Top tips for making the most of your nursery visit
We've compiled a list of popular questions families ask at nursery visits to help you when deciding which nursery to choose for your child's early years education.
Why choose Partou Gingerbread House Day Nursery & Pre-School in South Croydon?
Set within the lovely residential area of Purley in South Croydon, Partou Gingerbread House Day Nursery and Pre-School welcomes children aged from six months to five years old. Being closely located to Sanderstead and Purley Oaks train stations makes us a convenient choice for commuting families, as does the availability of parking in the side road.
Partnerships between our nursery and family are very important to us and these provide an excellent foundation for children to thrive during their early years’ education. Our hands on Nursery Manager has an open-door policy so you can rest assured that you and your child are fully supported throughout your family’s time with us at Partou Gingerbread House.
Our brilliant three-story setting is excellently resourced with the needs of children in mind. Both our indoor and outdoor environments are expertly used by our nursery team to provide engaging learning experiences that encourage early years development. Our bespoke curriculum evolves with each cohort of children and follows a child-led approach which focuses on building self-confidence, resilience and independence through play
Our fabulous garden creates space for children to explore as we have a, grass area, nature area, paved area, large mud kitchen and vegetable patch. This keeps early years outdoor learning varied and fun and ensures that we have something that appeals to children’s various interests. Outdoor play supports children in building confidence, resilience and social skills all whilst having fun and enjoying the fresh air. Our vegetable patch fosters a sense of responsibility in children as well as a respect for where our food comes from.
Our chef regularly cooks with the children which is excellent for building their confidence and independence, encouraging math’s skills through the weighing and measuring of ingredients and also developing their social skills by providing plenty of opportunity for interaction and problem solving. We also have a 5* Food Hygiene rating and serve home-cooked nutritious meals to encourage a lifelong healthy relationship with food.
If you are looking for a character filled nursery in South Croydon with a wonderfully caring team which fosters curiosity, confidence, independence and a sense of responsibility whilst having fun – we think you’ll love Partou Gingerbread House Day Nursery & Pre-School.
Facilities
A welcoming ‘home-from-home’ atmosphere which helps children to settle quickly
An exciting experience that reflects the individual needs and interest of every child
Healthy and delicious meals from our seasonal menu, freshly prepared at the nursery
An adventure-filled garden with space to run, climb, and jump as children develop their physical abilities
Funded childcare places available
Nursery fees
| Full-day (2 sessions) |
Weekly rate | Early drop off session | Morning session | Afternoon session | |
| Session time | 8.00am-6.00pm | 8.00am-6.00pm daily | 7.30am-8.00am | 8.00am-1.00pm | 1.00pm-6.00pm |
| 0-3 year olds | |||||
| Care | £74.00 | £333.00 | £5.55 | £44.40 | £44.40 |
| Meals & snacks | £9.85 | £49.25 | £5.25 | £4.60 | |
| Consumables | £3.15 | £15.75 | £1.65 | £1.50 | |
| Total | £87.00 | £398.00 | £51.30 | £50.50 | |
| 3+ year olds | |||||
| Care | £61.00 | £274.50 | £4.60 | £36.60 | £36.60 |
| Meals & snacks | £9.85 | £49.25 | £5.25 | £4.60 | |
| Consumables | £3.15 | £15.75 | £1.65 | £1.50 | |
| Total | £74.00 | £339.50 | £43.50 | £42.70 | |
Upon registration, you will be asked to pay a £75 registration fee (non-refundable) or a £75 registration deposit to reserve your child’s nursery place (see terms and conditions for eligibility).
What’s included in our fees?
Our full fees are clearly broken down into care, meals & snacks and consumables fees for full transparency.
Care fees include: trained, qualified team members taking care of your child, regular updates about your child and their progress at nursery, a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities tailored to the needs of your child, and use of the nursery building facilities.
Meals & snacks fees cover the cost of all food and drinks whilst your child is in our care. Meal and snack times are a very important part of Partou nursery life, learn more about how we make food and nutrition enjoyable and educational for children in our care.
Consumables include; important daily care items needed such as nappies, wet wipes and sun cream.
Discounts
Only one discount can be applied at any time:
- 5% discount for eldest child for siblings.
- 5% discount for Blue Light Card holders.
Other key information
- We’re closed on Bank Holidays.
- We’re closed between Christmas and New Year.
- Charges apply across 52 weeks of the year, including Bank Holidays.
Funded childcare
Partou Gingerbread House Day Nursery & Pre-School is proud to offer funded childcare places
Funded childcare is a government incentive fulfilled by Local Authorities which aims to provide financial support for eligible families accessing childcare at an OFSTED registered setting. Partou Gingerbread House Day Nursery & Pre-School work with NCroydon Local Authority to apply childcare funding for eligible families.
Funding typically covers 15 or 30 hours per week for the 38 term weeks of the year across a maximum of 10 hours a day which will be applied in different ways depending how many weeks of the year your child is in childcare:
- Children who are in year-round childcare will receive “stretched” funding. This means that their 15/30 hours over 38 weeks will be stretched over 51 weeks of the year so children accessing year round childcare at Partou Gingerbread House will receive 11.17/22.35 hours of funded childcare per week.
- Children who have term-time only childcare places will receive 15/30 hours funding per week over 38 weeks of the year. Term-time only places are limited and are subject to availability.
Government funding for childcare only applies to the care fee (as described above). Meals & snacks and consumables fees are fully chargeable for all sessions including funded.
Many families are eligible for government funded childcare, see our childcare funding guide for more information.
