Our Story
Building a new chapter in your child’s life by creating enriching learning experiences through discovery, creativity, and hands-on exploration in a truly beautiful setting.
Where learning meets play in a calm & purposeful environment
Old Basing Village Nursery School is a family-run, Ofsted Registered early years setting, catering for preschool children aged from 1 to 5 years. Our dedicated team of experienced qualified teachers and early years practitioners are committed to providing a stimulating environment where children can learn through play. OBVNS prioritises a warm, family-oriented environment with a fun, friendly, and focus on supporting children to make meaningful links through purposeful learning.
A family-run business
Old Basing Village Nursery School, established in 2018 by Victoria and Andrew Grayson, both qualified primary school teachers, one simple mission in mind - to providing a exceptional early years foundation for all children by ensuring that children are happy, loved, safe, and secure.
Manager, mother & wife
Victoria is a passionate educator with a range of experience in teaching, leadership and training across the primary age phase and early years. Victoria’s focus shifted from the primary phase to early years following the birth of her third child when she left her assistant headteacher role and became a local childminder.
Victoria’s mainstream teaching experience has given her valuable insight into the potential for gaps to emerge within a child’s development and the impact this can have on their attainment and future outcomes. Her vision for learning is rooted solely in the belief that it is the practitioners, or teacher’s role, to truly engage learners through meaningful and purposeful opportunities and skills for life and that way they can go on to seek this engagement themselves in all that they do. In 2023, Victoria was selected as a Leading Foundation Stage Practitioner (LFSP) for Hampshire County Council and through this role she supports other early years settings, childminders and schools through mentoring, coaching and modelling to evaluate and improve their own practice.
Having established her childminding business, and wanting to provide high-quality early-year education for more children locally, Victoria and Andy launched OBVNS in 2018. They live locally with their three children. When she isn’t working, you will find Victoria travelling with her family, enjoying good food and a boogie with her friends, re-decorating her home, enjoying a dog walk by the seaside, or even a spot of paddle boarding!
Director, father & husband
After graduating from Keele University in 2003, Andy embarked on an education career, initially volunteering in local schools and later working as an LSA for a year. After completing his PGCE in primary education at Winchester University, he taught at St. Mary's Junior School in Old Basing and Cranford Park Primary School in Yateley. Early in his career, Andy took on senior school leadership roles, serving as a team leader at St. Mary's before becoming an Assistant Headteacher.
In 2019, after a year of supporting OBVNS and witnessing its growth, Andy left teaching to run the nursery school business full time with Victoria. Despite the challenges, especially during the COVID pandemic, both Andy and Victoria are unwavering in their commitment to the decision. Beyond the nursery, Andy, a parent of three, juggles various roles: coaching in the local cricket team's youth sections, and serving as a parent governor at St. Mary's, all while shuttling his children to various clubs and sporting fixtures!
The Nest
Building a ‘home from home’ setting where exploration, discovery, and talent are nurtured and developed through inspired, dedicated, and passionate teaching. Our Nestlings now have their own dedicated space called 'The Nest' over at the Beddington Centre; a shorts' walk from our main hall setting.
Explore our light & spacious indoor spaces
Our indoor spaces are thoughtfully designed to foster exploration and creativity, allowing children to fully engage with the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum. With two rooms, including our newly renovated space for our youngest children called ‘The Nest’, we ensure every child's needs are met at every stage of their development.
Our inside space features various zones, such as a home corner for role play, a cosy corner for comfort, a creative and mark-making area, a loose parts play area to spark awe and wonder, and a small world zone for free exploration. We follow the 'In the moment' planning approach, observing and interacting with the children based on their interests and developmental areas.
An enchanting outdoor learning environment
Step outside into our expansive natural garden, adjacent to the captivating Oliver's Battery Nature Reserve. Here, children can delight in a range of activities, including exploring our construction area, getting messy in the mud kitchens, challenging themselves on the wooden climbing frame and slide, unleashing their creativity in den-building areas, and climbing trees for the ultimate adventure.
At Old Basing Village Nursery School, we believe in continuous improvement and development. Drawing inspiration from renowned early years theorists, we combine their ideas with our practical experience to ensure your child receives the best care and support.
Our provision
We are an Ofsted registered to care for children from the ages of 0 to 5 years old.
Our registration numbers are:
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Village Hall - EY560526
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Beddington Centre - 2707743
You can read our most recent Ofsted report here.
We are insured by the Royal Sun Alliance and belong to the Early Years Alliance and the National Day Nurseries Association.
Follow us online to watch the OBVNS journey unfold
Let’s Chat
Come see what sets us apart!
If you have any questions or are ready to enroll your child, please contact us!