Business Details
14 Years
experience
Trusted Childcare & Early Education in Stroud
Polly's Nursery is a family-run childcare provider established in 2012 by Anna and Dan Mead. We operate two Ofsted-rated 'outstanding' nurseries in Stroud, offering safe, joyful environments where children thrive through high-quality play and learning experiences. Our dedicated team of DBS-checked professionals prioritises child safety, emotional security, and individualised development plans aligned with the Early Years Foundation Stage framework.With over 150 combined years of childcare experience, we maintain intentional overstaffing to ensure consistent, familiar care and invest significantly in educational resources. Our commitment to transparency includes detailed monthly learning journeys, regular parent consultations, and a five-star food hygiene rating system.
Services
Childcare Services
Preschool Education
After-School Care
Holiday Programs
Parent Consultations
Details
- Year established: 2012
Highlights and features
- Family-run nurseries with personal oversight from owners Anna and Dan Mead
- Consistently rated 'outstanding' by Ofsted in all inspection categories
- Over 150 combined years of childcare expertise among our permanent staff
- Intentional overstaffing ensures consistent, familiar caregiver relationships
- 98% parent satisfaction rate for care quality in annual feedback surveys
Associations and certifications
- Ofsted
What people say
Outstanding care quality
Experienced permanent staff
Excellent parent communication
Stimulating learning environments
Consistent caregiver relationships
Services
Childcare Services
Our childcare services provide safe, nurturing environments for children aged 3 months to 5 years. With 1:3 staff-to-child ratios and purpose-built facilities, we combine structured learning with free play. Daily activities develop motor skills, social interaction, and cognitive abilities through age-appropriate resources and outdoor exploration.
Preschool Education
Ofsted-rated outstanding preschool education follows the EYFS framework. Individualised learning plans track progress across seven developmental areas. Qualified educators use play-based methods to develop literacy, numeracy, and creative skills while preparing children for school transitions through structured routines.
After-School Care
Flexible after-school provision supports children aged 3-11 with homework assistance, creative activities, and outdoor play. Sessions run until 6pm daily, offering continuity of care for working parents while maintaining familiar staff relationships and safe environments.
Holiday Programs
Themed holiday programs provide structured activities during school breaks. With extended hours and special events, our holiday care maintains educational continuity while offering recreational opportunities. Parents receive weekly activity schedules and progress updates.
Parent Consultations
Regular parent-teacher consultations review children's development through learning journey books containing photographs and progress notes. We offer bi-annual formal meetings plus monthly newsletters, with additional consultations available upon request for specific concerns.
People
Anna Mead
Co-Owner & Director
Anna Mead co-founded Polly's Nursery with her husband Dan. With extensive childcare sector experience, she oversees daily operations and staff training. Anna ensures all nurseries maintain Ofsted 'outstanding' standards while developing innovative learning programs.
Dan Mead
Co-Owner & Director
Dan Mead co-owns Polly's Nursery with Anna. He manages facility development and financial operations. With a background in early years education policy, Dan ensures compliance with regulatory standards while maintaining the nursery's family-focused ethos.
Questions
What childcare qualifications do your staff hold?
All staff are DBS checked with paediatric first aid training and child protection certifications. Our team has 150+ combined years of childcare experience.
How do you support children's learning and development?
We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage framework with individualised learning journeys, monthly progress tracking, and balanced structured/free play activities.
What are your nursery operating hours?
We operate Monday-Friday 8am-6pm, 50 weeks annually, closing only for Bank Holidays and Christmas period.
How do you ensure child safety and security?
We maintain CCTV entry systems, daily safety checks, finger guards on doors, and comprehensive safeguarding policies with staff training.
What food hygiene standards do you follow?
Both nurseries hold the highest five-star food hygiene rating with nutritionally balanced meals prepared on-site.
