Welcome to Tops Day Nurseries: Gillingham Nursery, Dorset
Our Gillingham nursery is a fun and friendly day nursery & preschool, providing childcare for children from 3 months old until they are ready to start school. Our nursery prides itself as being a special place to which children of all ages love to come; feeling safe, secure, valued and cared for by each other and by the committed and motivated staff.
We pride ourselves on being an inspirational nursery in which children’s imaginations can run wild. Here at Tops Gillingham, we have introduced beautiful and stimulating areas throughout the whole nursery to maximise the developmental experiences for your child. We focus our set ups on loose parts provocations, particularly in our two year olds and preschool rooms. This type of open ended play supports fascination and exploration.
Outside you will find an enclosed garden in which your children can play, plant and potter. One particular area the children love is our bug hotel, not to mention our little beach and rowing boat! We are also lucky to be close to paved country walks and local parks as well as on hand for visits to local shops, the library, Post Office and so on, enabling us to broaden your children’s experience of the local community.
Our Tops Forest School Children regularly explore the woodland and have even taken along some special guests including the Mayor of Gillingham!
As well as being an inspirational childcare provider, we are a hub for local activities and groups. We offer a comfortable environment for local baby massage sessions, Dad’s Clubs, baby and toddler groups and also features a holiday club service for school children up to the age of 8.
We have a designated drop off spaces for parents to use, as well as an overflow car park behind the nursery.
This nursery is part of a group that provides the most eco-sustainable childcare and education in the UK, being respectful of the environment and acting to reduce, re-use and recycle resources is an important part of the culture and routine for the children and staff.
Arrange a visit
Nursery manager:
Melanie Lockyer
Nursery Manager
Opening times:
- Monday - Friday: 6am - 8pm*
- 52 weeks a year including bank holidays. Only closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day
- *subject to local demand
Any questions?
- Try our FAQs
- Ask online
- Gillingham Nursery on Facebook
- Call your nursery: 01747 835533
What Gillingham Nursery parents & carers say
“After an extensive look around all of the nurseries in the local area, we decided on Tops Gillingham. All the staff are so friendly, welcoming and very attentive to the children. ”
Hayley
“Every time I collect my son I am informed what he has eaten, what he has learned, and what he has done that day often along with some funny moments which it is precious to be able to share. The log allowing parents to see new observations for their child as soon as they are added really reassures me that there is now a focus on getting him ready for school and always plenty of support and encouragement for how I can help him at home. ”
Jemma
“The staff are professional and approachable and treat my daughter as if she were their own. The facilities are great and the activities for the children are age appropriate and stimulating. Emails and calls are responded to quickly and communication is fantastic.”
Julie
“He eats well, plays and learns things that Mum and Dad can't offer at home. The service provision is exemplary and we would highly recommend this nursery to all parents.”
Tim
“We spent time looking at all available nurseries in the area, and Tops Gillingham stood out straight away with the cleanliness, friendliness of staff, creative additions in the rooms, the outdoor secure space and the confident management on site. ”
Victoria
What makes Tops different?
Flexibility
With opening hours from 6am-8pm including bank holidays, means we are here when you need us. Offering childcare with 15-minute intervals, so you only pay for the childcare you need. (Available at the vast majority of our nurseries but not all.)
The Environments
Particular pride is provided for both outdoor and indoor environments. Each Tops Day Nursery has a rich and vibrant environment, custom-built to encourage your children's safe exploration, learning and discovery.
Caring
At Tops, all children have a key person responsible for every aspect of their ongoing development. With the eyLog app for web and mobile, you can follow your child’s learning journey.
Some of our friendly Gillingham Nursery team:
Melanie Lockyer
Nursery Manager
