Earlier this year, Cokethorpe announced plans to open a new nursery on the School estate, extending the opportunities available on site to children from as young as nine months old. The response to those plans has been extremely encouraging, highlighting strong local demand for high-quality childcare and early years education.
The project has now reached a significant milestone. Contracts have been exchanged to acquire The Farmhouse Nursery School, Church Green, Witney enabling its relocation to the Cokethorpe Estate when the nursery opens in early 2027.
Commenting on the development, Sarah Squire, Head, said:
“From the outset, our ambition has been to create a nursery that combines exceptional care and early years education with the unique opportunities afforded by the Cokethorpe estate. Reaching this milestone brings that vision a significant step closer. By bringing an established nursery community to Cokethorpe, we are creating something that will benefit local families while also contributing to the long-term strength and sustainability of the School.”
The development brings together an established nursery with an experienced team and strong reputation, and a setting that offers extensive opportunities for outdoor learning and exploration. The existing nursery team is expected to relocate to the new setting, helping to shape a nursery environment that combines expertise in early years education with the opportunities afforded by Cokethorpe’s extensive grounds and purpose-designed facilities.
Interior view of The Farmhouse Nursery at Cokethorpe
The nursery will operate as an independent business from within the Cokethorpe estate, serving the current families of the Farmhouse Nursery School and both local families and members of the wider School community. While some families may value the convenience and continuity offered by accessing childcare and schooling from a single site, there will be no expectation that children attending the nursery progress to Cokethorpe. Its purpose is to provide outstanding early years provision for families across the area.
When it opens, the nursery will offer year-round provision for children aged from nine months to school age.
Alongside the benefits for children and families, the nursery forms an important part of the School’s long-term vision. It represents a sustainable new use of the estate, broadens engagement with local families and will contribute to the continued strength of Cokethorpe for generations to come.
There is still work to be done before The Farmhouse Nursery at Cokethorpe welcomes its first children, but the exchange of contracts marks a major step forward. Further updates will be shared as the project continues to progress towards its planned opening in early 2027.
