A unique nursery where children can interact with animals has opened at Barleylands Farm in Billericay. Barleylands Day Nursery and Pre-School began operations on Monday after attracting hundreds of parents eager to enroll their children.
The nursery offers “unparalleled learning experiences that combine nature and education,” allowing children to engage directly with the animals. Daily activities include collecting eggs, feeding goats, and petting animals, giving youngsters hands-on experience in a farm setting.
Following the announcement of the nursery’s opening, more than 400 parents signed up, leading to the creation of an active waiting list. The nursery officially welcomed its first group of children on Monday.
Sharon Elliott, managing director of Farm Day Nurseries, expressed her excitement: “We’re thrilled to open Barleylands Day Nursery and Pre-School. This is a special place where children can learn in a farm environment, explore nature, and interact with animals while thriving in a nurturing atmosphere. Our strong partnership with Barleylands Farm allows us to provide a unique experience focused on natural learning and hands-on animal interaction. It’s a space where children can truly discover, learn, and grow.”
By mid-July, the new nursery had received over 400 inquiries and is set to transform early childhood education in the area. The activities aim to inspire a love for nature and encourage hands-on learning.
The nursery features a free-flow setting, allowing children to choose between indoor and outdoor play. It also offers convenient drop-off and pick-up points for parents.
Funded spaces will be available for eligible children from the age of 9 months, with options for both full-day and half-day sessions. Families interested in securing a spot can visit the nursery’s website to enroll their child.
You Might Be Interested In