Who we are
With a nearly grown up family of their own and a continued desire to care for the 'World's most Precious Resource', James and Claire Nichols decided to launch their own childcare venture, 'The Nest'.
Claire - First and foremost I am the proud mum of three gorgeous teenagers and wife to James (who I met, aged 16 at Peter Symonds College!). I qualified as a Primary School teacher, specialising in Early Years, in 2000, and since then I have been working with babies and children in various schools, groups and holiday clubs, as a teacher, nanny and the former owner of a very successful childcare business, 'The Tree House' in The Meon Valley. I have an absolute passion for ensuring babies and children have the best start in life that they can possibly get, the core values of The Nest - Nurture, Educate, Support and Treasure are all values which I hold most dear. When not surrounded by little ones, I am most happy walking with James and our dogs across the countryside, or in Killichronan on Mull in the Scottish Hebrides without electricity!
James - Having spent the last twenty five years working very successfully in the corporate fields of hospitality and well-being, owning my own business and travelling the world, I have decided to have a complete change of direction. I am a devoted dad and now our children (the greatest guinea pigs ever!) are older, I am looking forward to nurturing and helping to develop the future generation. Having had a teenage Ukrainian refugee live with us until very recently, it has only cemented my appreciation of how much of a difference Claire and I can make to the lives of others and I cannot wait to start this new journey. When I'm not working, I can be found on a tennis court, cooking in the kitchen or building an outside play area in our front garden!
Outside Play Areas
Our front and back gardens are secure and safe environments for all ages to run around, climb on the equipment, make dens and explore!
Our Wonderful Team
We have a truly brilliant team of hard working and caring people who help make The Nest what it is! Each of them have a genuine passion for caring and nurturing each and every child they come into contact with.
Our Furry Friends!
Two of the most soppy Golden Retrievers in Winchester, who live off love and food!
Obi and Kylo (Star Wars fans among us will know these two!) are kept secure in their own area, but always on hand for cuddles when needed!
The Pheasant Nest
We love to get out and about in our local natural environment as much as possible to ensure children grow up with an appreciation of the world around them.
We are lucky enough to have use of a peice of farmland which we take regular trips to.
Soft Play
One of our more recent acquisitions is our very own soft play room, where the development of every baby and child can benefit from supervised risky play.
Will, 16, is in his first year at Peter Symonds and has several families he loves to babysit for.
Immie, 18, is in her last year at Peter Symonds and has regular shifts at The Nest in between coaching and playing netball.
Harry, 20, works full time, but often comes to help at the end of the day.
Our Guinea Pigs
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