June 1972 was the year that BARBERTON NURSERY SCHOOL began as just a playground, organized by a few parents who wanted to give their children a sound foundation in their development. The building project received overwhelming support and generous donations from local service organizations, Mining Companies, businesses, and numerous fundraisers by parents. The local Municipality, the then Barberton Town Council, donated three stands and building commenced during May 1986 and was completed by the end of that year.

The prospect of occupying a new, modern building was a delight by the staff, children and parents, as for 11 years the school existed under difficult circumstances in the Scout Hall in Gospel Street with 31 children. The new school with 3 classrooms, specially equipped toilets, a kitchen, sickbay, an office, and a large playground was opened on 7 January 1987. 51 Children were in attendance.

In 1999 the fourth classroom with a bathroom was built to accommodate a younger group of children (2-3years) which was occupied in January 2000 with 12 children.

The demand and need arose for a baby facility. In January 2007, a wooden cabin with an open plan living and kitchen area, two bedrooms, specially equipped changing station and potty-training bathroom, as well as a veranda was erected. The facility accommodated 3 babies, and within weeks the number grew to 13 infants and toddlers.

June 2015, and a large and modern lean-to structure with canvas roll-up sides and turf flooring was built on the northern side of the wooden cabin. The idea was to utilize the space in every way possible with Barberton’s superb weather, come rain or shine, for the toddlers.

A bridging class, the Penguin Class for the 2-year-old toddlers, not yet fully potty trained, was built in 2016. The classroom with toilet and changing station accommodates approximately 8 children.