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Rooted in Alderney, growing in the open air
We are a registered children's charity on a mission to give every Alderney child an affordable, outdoor start in life, from as young as six months old.
Affordable, outdoor childcare for Alderney
Alderney Children's Centre is a registered children's charity (number CH1047), committed to affordable childcare for children from six months old. Our full-time, year-round nursery is built around outdoor education and forest school principles, set between our own registered nursery building and a 2.5-acre working farm.
The building has dedicated rooms for babies, toddlers and preschoolers, plus a full soft play gym, a nature garden and a playground. And then there's the farm: even bigger and more exciting, with 2.5 acres for children to explore, grow food and care for our animals.
Every school holiday we run a holiday club that teaches traditional crafts alongside forest school sessions. And all year round we bring families together with enrichment and support, from regular weekly groups to one-off events.
Out in our meadow
Every child outdoors, capable and cared for
We exist to give the children of Alderney a childhood rich in fresh air, animals and adventure, and to wrap support around the families raising them. We measure success not in worksheets, but in confidence, curiosity and kindness.
Our values
Learning through nature
Nature and our farm are our classroom. Children learn maths in the veg beds, science at the fire pit, and resilience in the rain.
Care, for all living things
Tending animals and plants teaches empathy you can't get from a screen. Gentleness, patience and responsibility grow naturally here.
Family at the centre
We support the whole family, not just the child. Parents and carers are partners in everything we do.
Proudly of Alderney
Our island shapes us. Its coastline, wildlife and close-knit community are part of every child's education.
The people in the wellies
Our team brings early years expertise, Forest School training and a deep love of the outdoors.
Jennifer Heald
Founder & Director
Zoe Disley
Manager & Forest School Lead
Pamela Ruhukwa
Deputy Manager
Maggie Newitt
Forest School Lead
Lily Gaudion
Nursery Assistant
Stephen Gray
Facilities Manager
Adventure with a safety net
Letting children climb, light fires and handle tools sounds bold, and it is. It works because everything sits on careful, professional foundations. Risk is something we manage with children, never something we pretend away.
- Fully DBS-checked, first-aid trained staff with high adult-to-child ratios.
- Daily risk-benefit assessments for the Forest School Zone, fire circle and farm.
- Robust safeguarding & animal-welfare policies, reviewed regularly.
- Clear sickness, hygiene and allergy procedures around food and animals.
Our full policies are available on request. Just ask.
Big adventures, close supervision
Want to be part of it?
Whether you're looking for a place for your child, or a way to give back to the island's children, we'd love to hear from you.