they need to thrive as they move on to Reception Class.
- 200 acres to explore. Our Day Nursery children have the benefit of growing up and learning in the wonderful surroundings of the Ratcliffe campus. There are woodlands, open spaces, playgrounds and dedicated areas for creative and imaginative play, giving children plenty of opportunities to be outdoors, explore and get stuck into new experiences.
- An individual approach. We understand that every child is unique. Our smaller groups allow our Day Nursery Team to really get to know each child, their personality, interests and individual needs.
- Music and Sport from age three. From Pre-Reception, children can enjoy Music and Sport activity sessions with experienced Ratcliffe College teaching staff, introducing them to new skills and helping them discover their talents and the things they enjoy.
- Swimming on our doorstep. Our heated, indoor swimming pool gives children the opportunity to become comfortable and confident in the water. Through the ‘Swim with Jo’ programme, they can develop an important life skill in a fun and supportive environment.
- Learning through play and discovery. Our EYFS curriculum provides a balance of child-led play, exploration and purposeful learning, helping children develop at their own pace while building the foundations for future learning.
- A caring and experienced team. Above all, we want children to feel safe, happy and valued. Our Day Nursery Team will build strong relationships with each child and support them as they become more independent and confident.
If my child attends the Day Nursery, will they automatically get a place in a Reception Class at Ratcliffe?No. Attendance at the Day Nursery does not automatically guarantee a place in Reception at Ratcliffe College. Every child joining Reception will be assessed for their readiness to join the Prep School, and parents will need to register their child for a Reception place in advance. Of course, being part of the Day Nursery provides children with valuable familiarity with the Ratcliffe environment, routines and wider school community, supporting and preparing them for their next stage of education.
Will my child need to wear a uniform?Children aged 3 years and above (Pre-Reception) will wear the Ratcliffe College Pre-School uniform. Children aged 6 months to 3 years will not be required to wear uniform.
Further information about the Pre-School uniform will be provided as part of the registration process.
What rooms will the new Day Nursery have?The Day Nursery will provide age-appropriate spaces designed around the needs and development of each stage of early childhood.
The planned age groups are:
- Babies: 6 months -1 year
- Toddlers 1: 1-2 years
- Toddlers 2: 2-3 years
- Pre-Reception (Pre-School): 3-4 years
Each room will provide a nurturing environment where children can learn, play, explore and develop at their own pace, and we cannot wait to show you around!
What will my child learn at Ratcliffe College Day Nursery?Our Day Nursery provision will follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, supporting children’s development through a balance of child-led play, exploration and purposeful learning experiences.
We will focus on developing the whole child, including their:
- Communication and language
- Personal, social and emotional development
- Physical development
- Early literacy and numeracy skills
- Creativity and imagination
- Understanding of the world
- Independence, confidence and resilience
Our aim is to ensure every child develops a love of learning, curiosity and the confidence to take their next steps.
How will the Day Nursery help prepare my child for Reception Class?Preparing children for school is an important part of our Pre-Reception provision. Through the EYFS curriculum, children will develop the independence, communication, social skills and confidence needed to make a successful transition into Reception.
Being part of the wider Ratcliffe College community will also allow children to become familiar with the school environment, facilities and routines before they take their next step into the Prep School.
Can I visit the new Day Nursery?While construction is underway, we are unable to offer tours of the new nursery building.
We anticipate being able to welcome families for tours from December 2026, and we will be in touch nearer the time with further details about how to book a tour.
In the meantime, we would love to welcome prospective families to our Whole School Open Morning on Saturday 19 September, 9.30am - 12 noon, where you can meet members of our Day Nursery Team, learn more about the new provision and tour our Prep School.
Please use the following fees as a guideline for Nursery provision. These fees are provided for reference only and are subject to change upon opening in 2027.
| Session | Time | Fee (per session) |
|---|---|---|
| Morning Session | 07:30 – 12:45 | £45 |
| Afternoon Session | 12:45 – 18:00 | £45 |
| Full Day Session | 07:30 – 18:00 | £90 |
Please note: Nursery fees are subject to annual review. Eligible families will be able to access government-funded childcare support and Early Years vouchers, helping to reduce childcare costs.
Subject to final approvals, we are hopeful that the expanded Day Nursery will open for children aged 6 months and above from Easter 2027. Provision for children aged 2 years and above may be available slightly earlier, subject to the progress of the building works and the necessary final approvals. We will keep registered families updated as the project progresses and further details become available.
The Day Nursery will offer 51 weeks of the year, all-year-round day care, providing families with flexible childcare throughout the year. Further information about Day Nursery hours and sessions will be shared with families as we approach registration.
For now, the most important thing you can do is register your interest.