Term duration and dates
The 2025/2026 terms dates set by Croydon Local Authority for Partou Gingerbread House Nursery & Pre-School are below so you can see which term dates funding is applicable for:
|
|
Autumn Term | Spring Term | Summer Term |
| Term Duration | 14 Weeks | 11 Weeks | 13 Weeks |
| 1st Half Term Dates | 8th Sept – 24th Oct | 5th Jan – 13th Feb | 13th April – 22nd May |
| 2nd Half Term Dates | 3rd Nov – 19th Dec | 23rd Feb – 27th March | 1st June – 17th July |
Please note that when you access funding in the term can impact the hours you are eligible for within that term period.
Our team will be able to assist you with any funding and term questions you may have.
)
Gingerbread House
Day Nursery
& Pre-school
020 8645 9879
Mon - Fri, 7.30am to 6.00pm (excl. bank holidays)
81 Purley Downs Road, South Croydon, CR2 0RJ
View on map
What do families say about Partou Gingerbread House Day Nursery & Pre-School in South Croydon?
Overall rating
65%
29%
4%
2%
0%
S D
03 March 2026
Gingerbread has been amazing for my child. EB has settled in very well in the baby room. The baby room has a great stable staff group whom really take the time to know EB and her family. Every day, EB walks in on her own and waves me off! This is the real value/review of her care at Gingerbread. I r...
Damien R
24 February 2026
Our daughter has been attending the Gingerbread House nursery for 10 months, and it has been a very positive experience. The management team have shown real dedication and care.It's clear that they are deeply committed to creating a supportive and warm environment for both the children and their fami...
Miriam I
28 January 2026
I really love this nursery all the staff is very friendly and really takes a good care of my daughters!!! Helping them grow day by day !!! The management is very professional and always ready to help with all my questions!!! Highly recommended it
S P
19 January 2026
Our son really loves attending Gingerbread. He have been there from the age of 10 months and is now 2yrs old and is excited to go every morning. The staff are thoughtful, kind and genuinely care about the children. Recently there has also been a lot more communication about the nursery and plans and...
Emma B
02 December 2025
Our son started here in September 2025 and we are delighted with his progress. The team are warm, welcoming and friendly. They have really helped our son to settle into nursery life by guiding and supporting him in every aspect. We couldn't be happier with his place here and would highly recommend th...
Amal A
19 June 2025
The team, I must say, is fantastic with my daughter. They provide holistic care, she is thriving well, and the staff is very approachable. I do like the changes that have been happening so far, it looks all very promising. I was a tad apprehensive with the staff change, now I can sleep easier knowing...
Caroline G
26 March 2024
All the staff are friendly, helpful and accommodating with both my children’s needs/requirements. We receive thoughtful feedback and apply at home if applicable. It’s so comforting to know from when I drop my kids off to picking them up that they are safe and happy.
Sam C
21 January 2024
My child goes to the preschool part of the nursery and is thriving well. In fact, he is always very excited to go back! Staff are approachable and friendly, especially the manager. They are accommodating to our needs and we would recommend Gingerbread House.
Barry G
17 January 2024
Great nursery, both our kids have gone there and enjoyed it. The nursery manager is doing sterling work in steadying the ship after a few months of uncertainty. Lovely staff and I think my kids prefer them to me.
Rosie W
17 January 2024
I have been impressed with how the staff care for my child. The manager is very present and approachable. I feel there is a good range of activities for my child to do and wherever possible (weather permitting) they are encouraged to get outside to play.
Z M
17 January 2024
My daughter has been going to Gingerbread House Nursery for over two years now. She’s very happy at the nursery and the staff are all very kind and attentive and she looks forward to going to nursery every day.
Laura R
28 April 2023
My eldest daughter started in Gingerbread House Day Nursery when she was only nine months and she has loved her time there. All the teachers and nursery practitioners are lovely and kind and ensure that she's well looked after when we are at work. Now that she's four and almost ready to start recepti...
A W
27 April 2023
It’s always a pleasure speaking to and dealing with the team, both in the office and in the toddler room. Our son has settled in well and has built great relationships with the staff. I have recommended Gingerbread House Day Nursery to a number of other parents because we are so happy with everythi...
L J
27 April 2023
Since our daughter began at Gingerbread House Day Nursery, she has absolutely flourished. The curiosity, child-led and 'learn through play' approach is just what she needs. Her key worker is fantastic, caring and supportive. There's always a homely feel inside the nursery and our daughter is just so ...
Why Partou?
For us at Partou, childcare isn’t just a job, it’s a journey – one where every child leads us in a unique new direction.
As part of the Netherlands’ largest childcare group, we’ve access to world-leading expertise in learning and development, so you can be confident your child will benefit from an experience as unique as they are.
Of course, care is as much about empathy as education, and ours is a child-led approach that emphasises building confidence and curiosity – so that every child in our care has the freedom to flourish.
Reassurance for you and your little one
Care
We’re more than just a team; we’re a close community driven by our passion for childcare, and our commitment to each individual child’s development. We know that by working together, we’re stronger.
Compassion
In our community, compassion isn’t just a word; it’s our way of life. By embracing our differences, we make our community more diverse and vibrant. We build strong, supportive relationships with the children and each other, based on trust and understanding.
Continuous learning
We believe strongly in development, for the children in our care and for ourselves. Through continuous learning, we help our team and our children reach their full potential. Together, we make a positive impact, in our communities and across wider society.
Helpful information for your nursery search
Understanding the Ofsted inspection changes
Ofsted are making important changes to the way that they inspect and rate children's services and childcare settings; learn what these are and what they mean for families.
Working Family Childcare Funding Explained
From 1st September, more families than ever will be eligible for the government’s expanded “30 hours free childcare” scheme. Our guide explains what working family childcare funding is, who qualifies, how it’s applied, and the steps you need to take to claim it. Whether you need term-time ...