Finkley Down Farm
A unique childcare facility at Finkley Down Farm
Finkley Down Farm, Andover, SP10 6NF
Key Info
- 01264 360505
- andover@finkleynurseries.co.uk
- For Children Aged 3 Months To 5 Years
- Full Day & Half Day Sessions Available
Everyday is a new adventure!
At Finkley Nursery in Andover, every day brings something new to explore. Set within the grounds of the award-winning Finkley Down Farm, this unique nursery is made up of two purpose-built buildings, each thoughtfully designed to give children the very best start in life.
The Bungalow (catchy name, we know) is home to our youngest children under two. It’s a calm, nurturing space with its own peaceful garden, cosy lounge area, and dedicated baby soft play. Everything is carefully designed to support sensory play, early exploration, and strong attachments with familiar adults.
Just across the way, The Farmhouse is where our toddlers and preschoolers learn, play and grow. With open-plan rooms, direct access to outdoor space, a dedicated sensory room, and even its own yurt, it’s a vibrant, engaging environment that encourages independence, curiosity and creativity.
As part of Finkley Down Farm, our children have the privilege of accessing the farm throughout the day — it’s part of everyday life at our nursery. Whether it’s collecting eggs, visiting the animals, or enjoying the soft play, the farm is always open for our children to explore, learn, and grow.
But there are times that feel even more magical — our exclusive early access sessions, when the farm opens just for us before the public arrives. In these quiet, private moments, children can wander freely, say hello to the llamas, help in the vegetable patch, or enjoy the soft play when it’s just their friends there.
Every day brings something new and exciting at Finkley — hands-on experiences, real-world learning, and memories that last a lifetime.
We’d love to show you around and let you see for yourself what makes Finkley Nursery so special. Book a visit today.
We absolutely love Finkley Down Farm Nursery & Pre-school Andover, the experiences the children get are fantastic. Not only do they have an amazing preschool itself. They have the yurt, soft play, farm and go out on regular bus trips to various local spots.
Babies (Bungalow)
Our Baby Room is more than just a space — it’s a purpose-built home-from-home, set in its very own building: The Bungalow (catchy name, we know). Designed exclusively for children aged 3 months to 2 years, it offers a calm, nurturing environment where babies can feel safe, secure, and happy.
Inside, there’s everything little ones need to thrive — from a cosy sensory room for peaceful naps, to a soft play area built just for babies. Outside, they have access to beautiful gardens designed for early exploration, and of course, there are regular visits to the award-winning Finkley Down Farm. (You should see our six-seater child carriers out and about!)
We follow your baby’s individual routine and place their interests at the heart of the day. Whether it’s cuddling up with a story, exploring treasure baskets, enjoying music time, or getting messy with paint, every activity is planned to support early development through meaningful play.
Our caring, highly trained practitioners build strong bonds with every baby and work closely with you to support their journey. Through the Famly app, you’ll receive regular updates, photos, and notes straight to your phone — so you can stay connected to their day, every step of the way.
With a unique mix of gentle care, stimulating play, and the magic of farm life, our Baby Room offers a truly special start to your child’s early years.
Most recently my daughter started in babies and I have to say from the start it’s been brilliant, she settled so quickly and went in with no tears, happily after her second day! The staff have been amazing in helping her feel happy and comfortable so quickly. Charlie and the team over the years have been more than helpful nothing has been too much trouble and everything is dealt with efficiently. Thanks guys look forward to more years with Finkley.
Toddlers (Farmhouse)
The Farmhouse is the heart of daily life for our toddlers and preschoolers at Finkley Nursery — a bright, open, and carefully designed space that encourages children to play, explore and grow in their own way.
Set just across from The Bungalow, The Farmhouse is purposefully designed to meet the needs of older children as they become more confident, independent, and socially aware. With spacious open-plan rooms, a dedicated sensory room, and free-flow access to large outdoor areas, it’s a vibrant and engaging environment where every day brings new opportunities to learn and discover.
One of its most unique features is our on-site yurt, now nestled in the preschool garden. This calming, natural space provides children with a quieter, more reflective setting for small group sessions, stories, and mindful activities — just steps from their main room.
