Rowanfield Early Years
Rowanfield Early Years is a welcoming, community‑focused Early Years Education setting located in the heart of Cheltenham. As part of Aspire Foundation, we provide high‑quality childcare and a nurturing learning environment for children aged 2–4. Our strong links with Rowanfield Infant School and other local schools help us support smooth transitions and build meaningful relationships with families across the community.
A Bright, Stimulating Environment for Early Learning
Our setting features three bright, spacious, and welcoming rooms, each with free‑flow access to a fantastic shared outdoor area. Children enjoy a large climbing frame and slide, a huge sandpit, open space for running and exploring, and dedicated areas for digging, planting, and encouraging wildlife. Covered outdoor spaces mean children can enjoy the outdoors in all weathers - an important part of high‑quality Early Years Education.
We also have access to the Forest School, Trim Trail, and playground within the grounds of Rowanfield Infant School. These opportunities enrich children’s learning and support physical development, teamwork, and a love of the outdoors.
Additional on‑site facilities include:
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A small Soft Play Room
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A dedicated kitchen where children take part in baking and cooking activities
These spaces support sensory exploration, independence, and hands‑on learning.
Meet Our Early Years Team
Our Rowanfield team is committed to creating a warm, nurturing, and inspiring environment where children feel safe, valued, and ready to learn.
Rowanfield Team (ID 1489)
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EmmaEarly Years Lead
Emma
I am the Early Years Lead, SENCO and DSL at Rowanfield. I have worked in Early Years for 16 years, beginning my journey as a parent volunteer at Rowanfield. This experience inspired me to complete my Early Years qualifications and pursue a career dedicated to supporting children and families within the local community.
I am passionate about creating an environment where everyone feels welcome, included, and valued. Making a positive impact on children's early learning and development is at the heart of everything I do. It is a privilege to watch children grow in confidence and independence, celebrating every achievement — no matter how small — as part of their unique learning journey.
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MaggieSenior Early Years Educator
Maggie
I've been working in Early Years for over 20 years. I love working with children and their families, supporting them as they grow, learn, and flourish. One of my favourite parts of the day is sharing stories — using different voices, bringing characters to life, and making the children laugh. I don't have one favourite book, as I genuinely enjoy most children's stories and love discovering new ones with the children.
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CharlotteEarly Years Educator
Charlotte
I have had the privilege of supporting and caring for young children for the past 11 years, and I feel very fortunate to be part of each child's journey, guiding them through their time in nursery. Watching them grow in confidence and develop new skills is incredibly rewarding. I especially love sharing story time with the children, and my all‑time favourite book to read together is The Gruffalo.
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ClaireEarly Years Educator
Claire
I have worked in Early Years for 16 years, and I am very creative and passionate about supporting every child to be the best they can be while exploring, learning, and having fun. I love giving children hands on experiences such as gardening, cooking, and lots of messy play. I also enjoy making natural, wooden resources to extend the children's learning and spark their imagination. Most importantly, I want the children to be happy, confident, and full of joy as they learn through play.
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EllaEarly Years Educator
Ella
I am an Early Years Educator with a strong passion for supporting children's learning and development, particularly those with special educational needs. I love creating nurturing, inclusive environments where every child feels valued, supported, and able to thrive.
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HannahEarly Years Educator
Hannah
I began my Early Years journey as a childminder when my own children were small, and I thoroughly enjoyed supporting children to grow and develop in a caring and nurturing environment. After ten years, I decided to move from working at home into a setting, and I joined the Aspire Foundation, where I went on to gain my childcare qualifications.
Now, with 13 years of experience in childcare, I still love spending my days caring for, playing with, and teaching children. Watching their progress and seeing their confidence grow is incredibly rewarding. My favourite activities to share with the children include baking, exploring the outdoors, and discovering nature together. I also love reading with the children and have many favourite stories that I enjoy sharing with them.
