Welcome to
The Watership Down Nursery & Preschool
A Natural First Step
Our Roots
What We’re All About
A day nursery and preschool where every child takes a natural first step into a world of discovery. We aim to inspire children to have a confidence in the natural world around them, in their own abilities to achieve and who best thrive when they’re challenged in an engaging and stimulating environment. We care about the children that attend and do everything we can to help nurture their imagination and curiosity whilst providing parents with peace of mind and the flexibility to fit around their busy lives.
The Watership Down Nursery Ethos
A home from home.
As a family run business we strive to be a home away from home where your child feels comfortable, secure and cared for.
We understand how daunting it can be to leave your child in the care of another, particularly at such a young and precious age. To help your child with this transition our nursery approach provides some of those familiar routines and a nurturing environment.
Your child's key worker will take the time to meet with you and discuss your child's interests, routines, favourite toys, games and anything else we can do to make your child feel safe and comfortable with us.
Don't take our word for it
See what our parents are saying
(Our child) has had the best few years here. I'm really sad my other kids didn't have the same nursery experience! I am so grateful to every single member of staff for always being so welcoming and positive. (Our child) has had the time of her life here.
(feedback 2025)
Couldn't ask for a safer place for both of our sons to grow up over the past 5 years. Love the outdoor ethos and never been told they've had a boring day! Best decision we made for them choosing Watership nursery. We will miss you all!
(feedback 2025)
We love everything about Watership. The staff are the heart of the nursery and do everything to make everyday magical. They learn so much and the kids love forest school, music and day trips!
(feedback 2025)
What Ofsted had to say about us.
Rated - Outstanding
Babies and children thrive in this small, exceptional and home-from-home nursery.
The dedicated staff create an extremely broad curriculum based on the children's
interests and development. They plan activities to encourage children's individual
learning at every opportunity.
The outstanding leadership team has an ambitious vision. There is a clear
direction for the nursery which builds on what leaders have already created. The incredible staff devise a curriculum that is unique and inspiring.
Partnership with parents is excellent. Staff provide regular assessments of the
children's progress. Parents comment that, 'Staff are really caring and have
always got the children's best interests at heart.'
Forest School surrounded by nature
At The Watership Down Nursery, the Forest School approach is one of the pillars of our ethos, we are extremely lucky to have a nearby woodland inviting children into the awe-inspiring world of nature's own classroom. Through a myriad of hands-on activities like fire making, cooking outdoors, creating art from natural resources, and embarking on guided nature walks, children engage with the environment in ways that spark curiosity and wonder. Building dens, navigating rope swings, slacklining, and sculpting with clay and mud are not just play; they are carefully designed experiences that encourage children to safely take risks and explore the limitless possibilities of open-ended play.
Signature moments
At Watership Down Nursery, we curate extraordinary opportunities for growth, creativity, and wonder—from riverside painting with local artists to mindful outdoor yoga beneath the trees.
Our children embarked on a six-week artistic journey, guided by a local artist and inspired by the beauty of our riverside setting. Exploring a range of artistic styles and mediums, each child discovered their own creative voice—culminating in a gallery-style exhibition where every masterpiece was proudly celebrated by family and friends.
From planting seeds to harvesting their own fruits, vegetables, and herbs, our children are immersed in every stage of growing in the nursery garden. These hands-on moments nurture a lasting connection to nature and a sense of accomplishment, culminating in the joy of tasting the bounty they’ve helped bring to life.
Our children experienced gentle mindfulness and yoga sessions beneath the trees, guided by a local mindfulness teacher. Immersed in nature, they learned to use all their senses—listening to birdsong, feeling the breeze, and noticing the subtle rhythms of the natural world around them. These meaningful moments have inspired them to bring a sense of calm and presence into their daily routines, nurturing lifelong wellbeing from the very start.
Job Vacancies
Early Years Practitioner
Job description
Our outstanding mixed age nursery in beautiful Laverstoke near Whitchurch and Overton (20 mins from central Basingstoke) is seeking a Nursery Assistant to join our little family run team. We are open 50 weeks of the year from 8am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday and keep the number of children low in order to give our full care and attention to each child.
Our children learn and play together as one big family nurturing children from 3 months to 5 years. We stands as a beacon of early childhood education and childcare, where our deeply rooted family ethos, combined with an innovative outdoor learning curriculum, sets us apart. Situated amidst lush, verdant surroundings, we take pride in our forest school approach and our unique initiative of growing our own fruits and vegetables. This initiative not only connects our children with nature but also instills in them the values of sustainability and healthy living from an early age.
Please note this positions cannot consider overseas applications.
Role Overview:
We are on the lookout for a dedicated Nursery Practitioner (qualified) who shares our passion for outdoor learning, family-centric values, and the hands-on experience of growing. This role is perfect for someone who believes in fostering a strong connection between children and the natural world, and who sees the value in teaching young minds where their food comes from.
Our nurseries are looking for the right person who is motivated and inspired by the children to create opportunities that the children will love to investigate and explore making it all about the children.
Our family team is seeking someone who wants to be a part of something magical and fun. Who is eager to enhance children's childhood experiences in our beautiful homely room and embrace our amazing outdoor spaces.
We are dedicated to safeguarding and child protection.
Get in touch
Lady Rose Hall, Laverstoke Lane Laverstoke United Kingdom RG287NY
Open 0830 - 1730 Mon to Fri
50 weeks of the year