Being based on Finkley Down Farm means our children aren’t just surrounded by nature — they’re immersed in it. From collecting eggs and feeding goats to visiting the llamas and observing the changing seasons, our toddlers and preschoolers enjoy regular, real-world learning experiences that spark curiosity and confidence.
Inside The Farmhouse, children take part in creative play, early literacy and numeracy activities, role play, construction, cooking, and much more — all supported by our experienced team and guided by the EYFS framework.
Whether they’re planting seeds in the garden, making potions in the mud kitchen, splashing in the water garden, or saying hello to the goats through their very own goat window, children in The Farmhouse are learning through play, adventure, and connection — every single day.
Finkley Nursery is so wonderful. The care and compassion they have for the children's wellbeing are outstanding. My niece absolutely loves attending Finkley and hates going home at the end of the day. For the children to have the outdoor area to learn and play and being next to the farm where they can learn about all the animals is truly amazing for the children's development and caring nature.
The Yurt
The Yurt is a beautiful and calming space nestled right in the garden of our Preschool at Finkley Nursery. Made entirely from natural wood, it brings the outdoors in — offering a quiet, nurturing environment where children can explore, play, and learn in a space that feels both peaceful and special.
With exclusive use by our nursery, the Yurt is a unique feature that sets us apart. Inside, it’s stocked with carefully chosen resources — from books and puzzles to creative tools and natural play materials. It also includes its own toilet and kitchenette, so it’s fully equipped for regular use throughout the week.
Each week, preschool children join their key workers in the Yurt for small group sessions. These might focus on a particular topic, theme, or simply offer a quiet space to reflect, engage, and recharge.
Just outside, the Yurt’s private garden now includes its own goat feeding area, giving children regular opportunities to connect with animals and nature right on their doorstep. Whether they’re chatting with a goat, stirring up something in the mud kitchen, or enjoying a calm moment under the trees, children are encouraged to engage with the world around them in meaningful and memorable ways.
Finkley is an outstanding nursery and pre school which I would highly recommend! Staff are so personable and tailor their care to the child's individual needs. The day is planned well and each calender event is covered, for example, mothers day stay and play event with afternoon tea. Whether they are at the nursery, the yurt or at the farm my child always comes out having had a fun filled day.
Sensory Room
Our Sensory Room is a calm, purpose-built space designed to support children’s emotional wellbeing, focus, and self-regulation. Created in partnership with a specialist sensory room company, every element has been carefully chosen to meet the needs of young children — offering a soothing, immersive environment where they can feel safe, settled, and in control.
The space features a bubble tube, interactive lighting, soft furnishings, and a range of tactile and visual resources that stimulate the senses in gentle, engaging ways. Whether a child needs quiet time, one-to-one support, or a chance to reset during a busy day, the Sensory Room offers a peaceful and comforting retreat.
It’s especially helpful for children with additional needs, but it’s used and loved by all — a special space where every child can pause, relax, and reconnect in their own way.
My son started recently at Finkley Nursery in the baby room and we have had nothing but a great experience! He absolutely loves going to nursery and has come on leaps and bounds with his development. The staff are incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, giving detailed updates about his day during hand over. I love seeing my son in all areas of the setting from climbing around the soft play, exploring the farm and engaged in the sensory room.
Finkley Down Farm
Finkley Farm is at the heart of what makes our nursery so special — a place where children can connect with nature, learn through real experiences, and build confidence in the great outdoors. With daily access to the farm and exclusive early-morning visits before it opens to the public, our babies, toddlers and preschoolers enjoy a truly unique learning environment that changes with the seasons.
For our babies, the farm offers gentle, sensory-rich experiences. The sights, sounds and smells of the animals capture their curiosity, while close-up encounters with friendly goats, rabbits and ponies help them develop confidence and early social awareness. Watching the animals move, feeling the breeze, and listening to birdsong creates calm, joyful moments that support emotional wellbeing and early communication.
Our toddlers explore with boundless energy, learning through hands-on experiences that spark imagination and independence. From collecting eggs and feeding the goats to spotting tractors and counting ducklings, every visit offers new opportunities to practise language, number and problem-solving skills. Their special early-morning farm access gives them peaceful space to explore safely, ask questions, and make wonderful connections with the world around them.
