Mini Malvern:
Independent Private Nursery School

We follow ‘In the Moment Planning’ in the Acorns and Saplings rooms and embrace ‘Continuous Provision’, parent partnership, and outdoor learning. Through this approach, we uphold our ethos of happy children, happy parents, and a happy team by capturing and intertwining each of these ‘voices’. 

As an independent nursery, we tailor our approach to support each child’s natural development and interests, giving them the freedom to learn at their own pace. 

Outdoor Learning 

We are passionate about the benefits of outdoor learning. Our large and well-resourced outdoor areas provide a safe and stimulating environment for children to explore and learn in. We believe that children should have the opportunity to connect with nature and experience the benefits of being outdoors.  

As a private nursery school, we ensure our curriculum includes a range of outdoor activities such as gardening in our Market Garden, Forest School, farming in our Smallholding, exploring the natural world, and physical play. 

Having Fun 

In essence, we believe that children learn best when they are engaged and having fun, whether they are playing inside or outside. At Mini Malvern Nursery, we understand the importance of providing a holistic approach to learning. Our curriculum is designed to harness children’s natural curiosity, thirst for learning, and instinct to have fun. We believe that by working in partnership, we can achieve this together every day. 

Extra-Curricular Classes 

We are constantly developing our activities to keep your child on their toes, both physically and mentally. While activities are always changing, making use of our outdoor areas remains a constant. Other activities, which involve creativity, science, self-esteem, as well as general development and fun, include cookery, music, dance, baby signing, and art. 

We place great importance on the food we serve to the children: breakfast, lunch, tea, and two substantial snacks. Mealtimes are an opportunity to develop social skills by eating together, as well as providing energy for the next activity. As soon as a child is able to sit up, they join the others at the table. 

Meals are cooked from scratch, and we cater for allergies and religious and personal preferences. By working together with you, we can discover the specific needs of your child and implement procedures to help meet them. 

Children in Acorns and Saplings eat their lunch in the nursery classrooms, while children in Oaks eat in the dining room with our older Pre-Prep children. The children who stay after 3:30 pm are served a cooked tea at 4:30 pm. 

We recognise that parents are a child’s first educators and work in partnership with you for your child’s benefit. Your child is the most important person in your life, and we strive to ensure you feel completely comfortable leaving them in our care.

We value and respect the contribution parents make to their child’s learning and believe in a shared interest in the children’s welfare, learning, and development. Effective communication ensures a two-way flow of information, knowledge, and expertise between parents and staff. Your child’s key person is available daily to provide feedback about their day and share significant events. Every interaction is based on a caring, professional relationship and a respectful acknowledgment of the feelings of both parents and children.

In order to develop these partnerships, we have a range of communication methods, including:

• Regular communication during handovers at the beginning and end of the day
• A dedicated key person for every child
• Daily records for babies with details of sleep, meals/milk taken, nappy changes, and activities during the day
• Famly, our online journal which can be accessed anytime
• Social media updates via Facebook and Instagram (we only include children whose parents have given permission)
• Parents’ Evenings
• Events such as tea, breakfast, parties, ‘show and tell’, and storytime
• Feedback questionnaires
• An open-door policy, where we are always approachable, ready to listen, and offer support
• Parent notice boards

It is important to us that you feel welcome and part of nursery life. Parents are encouraged to participate as much or as little as they please in the daily activities of Mini Malvern.

At Mini Malvern Nursery, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of care and education for your child. To ensure transparency and consistency, we have a comprehensive set of policies available for you to view and download on our Policies page. These include our nursery-specific policies as well as shared policies with The Downs Malvern school, covering important areas such as safeguarding, confidentiality, and more. We encourage parents and guardians to familiarise themselves with these guidelines to support the wellbeing and development of all our children.

Children can join Mini Malvern Nursery from 6 months old, with
flexible options to suit the needs of each family.

Learning is delivered through a mix of structured play, exploration, and topic-led teaching, with an emphasis on early language, social skills, and physical development. Our experienced staff follow the EYFS framework.

All nursery staff hold relevant early years qualifications and undergo regular safeguarding and child development training, ensuring your child is in expert hands. All staff are pediatric first aid trained.

Yes, outdoor exploration is a core part of our daily routine. Children enjoy learning in our forest school environment, developing confidence and curiosity through nature-based play.

We work closely with parents and the Pre-Prep team to ensure a seamless transition. Familiar routines, shared spaces, and collaborative activities help children feel confident and ready for the next stage.