Ashbourne Day Nurseries at Millway

A large garden, covered patio and direct outdoor access from every room give Millway a clear emphasis on space to play. Set within the grounds of Millway Primary School in Northampton, Ashbourne Day Nurseries at Millway combines toddler and preschool provision with a separate Wraparound Care Club for school-age children.

Ofsted rated the nursery Good on 30 April 2025. It has capacity for 100 children, with a current early-years age range of 12 to 60 months. Flexible sessions and term-time childcare make the calendar an important part of the choice here.

The strongest practical feature is the connection between indoor rooms and outdoor space. Children can move between them through a free-flow arrangement, rather than outdoor play depending solely on a separate group outing.

Rooms and Ages

Toddlers, for children aged 2 to 3 years, emphasises play, growing independence and learning to get along with others in an area designed for that stage. Pre-school, for ages 3 to 5 years, combines learning tailored to each child with a school readiness programme that prepares children for their next educational step.

Large rooms have direct access to the garden. The covered patio adds another outdoor space, giving the indoor and outdoor parts of the nursery a close physical connection. For parents choosing between settings, that layout is a concrete feature to weigh alongside the age groups.

Learning and Activities

The early years foundation stage provides the framework for learning, development and care: children build language, number understanding, physical skills and independence through play and everyday routines. Millway's school readiness programme sits alongside that foundation, with preparation for school forming part of preschool learning.

In April 2025, number activities were adapted by age: younger children practised saying and recognising numbers, while older children tried writing them. Books, storytelling, songs and conversation also featured in the day, with picture prompts helping children understand routines. These examples show how the same experience could give children different tasks according to their stage.

There was a clear development point. In April 2025, planned activities sometimes introduced too many ideas to younger children, reducing their involvement; staff needed to define more precisely what each activity should teach. Busy provision needs a clear purpose as well as appealing materials.

Outdoor and Community Life

During April 2025, outdoor activities included watching coloured ice melt onto paper, alongside climbing, balancing and riding equipment. In the mud kitchen, pictured recipes helped children follow steps independently, while handling bowls together created opportunities to talk and cooperate. Outdoor play therefore involved experimentation and communication as well as movement.

Millway also takes part in activities and events around Northampton. Its lending library gives families a practical connection between nursery and home, allowing books to become part of shared learning beyond the nursery day.

At the April 2025 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities responsive, with prompt referrals and additional funding used to support learning. Those are dated judgements about practice, rather than promises about every child's experience.

In April 2025, children could use a sensory room when they needed a calmer space. Staff also helped children recognise emotions and supported them when behaviour became difficult. These arrangements gave children both somewhere to pause and adult help to understand what they were feeling.

Communication with families included daily discussions and electronic updates in April 2025. Parents received ideas for continuing learning at home and were invited to participate in cookery classes. The useful thread was continuity: families could understand the nursery day and contribute to learning beyond it.

Seasonal lunches and daily snacks are served, with dietary requirements accommodated. All staff are undertaking paediatric first aid training.

Sessions and Attendance

The nursery provides term-time childcare, flexible sessions and a minimum booking of two sessions per child. Its calendar suits families whose childcare needs follow school terms; holiday arrangements need to fit around that choice.

The Wraparound Care Club is for children aged 5 to 11 years and excludes nursery-age children aged 0 to 5. Breakfast Club runs from 8am to 9am, while Afterschool Club has options from 3.30pm to 5pm or 3.30pm to 6pm. These are school-age arrangements, so they should not be treated as an extension of the nursery day.

Getting There

The address is Millway Primary School, Millway, Northampton, NN5 6ES. Being on school grounds does not guarantee a Reception place.

Funding and Paid Extras

In April 2025, the nursery provided funded early education. Current prices should form part of a written quotation from the nursery.

• Nursery opening times. Two opening windows are given for Millway: 8am to 3.30pm and 9am to 3pm. Confirm which applies to your child's nursery attendance before planning work and collection.
• Purposeful learning. In April 2025, some activities gave younger children too many concepts at once. On a visit, ask how practitioners choose the next skill for your child's stage and keep activities manageable.
• The term-time calendar. Childcare follows school terms, with a minimum of two sessions per child. Consider how that commitment fits your weekly routine and school holidays.
• Dietary arrangements. Lunches and snacks can accommodate dietary requirements. Families managing allergies should confirm current food preparation and serving arrangements.

Millway suits families seeking flexible nursery sessions during term time, as well as those needing breakfast or afterschool care for school-age children. Direct garden access, a covered patio and a lending library give the choice substance. The April 2025 learning examples add useful detail, while the need for clearer activity planning deserves attention. For nursery families, the opening-time question is the practical point to settle before committing.