For our preschoolers, the farm becomes a living classroom. Real-life experiences bring their learning to life — from observing animal life cycles to talking about caring for living things. These moments build empathy, understanding, and a deeper sense of responsibility. The open spaces encourage teamwork, resilience and creativity as they navigate new challenges, tell stories inspired by the animals, and share their discoveries with friends.
Because we’re based right on Finkley Down Farm, our children don’t just visit — they belong here. The farm becomes an extension of their nursery day, blending play, discovery and care in a way that no classroom can replicate. It’s where learning comes alive — naturally.
My child has been attending Finkley Down Farm Nursery. I couldn't be happier with the experience. From the very first day, the staff have been welcoming, attentive, and genuinely passionate about creating a nurturing, home from home environment for the children with the added bonus of a farm! Every day brings exciting opportunities for little ones. They have the most amazing balance between education and play.
Nursery Gallery
Available Sessions
- Full Day: 8am – 6pm
- Half Day: 8am – 1pm
- Half Day: 1pm – 6pm
- Breakfast Club: 7:30am – 8am
Fees are inclusive of:
- Breakfast, Lunch and Tea and snacks twice a day.
- Cow’s milk for all age groups
- Nappies and wipes and all hygiene products
- Nursery provided Sun Cream
- Enhanced Nursery App
- Our Nursery Portal and all the resources contained
- French/Spanish lessons (when available)
- Stay and Play
- Special Events
- All External classes like Jiggly Wrigglers & Mini Movers
Nursery Education Funding
We are approved providers of the early years educational grant for eligible 9-month-olds, 2-year-olds, 3-year-olds, and 4-year-olds. We will provide you with all the necessary information and parent declaration forms to complete as your child becomes eligible. However it is your responsibility to apply for your funding code from the government and renew this as required
Please note that this funding covers education only and does not include additional costs such as sundries, activities, visits, and hot meals. Therefore, an optional daily charge may apply for these extras. Details on this can be provided by the Nursery Manager.
Visit beststartinlife.gov.uk for more information on funding and fee support – and to apply for your 30 hours funding code.
Payment Terms
- Fees are annualised, Invoices remain the same, including when the nursery is closed for bank holidays and training days. Fees are calculated over 51 weeks, ensuring parents are not charged for the Christmas break.
- Fees are payable monthly in advance by the 1st of each month. Payments received later than the 4th of the month will incur a 10% late payment penalty.
- All fees must be paid by Direct Debit, Tax free childcare or childcare vouchers unless pre-authorised.
- All sessions contracted for must be paid for, No reductions are made for time off due to holidays, sickness or other absences. You can book additional sessions if the setting has the availability to accommodate them. Two months written notice is required if you wish to cancel your child’s place or reduce/change their sessions.
Registration & Deposit
- A non-refundable administration fee of £55 is required to register your child. This covers the costs of setting your child up on our waiting list system.
- A £100 deposit is required to hold the place. This deposit is refunded off your last bill subject to the nursery account being up to date. Should this deposit be used to hold a space where only entitlement hours are used and no optional extras or extra hours or food then it is refunded off the first full months bill.
- If the parent postpones the start date after confirmation, Finkley Nurseries reserves the right to charge from the original agreed start date.
Staff Training Closure Days
The nursery is closed for 2 formal staff training days per year. The staff training days for 2026 are Friday 24th April 2026 and Thursday 15th October 2026.
Christmas Closure Days
We close over the Christmas Period, with our last day open before Christmas being Tuesday 22nd December 2026, and we are back open on Monday 4th January 2027. The bank holiday dates during the Christmas closure are 25th December 2026, 28th December 2026 and 1st January 2027.
Bank Holiday Closure Days
The Nursery is closed for Bank Holidays. These days are chargeable. The Bank Holidays for 2026 (excluding Christmas and New Year) are as follows:
| Date | Day of the week | Bank holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 3rd April 2026 | Friday | Good Friday |
| 6th April 2026 | Monday | Easter Monday |
| 4th May 2026 | Monday | May Day |
| 25th May 2026 | Monday | Late May Bank Holiday |
| 31st August 2026 | Monday | Summer Bank Holiday |
