Business Details
Trusted Childcare Services in Bishop's Stortford
Established to support children's development and well-being, Early Birds & Night Owls delivers flexible childcare solutions across multiple settings. Our services include Early Birds breakfast clubs, Night Owls after-school clubs, Little Ladybirds and Appletree preschools, and Holiday Hedgehogs holiday clubs, all operating in and around Bishop's Stortford. We implement The Curiosity Approach, a child-led educational philosophy that prioritizes creativity, independence, and natural learning within calm, homely environments. Two of our settings hold full Curiosity Approach accreditation, with all preschools actively working towards this standard.Our team of dedicated professionals creates nurturing spaces that blend the Danish concept of Hygge with practical learning experiences, including Forest School principles that emphasize outdoor exploration. We maintain transparent communication through the ParentZone app and adhere to strict safeguarding protocols under the EYFS framework. With operational hours from early morning until 6:30pm daily, we accommodate working families' needs while maintaining a 50p sibling discount across all services.
Services
Breakfast Club
After School Care
Preschool Education
Holiday Club
Forest School
Nutritional Meals
ParentZone App
Hygge Environment
Curiosity Approach
Child-Led Learning
Highlights and features
- We implement The Curiosity Approach for child-led learning
- Two settings hold full Curiosity Approach accreditation
- Forest School principles integrated into daily activities
- Flexible 7:30am-6:30pm operating hours across all locations
- Nutritious meals prepared by qualified cooks with dietary accommodations
Associations and certifications
- The Curiosity Approach
What people say
Amazing team
Home from home
Exemplary staff
Positive impact
Happy children
Services
Breakfast Club
Early Birds breakfast clubs operate from 7:30am until school start times at multiple primary schools. We provide nutritious breakfast options including cereal, toast, and fruit with self-service opportunities for children. Activities include arts and crafts, Lego building, and outdoor play. All meals meet dietary requirements while promoting independence through table-setting and cleanup responsibilities.
After School Club
Night Owls after-school clubs run until 6:30pm at all settings, offering structured and free-choice activities. Children enjoy outdoor exploration in all weather conditions alongside creative playdough sessions, seasonal crafts, and baking activities. Each session includes a snack and hot tea meal, with staff supporting social development through group interactions and collaborative kitchen tasks.
Preschool Education
Little Ladybirds and Appletree preschools cater to children aged 2-5 years using the Curiosity Approach framework. Sessions focus on child-led exploration through sensory play, literacy development, and physical activities. Qualified keyworkers conduct home visits and 'stay and play' sessions to ensure smooth transitions, with uniform options available through partnered suppliers.
Holiday Club
Holiday Hedgehogs operates during school breaks with themed activities including animal encounters, science workshops, and outdoor adventures. Children aged 2-11 enjoy breakfast, cooked lunches, and seasonal crafts in a Hygge-inspired environment. The program accommodates third-child discounts and requires packed evening meals for extended care periods.
Forest School
Our Forest School program integrates nature-based education across all settings. Children develop resilience through den-building, bug hunting, and tool use under staff supervision. Weather-appropriate clothing encourages year-round outdoor exploration while fostering environmental awareness and physical development through hands-on natural experiences.
Questions
What age groups do you cater for?
We provide childcare for children aged 2-11 years across our different services.
Are meals included in your programs?
Breakfast clubs include morning meals, after-school clubs provide snacks and tea, while holiday clubs offer breakfast and cooked lunches.
Do you follow educational frameworks?
Our preschools follow the Early Years Foundation Stage framework and The Curiosity Approach philosophy.
How do you handle late pickups?
We request collection by 6:30pm but understand delays happen - please notify us if running late.
Are your staff qualified?
All settings employ qualified cooks and trained childcare professionals with safeguarding certifications.
Do you offer sibling discounts?
Yes, we apply a 50p sibling discount across all our childcare services.
Reviews (2)
Kim Reeder
Sep 11, 2019
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My 3 year old attends Little Ladybirds at the Northgate setting and started September this year. He and I both love it. He previously attended another local daycare and I had to peel him off me everyday as he never wanted to go. Now hes pressuring me to leave the house or we might be late! The quality of care and commitment is unbelievable, they dont just take time to get to know the children but the parents too - we are all greeted by name every day. It seems a small thing but its just another sign that theyve taken a real interest in the children's lives. They are all passionate about
Ignacio Requejo Quintas
Sep 11, 2018
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Our daughter attends Early Birds and Night Owls at Northgate Primary School since the age of 3, she is unbelievable happy at the nursery. The staff are positive, passionate and caring. There is always a great atmosphere at the nursery, I would definitively recommend the nursery to other parents.
