Welcome to Explorers Nursery
Formerly known as 'Queen's Kindergarten', Explorers is a well-established, nurturing nursery near York providing full and part-time childcare for children aged 3 months to 4 years.
As proud winners of the Day Nurseries Top 20 Award for the third consecutive year, we are committed to delivering exceptional early years care and education in a welcoming and inspiring environment.
Conveniently located on the Queen Ethelburga’s campus, Explorers Nursery is part of Chapter House School, giving children access to outstanding facilities designed to support their early learning journey. From a dedicated indoor and outdoor play space to a forest school and an on-site swimming pool, we ensure children thrive in a safe and stimulating setting.
Our offering includes:
Four-Hour Settling-In Session
Designed to build positive relationships and ease any worries, this session provides a taster of a day at nursery.
Nappies & Wipes
Provided for all children, although you are welcome to supply your own if your child has sensitive skin.
Suncream
Applied during outdoor play to keep your child safe. You can bring your own if your child has specific skincare requirements.
Weekly Sessions (included at no extra charge):
Forest School
Our on-site forest school, led by Level 3 Forest School practitioners, encourages children to explore the outdoors through engaging and adventurous experiences.
Swimming
Using the state-of-the-art pool facilities on campus, our older children develop water confidence and essential life skills through sessions typically likened to Water Babies.
Creative Arts Sessions
Specialist teachers from QE College lead hands-on, exciting Creative Arts activities to support holistic development.
Making Parenting Easier
Free Parking and Coffee Shop
Enjoy convenient parking, buggy storage, and even a coffee and pastry from our on-site Coffee Shop to make your morning routine easier.
Wraparound Care
Explorers Nursery is open from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday to Friday, making it a little easier for you to get to and from work.
Term Time and Stretched Funding
From January 2026, we will be offering the Government's working parent entitlement funding, including the choice to stretch the fund or pay term-time only.
Tailored Learning Environments
Our beautiful Nursery is divided into four carefully designed learning environments, each catering to different age groups, ensuring every child experiences engaging, age-appropriate activities that nurture their confidence, happiness and personal growth.
Before your child joins Explorers Nursery, you’ll be invited to meet the team and share important information for a smooth transition. Each child is assigned a dedicated Key Person who forms a strong, nurturing relationship to help your child feel comfortable and ready to learn.
Download Explorers Nursery Prospectus
| Adventurers (3–18 months) |
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Formally known as the Squirrel Nutkin Room. Our youngest children begin their journey here in a homely environment, with routines tailored to individual sleep patterns and feeding needs to ensure they feel comfortable. |
| Voyagers (18 months–2 years) |
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Formally known as the Jemima Puddle-Duck Room. As children grow, they move into this room to build confidence through activities that strengthen communication, language, and social skills. |
| Pioneers (2–3 years) |
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Formally known as the Peter Rabbit Room. Older toddlers enjoy increased independence, begin mastering toilet training, and develop self-confidence, preparing them for the next stage of early education. |
| Pathfinders Preschool (3–4 years) |
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Explorers join Pathfinders Preschool as they grow in confidence and independence. This vibrant, nurturing environment sparks curious, independent learning, supported by expert Early Years teachers and practitioners. With engaging Drawing Club, Phonics, Mathematics and Performing Arts sessions, children build the skills and resilience for a smooth transition to Chapter House Reception. |
Daily Updates On Your Phone
We use ParentZone, an interactive online learning journal, to share milestones and activities with you, ensuring you never miss a special moment from your child’s day.
Healthy, Nutritious Meals
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At Explorers Nursery, we believe a happy child is a well-fed child. All snacks, meals, and drinks are included at no extra cost. Our award-winning catering team, recognised with the NYCC Healthy Early Years Award, prepares fresh, nutritious meals on-site using locally sourced ingredients. Our three-week rotating menu includes a tailored three-stage weaning plan, supporting families in introducing new foods safely and enjoyably. |
Frequently Asked Questions
| What milk can I bring to the nursery? |
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| We fully support your chosen feeding method. Please label and date any formula or breast milk you provide. |
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What are your opening times? |
| We are open Monday to Friday, 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM, closing on Bank Holidays and for one week over Christmas and New Year. |
| How do I enrol at Explorers Nursery? |
| Simply complete our Admissions Contact Form. Our team will invite you to visit the nursery for a tour and a chance to meet our Key Practitioners. You’ll need to return a completed registration form before your child’s start date. |
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How many days can my child attend? |
| We offer both part-time and full-time options, with a minimum of two days per week to help children settle, build routines, and develop positive relationships with staff. |
| What are your fees? |
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Do you accept funding or payment support? |
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Yes! We accept the Government’s Tax-Free Childcare Scheme and Childcare Vouchers to make childcare more affordable for parents.
If you have questions about funding or eligibility, our Admissions Team is happy to help. |
| What should my child wear for Nursery? |
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At Explorers Nursery, we have a uniform available to purchase from our on‑site School Shop. It includes a navy polo shirt and navy sweatshirt. When children move into Pathfinders Preschool, we encourage them to wear the uniform with navy leggings or joggers. It helps them get ready for the routine of Reception. For our younger Explorers, the uniform isn’t required. Comfortable, practical clothes are recommend — especially ones that can handle messy, hands‑on play. Families are still welcome to purchase the uniform if they find it useful for protecting everyday clothes. |
| What should I pack for my child? |
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| Can I book additional days? |
| Of course! Please speak with the Nursery Team in advance, and we will do our best to accommodate your needs. |
If you are looking for a caring, inspiring, and award-winning nursery near York, Explorers Nursery is here to give your child the very best start.
Contact our Admissions Team today to arrange a visit and discover how we can support your family.
| Join us on an Open Day | Begin your application | Learn about fees |
