Ratcliffe College is delighted to announce an exciting expansion of its Day Nursery, introducing dedicated
year-round childcare for children aged six months to four years. The new provision is scheduled to open in
Spring 2027, subject to final approvals.
Year-round Day Nursery childcare for working families in Leicestershire
The expanded Day Nursery will provide year-round Early Years care designed to support working families
across Leicestershire and surrounding areas, including Leicester and Loughborough.
The provision will operate 51 weeks of the year, with opening hours from 7.30am to 6.00pm, offering greater
flexibility for modern family life.
Eligible families will be able to access government-funded childcare support and Early Years vouchers, helping to make high-quality Day Nursery education more accessible.
Headmaster, Jonathan Reddin, is extremely proud of the new Day Nursery:
“We are truly delighted to share that our new Ratcliffe College Day Nursery provision will open in Spring 2027. Welcoming children from six months old, it will offer a warm, nurturing environment where every child is cherished and encouraged to explore at their own pace. Operating for 50 weeks a year, our beautiful new facilities and bespoke continuous‑provision spaces will give our youngest learners a joyful and inspiring start to their Ratcliffe education, to Learn and Grow in the Light of the Gospel.”
Head of Nursery and Preparatory School, Sharon Boccaccini comments on the exciting development:
“We are absolutely thrilled to open our doors to our youngest learners, and I am personally looking forward to this exciting new venture. The first few months of a child’s life are a time of incredible wonder and rapid development. By extending our educational values to babies from 6 months old, we are providing a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment where they can thrive. This offers parents total peace of mind during these crucial formative stages, while preparing children for their continued education at Ratcliffe College.”
Independent School Early Years education in a nurturing environment
Set within our beautiful 200-acre campus at Ratcliffe College, the Day Nursery will offer high-quality Early Years education and care in a safe and stimulating setting during the most important stages of a child’s development.
Located adjacent to our award winning designed Preparatory School, the Day Nursery will provide exceptional outdoor learning opportunities rarely found in local Early Years settings. Children will benefit from daily access to Ratcliffe College’s wider grounds and facilities, supporting learning through play, exploration and outdoor discovery.
Children will enjoy access to woodland areas, Forest School experiences and creative outdoor play spaces designed to encourage curiosity, independence and confidence in a natural environment.
Nursery places for children aged 6 months plus, toddlers and preschool age
The expanded Day Nursery will welcome children from six months to four years old, providing a continuous Early Years journey through carefully designed age-appropriate rooms:
● Children (6 months to 1 year)
● Toddlers (1 to 3 years)
● Pre-School (3 to 4 years)
Each space will be tailored to support key stages of early development, ensuring children feel secure,
supported and confident as they grow.
A seamless pathway into Ratcliffe College Preparatory School
The Day Nursery expansion will sit alongside Ratcliffe College’s existing pre-school provision, which will also move to a 51-week year-round model while retaining flexible options for families who prefer term-time care. Together, this will create a consistent and supportive Early Years pathway into Ratcliffe College Preparatory School and Reception classes.
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 in the Autumn Term 2026 to meet our wonderful Day Nursery staff, tour the Preparatory School and preview the new Day Nursery facility.
Register your interest in Ratcliffe College Day Nursery.
Open Morning – Saturday 19 September
Parents and carers are invited to attend the College’s next Open Morning on Saturday 19 September, 9.30am – Midday, to meet the Nursery team, explore the early years environment and learn more about admissions.