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KatrinaEarly Years Educator
Katrina
I love working in Early Years because every day brings something new, and there is always plenty of fun and laughter. I especially enjoy helping children explore their interest in nature and watching their curiosity grow as they discover more about the world around them. Sharing stories is one of the highlights of my day.
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LeanneEarly Years Educator
Leanne
Hi, I'm Leanne. When I was on maternity leave many years ago, I spent time volunteering with families and attending lots of baby groups. During that period, I realised how much I loved working with children, which inspired me to study Early Years. That was over ten years ago, and I still love watching the children grow, learn, and surprise us every year. I enjoy dancing, getting creative with messy play, and sharing stories with the children.
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PaigeEarly Years Educator
Paige
I am a Level 3 Early Years Educator with six years of experience, and I love creating a nurturing environment where busy young minds can grow and thrive. I enjoy setting up child centred activities that support each child's learning and development, while building positive, trusting relationships with families. Ensuring every child feels safe, valued, and confident is at the heart of my practice.
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TarnyaEarly Years Educator
Tarnya
To follow
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
Explorers 1
Explorers 1 is a vibrant, imaginative space where role play takes centre stage. Children have access to a wide variety of messy play experiences every day — because as our team likes to say, if you go home clean, you probably haven’t had your best day.
The room is filled with wooden and natural resources, calming lights, and evolving role‑play areas that reflect children’s interests. Staff observe, embrace, and extend these interests to create meaningful learning opportunities.
Explorers 1 also has direct access to a garden, where children thrive on free‑flow outdoor play. The mud kitchen is a firm favourite, offering endless opportunities for creativity, exploration, and imaginative play.
Children begin developing independence with simple self‑care routines, such as putting on coats, managing belongings, and practising turn‑taking. They build friendships, learn our golden rules, and gain confidence as they prepare for the next stage of their learning journey.
Explorers 2
Explorers 2 is a smaller, homely room designed to help our youngest children feel safe, secure, and comfortable as they begin their nursery journey. The calm environment and small group size support children as they separate from caregivers, settle into routines, and gain confidence exploring their new surroundings.
Children learn to build friendships, express their needs, and become familiar with our golden rules that help everyone feel safe and happy.
A small free‑flow garden offers opportunities for mud play, sand play, and water exploration - giving children plenty of chances to investigate, discover, and enjoy the outdoors throughout the day.
Preschool
In Preschool, we prepare children for their next big step into school while nurturing their curiosity and love of learning. Independence is encouraged throughout the day - children practise managing their coats, bags, and lunchboxes and take pride in showing how capable they are becoming.
Role play is a key part of our provision, with themed areas such as hairdressers, cafés, shops, and doctors. Problem‑solving activities like puzzles, construction, and small‑world play help children think critically, plan, and explore ideas.
Creativity is highly valued. Children have access to open‑ended resources that allow them to design, build, and express themselves freely. They also enjoy hands‑on experiences such as growing fruit, vegetables, and herbs, which are used in simple cooking activities for snacks.
A dedicated lunchroom mirrors the experience of moving to a separate dining space at school, helping children build confidence with transitions and routines.
Our free‑flow garden offers even more opportunities for exploration, including messy play, bug hunting, water play, and imaginative activities that support school readiness.
Shared garden
Our large shared garden is a fantastic space for exploration, creativity, and physical development. Children enjoy:
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A huge sandpit
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A brilliant water wall for experimenting and problem‑solving
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A climbing frame
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A wooden Wendy house that transforms into a new role‑play area each half term
Loose parts play is encouraged throughout the garden, giving children opportunities for open‑ended play that builds curiosity, teamwork, and creativity. Daily enhancements such as obstacle courses, throwing games, and bikes ensure there is always something new and exciting to explore.
Contact Rowanfield Early Years
Early Years Lead: Emma
Address:
Rowanfield Early Years
Alstone Lane
Cheltenham
Gloucestershire
GL51 8HY
Ofsted Information
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Ofsted URN: EY474927
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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
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.