
Welcome to Jabberwocky!
A beautiful light old Tannery and Arboretum a walk away is our wonderland learning adventure, carefree, exhilarating and expansive.
Meet Our Operation Leader Rachel:
What do I love about Jabberwocky?
When I was asked to write about what I love about Jabberwocky, several things came to my mind immediately. I thought about the diversity of opportunities that we offer our children from such a young age, and then of course I thought about our unique and wonderful forest school arboretum. More and more aspects of this magical place sprang to mind. I often admire how we are able to combine several approaches to early years to create a unique ethos for our children, drawing on our favourite aspects of Montessori, Steiner, the curiosity approach and in the moment planning to create the very best learning experience for our children.
On a personal level I particularly enjoy the annual traditions and extra visits like zoo lab, the chicken egg program, the Christmas celebrations and visits to the pumpkin patch and Christmas tree farm, I not only love them because they are enjoyable and exciting to watch the children participate in, but because I love that we are able to offer our children these opportunities that they may not access elsewhere.
I not only love, but am proud of being a plastic free nursery. Getting to be part of the transition from plastic toys in a brightly coloured, highly stimulating environment to authentic, real resources in a calm, Hygge environment has been inspiring and the transformation across the nursery was simply wonderful.
Another particularly enjoyable part of my job is watching and supporting the staff to grow and flourish into experienced, genuine and authentic practitioners with a wealth of knowledge and hands-skills to begin their career in childcare. Watching them transition from apprentices to qualified staff who are capable of teaching others and take on more and more responsibilities is something I enjoy being a part of at Jabberwocky too.
Meet Our Nursery Manager Leanne:

To be the Manager of Jabberwocky Nursery is an absolute honour and a privilege. Our nursery is truly one of a kind — a place where children from 3 months to 5 years can explore, play, and learn in the most wonderful ways.
Every day is filled with excitement, curiosity, and joy. The opportunities our children have to explore the outdoors are incredible. Our Forest School, which we visit daily, gives the children a chance to connect with nature — whether that’s looking for bugs under logs, climbing trees, or enjoying the simple magic of fresh air and open space. Even the walk there becomes a learning experience, as children practise road safety and observe the world around them.
We also love to take our learning further afield. Trips in our minibuses let children discover local woodlands, beaches, and nature reserves. We make the most of the seasons with visits to pumpkin patches, fruit farms, and smallholdings during lambing season. Every trip gives the children a chance to learn, grow, and make lasting memories.
But what truly makes Jabberwocky special is our staff team. They are the most dedicated, caring, and passionate group of people I’ve ever worked with. Their range of experience, knowledge, and personalities blend perfectly to create a warm, nurturing environment where every child is known and valued. Many of them have been with Jabberwocky for years, and their commitment shines through in everything they do.
There’s a wonderful buzz around the nursery — always busy, always full of life — yet it remains calm, loving, and full of smiles. That balance is something I’m so proud of.


A Typical Day at Jabberwocky Nursery:
Every day at Jabberwocky is different, but one thing always stays the same — the joy that fills the building from the moment the doors open.
I love greeting the children and their families each morning. Seeing their excited faces as they arrive, ready to explore, is the best start to the day. I spend time walking around the nursery, chatting with children, joining in with their play, and checking that everything is running smoothly.
Throughout the day, our nursery is alive with activity. You might find children:
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Exploring the forest with sticks and magnifying glasses in hand
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Baking bread, cakes, or quiches (the smells are amazing!)
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Taking part in football, science, or gardening clubs
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Caring for our nursery pets or mixing up playdough scented with cinnamon and pinecones
We often have special visitors too — from animal encounters with alpacas and ponies to exciting science workshops and visits from local community helpers like dentists and police officers. These experiences bring learning to life and fill the children with wonder.
Lunchtimes and tea times are always a lovely part of the day. Sitting together, enjoying healthy home-cooked food, chatting and laughing — it’s a time for connection and care.
In the afternoons, I love stepping back into the rooms or joining the children outdoors. Watching them explore, problem-solve, and play with such imagination reminds me why I do what I do.
And as parents arrive at the end of the day, I get the chance to share those special moments — telling them about their child’s achievements, funny moments, and new discoveries. Building those relationships with families is so important to me. After all, they are trusting us with their most precious little people.
When the last child heads home, we tidy up, reset the nursery for tomorrow, and reflect on another day full of laughter, learning, and love.
Yes, it’s a busy job — sometimes exhausting — but every single day, I leave with a full heart knowing that our children have been cared for, encouraged, and inspired. There’s no better feeling.

