Business Details
17 Years
experience
Trusted Childcare & Early Learning Nurseries in Birmingham
Founded in 2009 by Lyndsey and Christian Hellyn, our nursery group has established itself as a leader in innovative early years education. Our four Birmingham-based settings, including the pioneering Curiosity Approach-accredited nurseries, provide calm, nurturing environments where children thrive through open-ended play and natural resources. Backed by an experienced team and a legacy of two outstanding Ofsted inspections, we blend Forest School methodologies with a commitment to process-driven learning.Our family-run business prioritises imagination over rigid knowledge acquisition, fostering curiosity through carefully designed spaces and a dedicated staff team. With decades of combined expertise in early childhood development, we deliver evidence-based care grounded in global best practices.
Services
Childcare
Forest School
Outdoor Learning
Healthy Meals
Early Education
Details
- Year established: 2009
Highlights and features
- We pioneered The Curiosity Approach in UK nurseries
- Experienced team with two Outstanding Ofsted ratings
- Forest School Level 3 practitioners lead outdoor learning
- Specialist chef provides nutritionally balanced daily menus
- All staff trained in Paediatric First Aid annually
Associations and certifications
- The Curiosity Approach
- Millies Mark
What people say
Outstanding Ofsted inspections
Nature-based learning
Nurturing environment
Qualified staff
Healthy meals prepared
Services
Childcare
Our full-day childcare accommodates children aged 0-5 across four Birmingham settings. Each nursery provides age-appropriate learning through natural environments and open-ended resources. Certified practitioners facilitate daily activities focused on curiosity-driven development, with Forest School sessions for older children.
Forest School
Led by Level 3 trained practitioners, our Forest School program takes children on weekly nature reserve visits. This outdoor learning experience fosters environmental appreciation and risk assessment skills, complementing our indoor activities with hands-on natural exploration.
Healthy Meals
Daily meals are prepared by our specialist chef using seasonal ingredients. Menus follow nutritional guidelines to support child development, accommodating dietary requirements while encouraging healthy eating habits through family-style mealtimes.
Early Education
Our curriculum focuses on process over product, encouraging imagination through authentic resources. Staff trained in The Curiosity Approach guide children through self-led discovery, developing communication skills and pre-writing abilities without traditional academic focus.
Extra Curricular
Weekly music sessions and sensory play activities enhance development. Our communication-focused programs help pre-verbal children express themselves, while specialist practitioners deliver targeted learning experiences in both indoor and outdoor environments.
People
Lyndsey Hellyn
Founder
Ex-primary school teacher with over 15 years experience in early years education. Pioneered The Curiosity Approach in UK nurseries and developed our four award-winning settings since 2009.
Christian Hellyn
Founder
Co-founder with extensive business management experience. Oversees operational strategy while maintaining hands-on involvement in nursery quality standards.
Danielle
Team Leader
Senior practitioner with a decade of early years experience. Leads staff training in The Curiosity Approach and ensures consistent delivery of our educational philosophy.
Questions
What age range do you cater for?
We accept children aged 0-5 years across all our Birmingham nursery settings.
What is The Curiosity Approach?
The Curiosity Approach is a UK-accredited educational method focusing on open-ended play with natural resources to develop imagination and problem-solving skills.
Do you offer outdoor learning opportunities?
Yes, all settings provide extensive outdoor play areas and weekly Forest School sessions led by Level 3 trained practitioners at local nature reserves.
Are meals included in the fees?
Yes, our fees include three balanced meals and two snacks daily, prepared fresh by our on-site chef.
How do you support child development?
We focus on process-driven learning through authentic resources, encouraging self-led exploration and communication before formal academic skills.
Are you Ofsted registered?
All our nurseries are Ofsted-registered, with two sites achieving Outstanding ratings in their first inspections.
Reviews (4)
Lyndsey Smith
Oct 28, 2021
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A wonderful environment offering amazing opportunities for children to learn, encouraging the children to be curious.
Bec Harper
Aug 09, 2021
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Outstanding environment for your little miracle to thrive in. Cared and nurtured for by a passionate and dedicated staff team.
Qwertyuiopqwertyuiop Q.
Jan 22, 2021
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I was looking for a Nursery that could be an extension of our home as I returned to work when my son was four months old. This nursery ticked all the boxes for caring, a beautiful environment, great communication, taking the time to really get to know my child during settles and really supportive to parents too. Lovely staff, always treated us with respect, took the time to listen to my views and always offered great advice when I asked for help. I was always made to feel at home which I think made me feel comfortable leaving my son.
Needless to say my next baby was lucky to attend here too
Needless to say my next baby was lucky to attend here too
Danielle Pitt
Oct 18, 2020
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Reliability,Responsiveness,Value
My son attended The Nest Nursery. I cannot thank them enough for the best years and experiences he had. Outstanding Nursery.
My son attended The Nest Nursery. I cannot thank them enough for the best years and experiences he had. Outstanding Nursery.