By registering your interest, you will receive the latest information about the Day Nursery expansion, opening timelines and registration process.
Our Nursery Team anticipates sharing further information about formal registration during the Autumn Term 2026 and Spring Term 2027. Families who have registered their interest will be among the first to receive these details.
No. There is no deposit required at this stage.
Simply register your interest to ensure you receive updates and information about the nursery as plans progress.
Yes. The Day Nursery will accept eligible Government-funded childcare entitlements, as well as childcare vouchers, subject to the relevant eligibility criteria and funding arrangements. Further details about funding and fees will be shared ahead of registration.
The new Day Nursery will offer children an inspiring and happy start to their educational journey, combining high-quality Early Years provision with the exceptional facilities, grounds and educational expertise of Ratcliffe College.
- A seamless step into Reception and the Prep School. For families who choose to continue their child’s education at Ratcliffe, Ratcliffe College Day Nursery provides a familiar nurturing start. Children get to know the school, its surroundings and the people around them, helping them feel confident as they take their next steps into Reception Class.
- Getting children ready for school. Through everyday experiences, play and learning, we help children build the confidence, independence, communication and social skills they need to thrive as they move on to Reception Class.
- 200 acres to explore. Our Day Nursery children have the benefit of growing up and learning in the wonderful surroundings of the Ratcliffe campus. There are woodlands, open spaces, playgrounds and dedicated areas for creative and imaginative play, giving children plenty of opportunities to be outdoors, explore and get stuck into new experiences.
- An individual approach. We understand that every child is unique. Our smaller groups allow our Day Nursery Team to really get to know each child, their personality, interests and individual needs.
- Music and Sport from age three. From Pre-Reception, children can enjoy Music and Sport activity sessions with experienced Ratcliffe College teaching staff, introducing them to new skills and helping them discover their talents and the things they enjoy.
- Swimming on our doorstep. Our heated, indoor swimming pool gives children the opportunity to become comfortable and confident in the water. Through the ‘Swim with Jo’ programme, they can develop an important life skill in a fun and supportive environment.
- Learning through play and discovery. Our EYFS curriculum provides a balance of child-led play, exploration and purposeful learning, helping children develop at their own pace while building the foundations for future learning.
- A caring and experienced team. Above all, we want children to feel safe, happy and valued. Our Day Nursery Team will build strong relationships with each child and support them as they become more independent and confident.
No. Attendance at the Day Nursery does not automatically guarantee a place in Reception at Ratcliffe College. Every child joining Reception will be assessed for their readiness to join the Prep School, and parents will need to register their child for a Reception place in advance. Of course, being part of the Day Nursery provides children with valuable familiarity with the Ratcliffe environment, routines and wider school community, supporting and preparing them for their next stage of education.
Children aged 3 years and above (Pre-Reception) will wear the Ratcliffe College Pre-School uniform. Children aged 6 months to 3 years will not be required to wear uniform.
Further information about the Pre-School uniform will be provided as part of the registration process.
The Day Nursery will provide age-appropriate spaces designed around the needs and development of each stage of early childhood.
The planned age groups are:
- Babies: 6 months -1 year
- Toddlers 1: 1-2 years
- Toddlers 2: 2-3 years
- Pre-Reception (Pre-School): 3-4 years
Each room will provide a nurturing environment where children can learn, play, explore and develop at their own pace, and we cannot wait to show you around!
Our Day Nursery provision will follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, supporting children’s development through a balance of child-led play, exploration and purposeful learning experiences.
We will focus on developing the whole child, including their:
- Communication and language
- Personal, social and emotional development
- Physical development
- Early literacy and numeracy skills
- Creativity and imagination
- Understanding of the world
- Independence, confidence and resilience
Our aim is to ensure every child develops a love of learning, curiosity and the confidence to take their next steps.
Preparing children for school is an important part of our Pre-Reception provision. Through the EYFS curriculum, children will develop the independence, communication, social skills and confidence needed to make a successful transition into Reception.
Being part of the wider Ratcliffe College community will also allow children to become familiar with the school environment, facilities and routines before they take their next step into the Prep School.
While construction is underway, we are unable to offer tours of the new nursery building.
We anticipate being able to welcome families for tours from December 2026, and we will be in touch nearer the time with further details about how to book a tour.
In the meantime, we would love to welcome prospective families to our Whole School Open Morning on Saturday 19 September, 9.30am - 12 noon, where you can meet members of our Day Nursery Team, learn more about the new provision and tour our Prep School.
Register your Interest
Families expecting a baby or with young children are warmly invited to register their interest with our friendly admissions team using the online registration form.
There will be an opportunity from the Autumn Term 2026 to meet our wonderful Day Nursery staff, tour the Preparatory School and preview the new Day Nursery facility.
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