Our natural approach allows children to be children; to explore their environment, experiment with the outdoor playscape and all its natural resources, harness the power of their own imaginations and to feel a valued part of an extended and caring family. We aim to provide the best possible environment in which every child can develop at their own pace, and learn naturally through the enjoyment of play and socialising with others.
Pre-school children have the luxury of time while they are still small, to learn organically and without pressure. There is no right or wrong way of doing things at Back to the Garden Childcare, we aim to give children the confidence to find their own voice and work with their own imaginations to find their own way.
Integrity and Safety stand at the forefront of our commitment, as we uphold honesty and ethical practices, creating a secure haven for children to flourish.
We pride ourselves on being child-centred, placing the child at the heart of our philosophy. Valuing their individual needs and perspectives, we empower them to take the lead in their learning journey.
Connection is vital to us, fostering meaningful relationships not only between children but also with parents and the local community.
We prioritise the Wellbeing of every child and family, recognising the importance of their physical, emotional, and mental health.
This focuses on ‘the whole child’ and this considers the whole body, mind, spirit and the child’s environment as areas for nurturing. We believe that in order for a child to unlock all of their potential, and to gain a true sense of self, a full 360 degree picture of a child’s life and emotional wellbeing needs to be supported. At Back to the Garden Childcare, we do that in all aspects of our little one’s learning and self-expression but uniquely through our Holistic Trilogies: Art, Nature and Emotions.
Our founders, with their roots in the industry, infuse Back To The Garden Childcare with a level of dedication that goes beyond business – it’s a labour of love. Every aspect of our natural nursery, from the emphasis on outdoor play to the inclusion of professional artists in our ateliers, reflects our founders’ commitment to providing an enriching, holistic, and inspiring environment for every child in our care.
Operational Excellence
Nursery Manager, Altrincham
Meet Ann-Marie Ellison, our dedicated Nursery Manager at Back to the Garden Childcare Altrincham. Ann-Marie has seamlessly woven her extensive childcare expertise into the fabric of the nursery. With a background as a regional manager and Ofsted inspector, Ann-Marie has transformed the nursery into a dynamic and captivating space for children. Emphasising the importance of play, ongoing staff training, and collaborative engagement with parents. Ann-Marie, an award-winning manager with a passion for equestrian activities, has truly made her mark at the Altrincham nursery.
While our first nursery in Altrincham officially opened its doors in 2018, the roots of our expertise stretch back to the 1980s through the dedicated years of founders Jeannie and Stewart Pickering.
Ex-teachers, husband and wife team, Stewart and Jeannie Pickering, are the dynamic and forward-thinking partnership behind Back to the Garden Childcare. Specialists in the childcare sector, the duo has a real passion for child development and natural learning, and a proven track record in the nursery business, having previously set up and developed the hugely successful kidsunlimited brand before selling the business in 2008. Their enthusiasm for delivering exceptional care and a desire to encourage more children ‘back to the garden’ has brought them back into the sector with a vision to create an exceptional new nursery brand that focuses on the health, wellbeing and personal development of each child and providing the very best care in a stimulating environment that has a dedicated commitment to outdoor play and activities in the fresh air.
Back to the Garden Childcare is part of the McGoff Group, a multi-faceted UK-based group of family-owned businesses with expertise in construction, housebuilding, health and care.
Back in 2010, Chris McGoff and Stewart met to discuss a new nursery project and tempted Stewart out of retirement, and there the story began. It took 8 years to get to September 2018 and the opening of Back To The Garden Childcare in Broadheath, Altrincham.
The Altrincham nursery forms part of a larger development delivered by McGoff Construction, known as the Broadheath Hub. Alongside the 120 place day nursery sits a community centre and Greene King family restaurant. The development transformed an underused site on the corner of Turnbull Road and Sinderland Road in Broadheath into an attractive new community hub for local people.
The Lymm nursery forms part of Cheshire’s first multi-generational scheme sitting alongside a New Care care home and Villafont Concierge over 55 apartments enabling residents and children to enjoy activities together throughout the year.
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