WELCOME TO GINGERBREAD CORNER
We are a children's charity with an early years nursery and out of school care, including school collection. We have been running for 50 years. Our goal is to provide a nurturing and stimulating environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive.
Our Journey
Since opening our doors in 1976, Gingerbread Corner has been more than a childcare centre - it’s been a place where generations of children have grown, learned, and thrived. We were proud to be Europe’s first after-school care scheme, and in 1984 we expanded to welcome children under five.
At Gingerbread Corner, we provide a safe, nurturing, and fun environment for children aged three months to 11 years, including those with individual needs and disabilities. Our facilities are designed to spark curiosity and imagination: a soft playroom, sensory room, four nursery rooms, an Adventure Playground, and many other unique learning spaces. Mealtimes are special too, with a variety of home-made lunches and snacks, tailored to meet every child’s dietary needs.
Being a charity, we’re committed to making our care accessible. Discounts are offered based on household income, and we extend additional support for siblings, military families, NHS staff, and emergency workers.
What truly sets Gingerbread Corner apart is our community. Many of our “ex-children” have returned, not just as parents, but as staff members, continuing the tradition of care, trust, and connection that has been at the heart of our centre for decades. This is more than childcare; it’s a place where families grow together, across generations.
What We Offer
Full Time Nursery Places
Caring for 66 children aged 3 months to 5 years across four nursery rooms, with free-flow access to gardens and play areas.
Open weekdays from 7:45 am to 6:30 pm, except on bank holidays.
Early Years Funding
We accept Early Years Funding to help eligible families access funded childcare for children aged 9 months to 4 years. The number of funded hours available depends on your child’s age and your family’s eligibility. For more information about the funding available and how to apply, visit Best Start in Life.
After School Care
After-School Care
Registered for 100 children aged 5 to 11 years. Our facilities include a Craft Room, Hall, Play Terrace, Games Room, Lounge, IT Suite, and a Den for under-eights.
Holiday Care Scheme
Care for 5 to 11 year olds during school holidays.
Facilities Available for Hire
Our facilities are perfect for children's birthday parties
More information is available on request or click here.
Empower
Growth
Vision & Aims
Our Vision
Every individual child is at the heart of all we do. We celebrate each child’s individuality, recognising their unique strengths, interests and needs. Through an inclusive, nurturing environment, we support all children to feel safe, valued and confident to explore, learn and thrive at their own pace.
Our Values
G – Growth We support every child’s individual growth, recognising that all children learn and develop at their own pace.
I – Inclusion We create an inclusive environment where every child and family feels welcomed, valued and respected.
N – Nurture We nurture children through positive relationships, emotional support and a safe, caring environment.
G – Gentle Guidance We guide children with patience, kindness and consistency to help them understand boundaries and make positive choices.
E – Equality We promote equality by celebrating diversity and ensuring all children have equal opportunities to succeed.
R – Respect We encourage respect for ourselves, others and the world around us.
B – Belonging We help every child feel a strong sense of belonging within our nursery community.
R – Resilience We support children to build resilience, confidence and independence through encouragement and play.
E – Exploration We inspire curiosity and a love of learning through meaningful play and exploration.
A – Aspirations We hold high aspirations for every child, supporting them to reach their full potential.
D – Development We are committed to supporting children’s holistic development—emotionally, socially, physically and intellectually.
Our Staff
At Gingerbread Corner, our staff are at the heart of everything we do. We have a dedicated team of 13 Early Years staff and three core Out of School staff, supported by five casual staff who help us provide additional support during school holiday periods.
Across both services, our team works hard to create a welcoming, safe and supportive environment where children feel happy, valued and encouraged to learn, play and develop. We recognise that every child is different, and our staff aim to understand and support each child's individual needs, interests and abilities.
Our team brings a range of childcare qualifications, skills and many years of experience working with children of different ages. This experience helps our staff understand children's individual needs and provide care and activities that support their development, interests and wellbeing. Keeping children safe is central to everything we do. All staff undergo the required safeguarding checks, including DBS checks, and follow our safeguarding procedures to help ensure children are protected, listened to and well cared for.
Training and Development
We are committed to helping our staff develop their knowledge and skills to provide the best possible care and support for children. Training covers a range of areas relevant to their roles, including child development, positive behaviour, safeguarding, food hygiene and food allergies.
Early Years staff undertake training relevant to the Early Years Foundation Stage, while our Out of School team develops skills in playwork and supporting school-aged children. We encourage ongoing learning and development to help our team build confidence, strengthen their practice and respond to the changing needs of the children and families we support.
TESTIMONIALS
- Thank you so much for being part of her early years education and for doing such a hard job so well! Luma really loved being there and she made friends for life. I still miss Gingerbread to be completely honest! - from an Early Years preschool carer
- We would like to thank you for all your help during all these years, from when Beatriz started attending Gingerbread (she was only a baby!) till this day, (she is 5 and 1/2!). Thank you so much to all the staff and all the wonderful teachers at Gingerbread for their help and affection towards Beatriz during these years. We have always had peace of mind because we knew she was in good hands at your nursery - from an Out of School carer
- Thank you so much for looking after Amariah. I have seen so much growth over the years, it shocks me every day. Amariah really loves you guys, and it shows, I know she is in safe hands. I just wish you guys all the best and hope to see you soon - from an Early Years preschool carer
- I wanted to thank you and all your staff for all the care and attention that you've given our son and all the children at Gingerbread. Tommy has loved going to Gingerbread and it's been a great comfort to myself and my wife knowing that he's well looked after. - from an Early Years preschool carer
- We are very sad to leave you. You have been amazing since day 1 and Sophia had a such a good time in Gingerbread and definitely you will be missed - from an Early Years carer