What is the most important thing in your life? Depending on your age, sex and general outlook, this could range from your house and car to your job or friends. For those who are parents however, undoubtedly the most important thing in your lives is your children and, inevitably, you will need to make decisions about their care and education.

Chandlings Nursery was established in September 2005, and in response to the demands of many of their young, working families, from this September the nursery has now opened its doors to children from the age of two.

The entire nursery has been extended and refurbished and is part of the new surroundings and structure for the under fives at Chandlings, within what is known as the early years courtyard, and last week Chandlings welcomed parents to the grand opening of the nursery to see the results for themselves.

The school has preserved the small, secure, warm, family feel of the early years department. The friendly, approachable and highly-qualified staff have a wealth of experience between them and are able make even the tiniest of children feel happy and secure.

Set in the stunning grounds of Chandlings, the nursery provides well planned activities making full use of the 60-acre site, one of the many benefits of being part of a successful independent prep school.

The emphasis in the nursery is on learning through structured play.

Chandlings provides exciting, stimulating and interesting resources for play, and aims to support and extend children’s learning through the activities they choose to participate in.

The curriculum is comprises six areas of development — personal, social and emotional development; communication, language and literacy; problem solving, reasoning and numeracy; creative development; physical development; knowledge and understanding of the world.

Children are taught, guided, supported and challenged in each of these areas — preparation for their next step into reception.

Young children grow rapidly at this stage. They develop confidence and control of the way they move and the way in which they handle tools and equipment.

They need to be active and to move about to develop many of these fundamental skills.

The outdoor play is hugely popular the whole year round, and the children are able to enjoy the sandpit, the water area, the climbing equipment and their beautiful garden.

If you would like to visit the nursery at Chandlings to chat informally with our nursery staff, please call Anna Poole, registrar, on 01865 730771 or e-mail annapoole@chandlings.org.uk