Business Details
36 Years
experience
Trusted Childcare Services in Derby for Ages 0-5
Established in 1990 by Debbie Bull, NNEB, our family-run childcare provider operates three nurseries in Derby, Mickleover, and Heanor. With a hands-on approach, we create warm, stimulating environments for children aged 0-5 years, prioritising safety, happiness, and holistic development. Our leadership team combines professional expertise with personal experience as parents, ensuring we address both practical and emotional needs of families. Over three decades, we've refined our practices through continuous feedback and Debbie's own journey as a working mother. We maintain transparent communication with parents and uphold rigorous standards across all nursery locations.Our staff are qualified professionals dedicated to fostering nurturing relationships with children. We actively engage with the local community and adapt our programmes to meet evolving educational insights. Regular updates and open-door policies ensure parents remain informed partners in their child's development. Our commitment extends beyond daily care to preparing children for future educational milestones. This enduring focus on quality and care has established us as a trusted provider in the region.
Services
0-2 Years
2-3 Years
3-5 Years
Nursery Care
Preschool Preparation
Details
- Year established: 1990
Highlights and features
- We have over 30 years' experience in early years childcare provision
- Our nurseries are managed by qualified childcare professionals with NNEB accreditation
- We implement a family-centred approach developed through personal parenting experience
- Our staff maintain continuous professional development in early years education
- We provide transparent communication through regular parent updates and meetings
Services
0-2 Years
Our dedicated infant care programme supports babies' developmental needs through sensory-rich activities and nurturing routines. Qualified staff provide individualised attention in secure environments with age-appropriate resources. We maintain consistent caregiver relationships to foster emotional security and track developmental milestones.
2-3 Years
Structured play-based learning encourages independence and social skills for toddlers. Our curriculum focuses on language development, motor skills, and early problem-solving through themed activities. Small group settings ensure personalised guidance while promoting peer interaction and confidence-building experiences.
3-5 Years
School readiness programme develops literacy, numeracy, and social skills through interactive learning stations. Experienced educators follow EYFS framework while incorporating creative arts and outdoor exploration. Regular progress assessments ensure children transition smoothly to formal education environments.
People
Debbie Bull
Proprietor
Founder of The Cottage Day Nurseries with NNEB qualification and 35 years' childcare experience. Combines professional expertise with personal parenting insights to shape nursery policies and staff development programmes.
Amy
Business Manager
Oversees operational management across all nursery locations, ensuring consistent quality standards and regulatory compliance. Coordinates staff training and implements continuous improvement initiatives based on parental feedback.
Olivia Howie
Childcare Manager
Manages Derby nursery operations with focus on curriculum implementation and staff mentoring. Maintains close communication with parents regarding child development and daily activities.
Jodie Morley
Childcare Manager
Leads Mickleover nursery team, specialising in early years education strategies. Organises community engagement activities and ensures adherence to health and safety protocols.
Bridget Pilgrim
Childcare Manager
Heanor nursery director with expertise in creating inclusive learning environments. Coordinates special educational needs provision and maintains partnerships with local schools for smooth transitions.
Questions
What age groups do you cater for?
We provide childcare for children aged 0-5 years across three distinct age-appropriate programmes.
How do you support school readiness?
Our preschool curriculum follows EYFS guidelines while incorporating literacy, numeracy, and social skills development through interactive learning activities.
What qualifications do your staff hold?
All nursery managers hold NNEB qualifications with ongoing professional development in early years education and child safeguarding.
Can parents visit the nurseries?
We welcome prospective parents to arrange visits through our online registration system or by contacting individual nursery locations.
How do you communicate with parents?
We maintain regular communication through daily updates, formal progress reports, and scheduled parent-teacher meetings at each nursery location.
What safety measures are in place?
All nurseries maintain strict security protocols including controlled access systems, staff DBS checks, and regular safeguarding training updates.
Reviews (7)
Emma Stewart
Sep 29, 2021
Report
A great place for infants, toddlers and preschoolers. Children and their personalities are nurtured and supported to become confident little people helping their transition to school. All members of staff are caring, friendly and approachable always with a smile on their face.
Jamie Fisher
Sep 21, 2021
Report
Both of our children attended The Cottage in Mickleover and we could not recommend it highly enough. Its a very nurturing environment where you can feel confident that your children are in safe hands and are having a fun packed day. The menu is excellent and our children would regularly have seconds at meal times, especially super duper jammy toast! We were sad when our children left to go to school but we know that their time at The Cottage has really helped to prepare them for that transition.
Phil Ward
Sep 18, 2021
Report
Both our son and daughter had a fantastic time starting there learning journey here. Staff are attentive and feedback via the app is great to see what they have been getting up to. Highly recommend.
T. Hannah
Aug 25, 2021
Report
Excellent Pre-School! Our son thoroughly enjoyed his year of Pre School at the cottage. I was nervous about moving him from a childminder to nursery but I need not have been. The team are supportive, friendly and personable and quickly formed a bond with him. The activities are varied and exciting. Joey often stuns us with the knowledge he has gathered at pre school - for instance 'bees have two tummies!' He loved going everyday and I loved hearing about his daily experiences! I can not recommend this setting enough. 5*
Natalie Jones
Aug 23, 2021
Report
My daughter was at the preschool here for the best part of two years (Sept -19 to July -21). Having spent a year in another nursery setting prior, that I had no qualms with, but once she started at The Cottage it really highlighted to me what an exceptional and special place this really is. EVERY member of staff cares about the children and they put so much effort, time, care and attention into their wellbeing and development. Every day she would go in with a smile on her face excited about what they would be doing and equally every day came out excited to tell me about her day. We are so sad
Francesca Bostock
Aug 07, 2021
Report
An amazing nursery , that go the extra mile at all times , the management and staff offer a warm and welcoming environment that made choosing to go back to work full time an easy decision ,knowing my daughter was cared for and having fun everyday . The standards they adhere to at all times is exceptional as well as offering the most amazing facilities for the children . Thank you to all at the Cottage , me and Ava will miss you all .
Lardhavemercy X.
Nov 13, 2017
Report
Amazing nursery, couldn't ask for better. Would recommend to anyone looking for a genuinely lovely environment for their children. My son loves it as did I when I was attending as a child.
