Gardners Lane Early Years
Gardners Lane Early Years is a welcoming, community‑focused Early Years Education setting located in the heart of Cheltenham. As part of the Aspire Foundation family, we provide high‑quality childcare and a nurturing learning environment for children aged 2–4. Our strong links with Gardners Lane Primary School - also run by Aspire Foundation - help us offer a seamless, supportive experience for families. We are proud to work closely with many other local schools, ensuring smooth transitions and strong community partnerships.
A Bright, Stimulating Environment for Early Learning
Our setting offers three bright, spacious, and thoughtfully designed rooms, each with free‑flow access to one of our two fantastic outdoor areas. Children enjoy exploring mud kitchens, growing areas, fruit trees, and open spaces where they can run, climb, and investigate the natural world. A separate enclosed area provides opportunities for bike riding and climbing on our purpose‑built scramble stack, supporting physical development and confidence.
These carefully planned environments give children a stimulating and inviting place to play, learn, and grow - key elements of high‑quality Early Years Education.
We also benefit from access to the Forest School and playing field on the grounds of Gardners Lane Primary School. This allows children to experience outdoor learning, nature exploration, and hands‑on activities that build resilience, curiosity, and independence.
Additional on‑site facilities include:
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A large Sensory Room
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A spacious Soft Play Area
These spaces support children’s emotional regulation, physical development, and sensory exploration.
Meet Our Early Years Team
Our dedicated team of practitioners brings warmth, expertise, and a passion for Early Years Education. Every member of staff helps create a safe, nurturing environment where children feel valued and supported.
Gardners Lane Team (ID 1485)
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AgnieszkaEarly Years Lead
Agnieszka
As the Early Years Lead, SENCO and DSL at Gardners Lane Early Years and I feel incredibly privileged to be part of each child's unique learning journey. Watching their progress, witnessing their joy when they achieve something new, and celebrating those special moments are truly the highlights of my role. Children's honesty, imagination and creativity inspire me every day, and I believe I learn just as much from them as they do from me.
I am passionate about supporting children to learn through play, creating an environment that is fun, safe, nurturing and appropriately challenging. I also love empowering my team, helping them grow in confidence and develop their own strengths.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending quality time with my family and my dog.
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VickiSenior Early Years Educator
Vicki
I am a Senior Practitioner and Deputy DSL and hold a Level 3 qualification. In my spare time, I enjoy spending quality time with my husband and little boy. We love going for walks, exploring new places together, and getting creative in the kitchen as a family.
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CharlotteEarly Years Educator
Charlotte
I am a dedicated professional holding a Level 2 qualification and I am a proud mother of three. I balance my hard work with a love of family life. In my spare time I enjoy making memories with my children, watching Disney Classics and enjoying a bit of retail therapy.
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DanielleEarly Years Educators
Danielle
To follow
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DijanaEarly Years Educator
Dijana
I am a Level 3 Early Years Educator. I volunteer with the RDA and love spending time with my family and animals, which helps shape my calm, nurturing approach to supporting children.
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JannahEarly Years Educator
Jannah
My name is Jannah. I have over 20 years of experience in Early Years and hold an NVQ Level 3 qualification in childcare. I am passionate about working with children and believe that every child has the right to be heard. Their safety and wellbeing are incredibly important to me, and I strive to support them in thriving, growing, and believing in themselves as individuals.
I enjoy messy play and all things creative. In my spare time, I love spending time with my family, building Lego models with my son, and working on crochet projects.
As part of Aspire Foundation, our team receives ongoing training and development to ensure we deliver the highest standards of childcare and early learning.
Our Rooms & Learning Spaces
Caterpillars Room
The Caterpillars Room is a warm and nurturing environment for two-year-olds, where children feel safe, happy, and secure as they begin their Early Years journey. Here, children learn through exploration and play, taking part in activities that support communication, physical development, early social skills, and curiosity about the world around them. Gentle, familiar routines and easily accessible resources help each child build confidence, independence, and a strong sense of belonging.
Ladybirds Room
The Ladybirds Room is a calm, welcoming environment for a mixed‑age group of children, thoughtfully designed to support each child at their own stage of development. Our aim is to help every child feel safe, confident, and included as they grow and learn. Children engage in play‑based experiences that encourage communication, social interaction, independence, and problem-solving skills. With gentle guidance and clear, consistent routines, we create a nurturing space where every child can flourish and thrive.
Butterflies Room
The Butterflies Room is a bright, welcoming environment where children develop the key skills they need for school. Learning is play‑based and thoughtfully planned, with activities that support communication and language, social and emotional development, early maths, and physical skills. Children enjoy exploring their interests, making independent choices, and joining in with small‑group or guided learning experiences. With a supportive and encouraging atmosphere, children grow in confidence and curiosity, helping them feel prepared and excited for the next stage of their learning journey.
Outdoor Learning & Forest School
Outdoor learning is a key part of our approach at Gardners Lane Early Years. With access to the Forest School and playing field, children experience nature‑rich activities that support resilience, teamwork, and problem‑solving. These opportunities enhance the Early Years curriculum and help children develop a lifelong love of the outdoors.
Contact Gardners Lane Early Years
Early Years Lead: Agnieszka
Telephone: 01242 252185
E-mail: gardnerslane@aspirefoundation.org.uk
Address:
Gardners Lane Early Years
Gardners Lane
Cheltenham
Gloucestershire
GL51 9JW
Ofsted Information
- Ofsted URN: EY474932
- Last Inspection Judgement: Good
Opening Times
We are open during school term times only, Monday to Friday. Sessions are available for children aged 2–4:
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Morning: 08:30–11:30
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Afternoon: 12:30–15:30
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School Day: 08:30–14:30
Family Testimonials
Inclusion Commitment
All Aspire Foundation centres are proud to be Gloucestershire Early Years Inclusion Champions, ensuring every child receives the support they need to thrive.