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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:

  • A small Soft Play Room

  • 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)

  • Emma
    Early Years Manager

    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.

  • Maggie
    Early Years Deputy

    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.

  • Katja
    Early Years Deputy (Baby Room)

    Katja

    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.

  • Charlotte
    Early 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.

  • Claire
    Early 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.

  • Ella
    Early 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.

  • Hannah
    Early 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.

  • Laura
    Early Years Educator

    Laura

  • Paige
    Early 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.

  • Tanya
    Early Years Educator

    Tanya

  • Tarnya
    Early Years Educator

    Tarnya

    To follow

  • Trina
    Early Years Educator (Baby Room)

    Trina

  • Kelsey
    Early Years Apprentice

    Kelsey

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

The Nest

The Nest is a calm, cosy space created to support our youngest children as they begin their early learning journey. The environment is soft and soothing, helping babies feel secure as they build trusting relationships with their key adults. Staff respond sensitively to each child’s needs, offering comfort, reassurance and plenty of opportunities for connection.

As babies grow in confidence, the Nest continues to provide a gentle sense of safety and belonging, allowing them to explore at their own pace while feeling supported every step of the way. It is a place where children feel safe, loved and ready to grow, forming a secure foundation for everything that comes next.

The Den

The Den is a vibrant, imaginative space where role play sits at the heart of children’s learning. Each day offers plenty of messy play, and our team often says that if you go home clean, you probably haven’t had your best day. The room is filled with wooden and natural materials, gentle lighting and role‑play areas that evolve in response to what children are interested in. Staff observe these interests closely and build on them to create meaningful learning experiences.

The Den also benefits from direct access to a garden, giving children the freedom to move between indoors and outdoors throughout the day. The mud kitchen is always popular and provides endless opportunities for creativity, exploration and imaginative play.

As children settle into the Den, they begin developing early independence through simple self‑care routines such as putting on coats, looking after their belongings and practising turn‑taking. They form friendships, learn our golden rules and grow in confidence as they prepare for the next stage of their learning journey.

The Burrow

The Burrow 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.

The Hive

The Hive is where we prepare children for their next big step into school while nurturing their curiosity and love of learning. Independence is encouraged throughout the day as children practise managing their coats, bags and lunchboxes, taking pride in showing how capable they are becoming.

Role play is a key part of the 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.

The 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:

  • A huge sandpit

  • A brilliant water wall for experimenting and problem‑solving

  • A climbing frame

  • 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

Telephone: 01242 524584
E-mail: rowanfield@aspirefoundation.org.uk

Address:
Rowanfield Early Years
Alstone Lane
Cheltenham
Gloucestershire
GL51 8HY

Ofsted Information

  • Ofsted URN: EY474927

  • 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:

  • Morning: 08:30–11:30

  • Afternoon: 12:30–15:30

  • 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.

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