Where to find us
About 
Archway
Our reviewsTailored spacesPhoto gallery

Located in a beautifully converted farmhouse, Archway Nursery School in Blandford Forum is a little piece of rural magic.

What makes us special

A few highlights
nursery usp 1
Inspired by nature

Children spend dedicated time in our large garden and forest area where a variety of outdoor experiences get them connecting with nature.

nursery usp 2
A home from home

Archway’s home from home environment uses natural resources that engage children and ignite their curiosity and wonder.

nursery usp 3
Family style mealtimes

Children eat healthy meals together in a warm and inviting conservatory space.

Storal education image
storal education icon

At Archway our experienced educators teach children using the Early Years Foundation Stage framework alongside our own Storal approach to curriculum.  

Our hybrid approach allows children to reach their full potential at their own pace and in their own time. And, our use of natural resources provides a learning environment that encourages curiosity and a desire to learn.

More on education
storal nutrition icon

Mealtimes at Archway are a time for children to refuel, be sociable and learn about nutrition.

With healthy snacks and delicious fresh food cooked every day by our onsite chef, children experience new flavours and look forward to favourite dishes while older children help in our kitchen.

We use our delicious, locally sourced food as an opportunity to get your child observing, thinking, talking - and starting to learn about where all that fun and healthy food comes from.

More on nutrition
Storal nutrition image

A warm welcome to Archway Nursery School in Blandford Forum.

With our beautiful farmhouse setting in an area of outstanding natural beauty, Archway is a nursery rooted in the countryside and all that it has to offer. Children benefit every day from our special location, particularly through our large outdoor area which encourages creativity, exploratory play and independent discoveries.

Archway is very much part of the local community, having provided quality nursery education to local children for the past twenty years. Our experienced and highly trained staff know that all children are different and take time to listen, observe them and respond to them individually. Children love learning at Archway, becoming curious and independent thinkers at their own pace and in their own time.

We’d love you and your family to experience the magic of Archway, so come and say hello and see for yourself our special blend of individualised learning and purposeful play.

speech marks leftspeech marks right
Hannah Fee
Nursery Manager
Express your interest

Thoughts from our families

We're proud to make a difference
GoodtoKnow press logoGrazia press logoThe Sunday Times press logoCity AM press logoMy Baba press logoMumspace press logo

Explore our tailored spaces

Their next chapter at 
Archway

Archway’s magical countryside setting offers early years learning and quality care for children aged 3 months to 5 years.

Nursery for babies image

Babies

Babies experience multi-sensory activities in our baby room which deepen their awareness of the world around them. From walking to talking, they’ll learn and develop new skills too.

Where possible, we’ll follow your baby’s home routine until they’re ready to be gently introduced to the different daily routines in our older rooms. And after a busy morning of exploring and learning, we’ll make sure your baby has time to recharge with a restorative nap.

Book your baby's place
Nursery for toddlers image

Toddlers

As their story begins to take shape growing toddlers are given the time and space to be more independent. Children become more aware of the world around them and learn to play alongside each other, supported through group activities and mealtimes. Our experienced educators encourage language development too through verbal games, songs and stories, starting with simple sounds and building to sentences

Toddlers are encouraged to choose for themselves which activities to explore, and will extend their creative skills with arts, crafts, music and movement.

Book your toddler's place
Nursery for pre-school image

Preschool

With growing confidence and ability, children spend their final years at Archway preparing for primary school and we’re here to make that transition as smooth and happy as possible for them.

Preschoolers enjoy free play within a structured environment that is similar to what they’ll experience in their first year at school. They’ll learn basic numeracy, colours and shapes and further develop their motor skills through puzzles, books and construction toys. They can also try their hands at clay modelling, painting, woodwork and cookery in our purpose-built art room.

Book your preschool place

Out Of School Clubs

We know that balancing all your commitments can be a challenge. Our Breakfast (from 7:30 am) and After School Club (until 6:00 pm) are here to make the daily juggle easier.
out-of-school-club-image

Amidst all that learning, there’s plenty of time for play with games, creative activities and outdoor fun.

out-of-school-club-image

If children prefer some time away from the hustle and bustle, our quiet area is equipped with reading books and spaces to complete homework.

out-of-school-club-image

Whether it’s breakfast to start the day or a hearty meal after school, all of our nutritious food is freshly prepared daily.

Take a peek inside our nursery

And then come and say hello for a visit
Archway Nursery School
Archway Nursery School
Archway Nursery School
Archway Nursery School
Archway Nursery School
Archway Nursery School
Photography by Fred Howarth, Delve Architects and Alexandra Tandy

A tour of 

Archway
Make yourself comfortable
By clicking “Accept”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. View our Privacy Policy for more information.