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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-storey 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
Meet the Partou Gingerbread House Nursery Team
Claire Preece
Nursery Manager
I’m a the nursery manager with a Level 3 qualification as an early years practitioner and have recently started a Level 5 in Nursery Management. Continuing professional development is really important to me because I love learning and finding new ways to improve how we care for and support children. I’ve been working in early years for almost 20 years, and my passion for childcare began when I was very young. I was always drawn to babies and my younger cousins, enjoying the chance to help, play, and watch them learn.
Although I didn’t start my career in childcare until after my first child turned 14 and became more independent, once I did, I discovered how rewarding and inspiring this work could be. I’ve always enjoyed introducing children to new experiences, watching their curiosity grow, and seeing the joy on their faces when they learn something new. It’s incredibly rewarding when children remember what you’ve taught them and you can see the role you’ve played in their development.
In recent years, I’ve found I really enjoy supporting and mentoring my team. Helping colleagues develop their practice, gain confidence, and become the best educators they can be has become a real passion of mine. I believe that by supporting the team, we can all provide the highest quality care and learning experiences for the children. I take pride in creating an environment where both children and staff can thrive, and I love seeing the positive impact we can make together.
I’m committed to growing both as an educator and a leader, and I’m always looking for new ways to develop my skills and knowledge. For me, childcare is not just a job—it’s a vocation. Being part of children’s learning and seeing them grow into confident, curious individuals is what drives me every day.
Jess Pais
Senior Deputy Manager
My name is Jess, and I am a Senior Deputy Manager with a BA (Hons) Level 6 qualification and over seven years of experience in early childhood education. My journey began working directly in the rooms, where I developed a strong understanding of children’s individual needs and the importance of creating a nurturing, stimulating environment. Through commitment and continuous professional development, I progressed into management, gaining valuable leadership and operational experience.
I have always had a genuine passion for early childhood education, which drives my approach to supporting both children and staff. I am committed to maintaining high standards of care, fostering positive relationships, and contributing to an environment where every child can thrive and reach their full potential.
I love working at Gingerbread House because of the strong, supportive team, the beautiful, well-designed setting, and the lovely bonds we build with both parents and children, creating a positive space for everyone to learn, play, and thrive every day.
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.
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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
70%
26%
3%
2%
0%
Andrew M
31 March 2026
Team are very caring and being a small group, based in a converted house, it feels like a family. I love that they have been so flexible and accommodating; if we needed an extra day etc was never too much trouble, which is the advantage of the smaller more intimate setting. Feel team are building th...
G M
31 March 2026
The staff provide the most amazing service and I know my child has the most amazing time when he is there. My son has settled so well into the nursery and I know this is because of how the staff have encouraged and supported him through this transition. The staff are so friendly and accommodating and...
Sachin P
31 March 2026
My son started attending nursery in September 2025. It has been wonderful to see the support from teachers, who have helped my son settle in and adjust to the new environment. The nursery is spacious and has a wide variety of toys, allowing the children to enjoy their time there. The staff is very su...
Moustapha D
31 March 2026
We've had a wonderful experience with Partou Gingerbread House for both of our daughters-one in the baby room and the other in preschool. The staff in the baby room are incredibly warm, attentive, and nurturing. They take the time to understand each child's routine and personality, which gave us rea...
Ayisha J
31 March 2026
The staff have been incredibly warm, caring, and attentive, creating a safe and nurturing environment where our son has truly thrived. It's clear how much thought and effort goes into each day-there's always a great balance of learning, play, and creativity. The facilities are clean, well-organised,...
Caroline G
27 March 2026
Our Son has attended Gingerbread House for the last 2 1/2yrs. He has additional needs. Since the change in management last year, they have been working with the SENCO from Croydon Council and ourselves in supporting him. We have definitely seen the progression since - how he has adapted to routine...
E G
20 March 2026
My daughter has attended Gingerbread for a year now. She loves going in every day and is often having so much fun she doesn't want to come home! The staff are lovely and caring and I would recommend to other parents.
K B
19 March 2026
My 2-year-old loves coming to Gingerbread. He is always happy and comfortable with the staff and the environment feels warm and welcoming. My older son also attended and had a great experience which set him up well for the transition to school. Over the past year the nursery has also made significan...
Christopher D
19 March 2026
We've had a really positive experience with this nursery. The staff are fantastic-always friendly, attentive, and genuinely caring, which makes a huge difference. Jess and Claire are great managers and do an excellent job leading the team. The environment is consistently clean, tidy, and well-organi...
C M
19 March 2026
The nursery stuff and management are absolutely brilliant! My child is always so happy going to nursery and coming home from it! The day is always full of fun activities, imaginary play and outdoor time. The meals provided are always healthy and nutritious.I can see the knowledge my child gains at nu...
Danielle B
06 March 2026
Gingerbread House team have been wonderful, they all take pride in making it a safe and fun place for our son and all of the other children. Our little boy loves going to nursery which is a real joy for us to see. We leave with confidence knowing he is in safe hands and will have a day full of ad...
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...
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
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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 ...