A very warm welcome to The Co-operative Childcare.

Here you will find lots of general information that should be useful in getting a feel for the setting, however every child is individual and you will undoubtedly have lots of questions that relate specifically to your child’s needs, interests and their development. A tour of our quality facilities would be highly recommended in order to fully appreciate how the nursery operates and to see first hand the care and attention that each child receives. To arrange a tour, simply use the contact details on this page or pop in to the nursery itself.

At The Co-operative Childcare we never underestimate how difficult a decision it is to leave your child in the care of others and our aim is to ensure that you have all the information you need to make this very important decision.



“All children develop extremely well personally and socially. Any who are less sure or who have learning difficulties and/or disabilities, receive excellent individual support. Staff work closely with parents and relevant outside professionals, to make sure necessary help is identified accurately. The key person system supports parents in extending their children's learning at home”.

Latest Inspection Date 13/1/2009. To view the full report click here


Our Nursery Manager Beverley has worked at the Walcot Nursery for 7 years and has a 21 years experience in childcare. There is a dedicated, loyal team of 21 colleagues who care for our children and together they have over 120 years experience in childcare.


There are 4 home rooms within our nursery split into the following age groups: 0-1 year olds, 1-2 year olds, 2-3 year olds, 3-5 year olds. There is also a large central aisle which can be used by all ages. As you enter the nursery there is a large reception area with a secure door that leads through to the central area and home rooms. The kitchen is on sight which is through a secure door from the central aisle. The 0-2 year olds area is self contained and has sleep rooms, nappy change and milk kitchen within the room. The toilets and sink area for the 2-5 year olds is in a separate room which is situated off of the central area and all children have access to it throughout the day.


We have a large back garden which has a variety of play surfaces from grass to soft play tarmac. There is a play house with picnic table and chairs, large climbing frame with slide and a tunnel. The children have also planted vegetables and herbs into the vegetable garden and are encouraged to help with the watering of them. There is also a separate play area for the younger children to be able to access the outside environment safely. The children play with a variety of physical equipment from cars and bikes to hoops and balls. Along the side of the building is an under cover area with soft play tarmac which can be accessed by all rooms. This enables children to play outside in all weathers. The garden is enclosed by a 6ft fence to ensure it is safe and secure.


We hold regular children’s exercise sessions where the nursery as a whole join together to encourage healthy lifestyles. During the year we arrange for Zoo lab to bring in a variety of insect and creatures for the children to learn and explore in a controlled environment, this is of no extra charge. We also have a photographer once a year to take professional photos for parents to purchase. The 3-5 year olds have a graduation party for all nursery leavers and they have the opportunity to wear a graduation gown and receive certificate, their parents are also invited along.


There is a full time cook onsite. The home cooked meals are freshly prepared each day with locally sourced products and we cater for all dietary needs including allergies and religious preferences. The menus are based on a summer menu and a winter menu. They are planned on a 6 week rota to make sure that they children receive all the nutrition they need to grow up as healthy young children and to give them a good start in life. Water is available for all children throughout the day. We have a weaning menu for all babies that are beginning the weaning progress with a variety of Formula included in the fees structure.


The parents have an information board located in the reception area which has a variety of useful information to them. In 0-2 year olds and 2-3 year olds home room they have a feedback sheet which will include the children’s daily information of how they have been, including sleep, food, nappies and anything that they have enjoyed during the day. The 3-5 year olds carers give verbal feedback to the parent of how the child has been. The nursery has a notice board within the central area where WOW vouchers are placed, giving parents the opportunity to share any achievements from home to be incorporated into there child’s development files. When parents join the nursery they are asked to complete an information from home sheet which will help the key person to settle the child into the nursery environment. The nursery participates in a variety of charity events including dress up days, cake sales and festivals celebrations, parents are always encouraged to join in. Parents evening are offered at regular intervals throughout the year, the child’s key person discusses the child’s development with their parents.


“In our nursery we have a good level of qualified staff that are motivated in making the nursery a fun environment to play and learn in. We give our children many opportunities and experiences and help them to gain additional skills that will support their development further. The nursery is always buzzing with happy, busy children and my team are always friendly and approachable. We have a fantastic garden area which we are proud of and the children love to be out there in the fresh air exploring the outside environment.

My team are dedicated to providing a variety of fun activities that incorporate the interests of the children. We love to celebrate lots of different festivals which include a variety of cultures around the world.

We have an embedded key person system which help children to build healthy relationships with adults and feel safe and secure in the nursery environment. We encourage children to be independent and learn new skills with support from my team and in our 3-5s room we also prepare the children that are due to go to school so that they have a smoother transition from nursery to school.

The children are all offered healthy and nutritious food that is cooked on the premises and we also provide nappies, formula milk and sun cream which is included in the price. I would love you to see why my nursery is special, contact me and I’ll show you around.”

A final word from one of our parents
Esme and Elliot have really enjoyed their 3 years at The Co-operative Childcare and I would have no hesitation in recommending their services. I chose The Co-operative Childcare because I was impressed with the modern facilities, professionalism of the staff, home cooked food and cleanliness of the nursery. The main thing that makes them superior to any other nursery in the area was the outside space and the fact that my children had the freedom to go outside rain or shine throughout the day. Nicky Curtis. (Walcot, Swindon)