Business Details
20 Years
experience
Award-Winning Childcare in Chippenham & Cheltenham
Established in 2006 by mother-daughter duo Linda Norman and Claire Burgess, Little Pips Nursery combines over 65 years of childcare expertise with a family-centric ethos. Our two purpose-built settings in Chippenham (Wiltshire) and Cheltenham (Gloucestershire) provide full-time care for children aged 0-5, focusing on play-based learning and communication development. Accredited by the Department for Education for our Communication Counts programme and holding 5-star food hygiene ratings, we prioritise individualised care through dedicated key workers and Ofsted-rated 'exceptional' learning environments.With a team including qualified teachers and SEND specialists, we prepare children for school through daily Graduate sessions while maintaining strong parental partnerships. Our commitment to quality has earned recognition as Top 20 Nursery Group for England and SME Employer of the Year for apprenticeship support.
Services
Baby Care
Toddler Programs
Preschool Education
Healthy Meals
Communication Development
Details
- Year established: 2006
Highlights and features
- Over 65 years combined childcare experience from our leadership team
- Ofsted-rated 'exceptional' learning environments in both locations
- 5-star food hygiene ratings with fresh, home-cooked meals daily
- Award-winning Communication Counts accreditation since 2022
- Specialist SEND support with dedicated coordinators in both nurseries
Associations and certifications
- Department for Education (DFE)
- Food Standards Agency
What people say
Exceptional learning experiences
Highly motivated children
Exemplary behaviour
Excellent staff knowledge
Superb preparation for school
Services
Baby Care
Our Baby Bunnies unit offers a warm, homely environment with dedicated key workers ensuring smooth transitions from home. Each baby has individual routines informed by parents, with specialist care in our purpose-built unit featuring sensory play areas, sleep rooms, and daily fresh air exploration.
Toddler Programs
Happy Hedgehogs room provides safe, engaging environments for toddlers with trained staff delivering quality care. Features include free-flow outdoor access, sensory rooms, and regular nature walks to support physical and cognitive development through play-based learning experiences.
Preschool Education
Wise Owls room focuses on school readiness through structured activities and free exploration. Daily Graduate sessions develop phonics, writing, and maths skills, while role-play and group activities build confidence and understanding of school routines.
Healthy Meals
Our dedicated cook prepares fresh, balanced meals daily with two-course lunch and tea options. We accommodate allergies and dietary requirements with medical endorsement, and children participate in weekly baking activities to learn about healthy eating habits.
Communication Development
Specialist communication programmes run across all rooms, including daily Phonics sessions and Graduate sessions for preschoolers. Our Communication Counts accreditation ensures structured language development through play, stories, and interactive activities tailored to each child's needs.
People
Linda Norman
Chief Executive Officer
With over 30 years in education and NNEB qualification since the 1990s, Linda co-founded Little Pips in 2006. She oversees operations across both nurseries, bringing extensive experience from specialist schools and childcare settings.
Claire Burgess
Managing Director
A qualified teacher with 16 years in primary education including assistant headship, Claire joined Linda in 2010. She leads curriculum development and staff training, ensuring high educational standards across both nursery locations.
Jenni Collins
Executive Manager
With over 25 years in childcare, Jenni provides strategic support across both sites. Her experience as a mother of two complements her operational role in maintaining quality standards and staff development.
Charlotte Gainey
Chippenham Manager
Starting as an apprentice 13 years ago, Charlotte progressed to manager role. She oversees daily operations in Chippenham, supports apprentices, and coordinates special educational needs provision across the nursery.
Olivia Galpin
Cheltenham Manager
With seven years at Little Pips, Olivia leads the Cheltenham team. She manages apprenticeship programmes and ensures consistent delivery of educational standards across all age-specific rooms in the Cheltenham setting.
Questions
What age groups do you cater for?
We provide childcare for children aged 0 to 5 years across three dedicated age-specific rooms at both locations.
What are your operating hours?
We operate Monday to Friday: Chippenham 7:30am-6pm, Cheltenham 8am-6pm, closed bank holidays and Christmas Eve.
Do you provide meals?
Yes, we provide all meals and snacks including two-course lunch and tea, with vegetarian and allergy-friendly options available.
Are you Ofsted registered?
Yes, both nurseries are Ofsted-registered with 'outstanding' reports highlighting exceptional staff dedication and child progress.
How do you support communication development?
We hold daily language activities, Phonics sessions, and unique Graduate sessions preparing preschoolers for school with writing and maths skills.
Can I visit the nursery?
Yes, we welcome visits by appointment. Contact either location to arrange a tour of our facilities.
Reviews (1)
Heidi Mena
Jan 28, 2020
Report
We have used this nursery for my children for 6 years. The children were always well looked after and I felt always in safe hands.
