Nappy Wipes & Cream
We will provide nappies, wipes and nappy cream.
Small People, Nottingham
Where children embrace nature, learn and grow
OFSTED Report
Good Provider
Small People Nottingham
Day Nursery & Preschool
Robin House
Colston Rd
Cropwell Bishop
Nottingham NG12 3BN
Opening Times:
Monday – Friday: 07:00 – 19:00
Drop-Off Directions & Parking
Small people is located on Colston Road, corner of Kinoulton Road within the rural area of Cropwell Bishop. 5min drive from the local village of Cotgrave.
On-site parking is available for easy drop off/collection.
Call Us
Small People
Small People is an outdoor nursery based on a Forest School approach, which is set within an acre of grounds. This magical place nestled amongst the natural beauty of the Nottinghamshire countryside, our children spend 100% of the day outside enjoying a unique experience and education. We believe that being outdoors amongst natures riches is the best place for children to thrive by learning, playing and growing throughout the seasons. Our back to basics philosophy extends into every area of the nursery in order to stimulate development, from natural, wooden toys to a holistic approach to learning, healthy eating and fresh air and exercise.
Areas within our garden
Kosi pod: The kosi pod is a sheltered area where our Busy Bugs can have a rest or sleep If they choose to during the nursery day.
Baby Pod: The Baby Pod area is designated for our under 2’s, they have there own pod for shelter, their own garden with a climbing frame including ramps going over the decking area to support there physical development. It is well equipped for their daily routines including nappy changing, feeding and sleep.
Animal den: Down in our animal area the children are able to collect the eggs from the chicken coop and say hi to Pumba our friendly pig who likes to come to the fence and see all the children.
Field: On the field we have a large open space for the children to take part in lots of physical play, this includes the obstacle course to build on these skills. We have a 4-section structure where children can engage in various activities such as, art station, water play, cosy area and sand play.
Main garden: Within our main garden we have a large climbing frame structure with swings, slide and a climbing wall, this area supports children’s physical development and problem solving skills. The messy play area is where the children can express themselves through creativity and roleplay, we see lots of creations from mud pies to potion making.
Nursery Facilities
Car Park
We have on-site parking available for easy access and convenience.
CCTV
We have CCTV installed within the nursery to ensure the safety and security of all our children and staff.
Meals & Snacks
We provide healthy meals and snacks as well as fresh water and milk. Our menus are seasonal and are certified by a children’s dietician ensuring the right balance of ingredients for the children. All dietary requirements are catered for by our professional chefs.
Extra Curricular Activities
Musical Theatre, Dancing Digits & Dance around the world, tiny talk (sign for babies and toddlers)
Fees & Availability
Nursery fees are dependent on the age of your child and your specific childcare requirements. Funding options are available, including the government’s 15 and 30 hours funded childcare, and we also accept the Government Tax Free Childcare Scheme and childcare vouchers.
To request pricing and availability, please call us or complete the request a call back form below.
How we learn at Small People
Baby bugs
- All children begin with a welcome plan for their first four weeks, during which we collaborate closely with parents to help them settle in. We provide weekly updates to parents, focusing on key aspects of their child’s adjustment. This is the start of us building a long-standing relationship with your family, ensuring secure bonds between child and nursery team
- We offer a stimulating environment and a variety of resources for our babies to explore, develop and discover through play
- We promote sensory play from a very young age, helping children to make sense of the world by connecting what they see, hear, smell, touch and feel
- We have a library of books accessible, stories, music, and rhymes introducing early literacy and communication skills
- We promote movement and balance and focus on early wellbeing awareness and relaxation exercises
Busy Bugs
- Our toddler Unit is where our toddlers can thrive as they become more independent and curious
- We feel it is important to offer a range of natural resources and provide plenty of messy play opportunities to encourage learning through creative play
- In our library area we have a selection of age-appropriate reading resources to encourage communication and develop language and literacy skills
- We encourage independence and free thinking by allowing the children to choose and lead activities carefully guided by our practitioners
- We promote physical creativity through music and movement which is key in helping to develop children’s fine motor skills
- We continue to promote early wellbeing awareness and relaxation techniques to help our children understand their thoughts and feelings
Big Bugs
- Our preschool unit supports ‘school readiness’ through a wide range of quality resources and equipment that promote all areas of the EYFS including maths and literacy
- We embed maths and literacy into everyday routines providing opportunities for letter and number recognition
- We give encouragement and praise to our children inspiring them to investigate and be curious of the world around them
- We promote an inclusive environment where we take part in a variety of cultural and international celebrations
- We work on whole body movements to develop large motor skills, co-ordination, balance, and strength
- We provide a dedicated space for children to learn in small groups allowing focus and concentration as our practitioners deliver activities preparing children for their next step into school.
Outdoor Space
- In our garden children can wander, climb, splash, and run in our educationally designed outdoor learning area.
- All learning takes place outdoors
- Our children have access into the garden which is essential for healthy development and wellbeing and our outdoor equipment encourages physical development and challenges
- Our outdoor space allows children to understand and take risks which helps to build their confidence, independence, and eagerness to learn
- Our children are introduced to important life skills and encouraged to try new things through play and exploration, through activities such as role play, water play and investigative play
- We promote a ‘grow your own’ initiative providing spaces in our garden for children to plant their own vegetables, herbs, plants, and flowers
- We use natural materials such as sand and mud to promote discovery and imaginative play
- We have animals onsite, come and meet our pig and chickens
Our Team
Sara Williams
Joined: 2017
I started working at Small People from the very beginning and have enjoyed watching each child flourish, grow and develop in their own way within our outdoor environment over the years. I have just over 2 decades of experience working within the Early Years industry and enjoy every moment. I have two children of my own and lots of pets. Over the years I have worked within all roles of the nurseries and enjoyed each and every one of them, watching children grow and develop is very rewarding. I am very passionate about ensuring the children have the best start before heading off to school.
Stacey Shevlane
Joined: 2020
I’ve been in childcare for over a decade and I love what I do. Working with children doesn’t feel like work to me as everyday is a fun and new experience and I love seeing them grow and accomplish new things.
I spend a lot of my spare time outdoors exploring the UK and climbing mountains with my three children as well as taking photographs of nature especially waterfalls that we find along the way.
Our Team
Our nursery has a lovely family feel which makes it a wonderful place for your child to grow, learn and play. We have a passionate team, who aim to create something special and different, ensuring all children are nurtured, cared for, and inspired with their individual needs in mind.
We have a dedicated senior team who support the nursery management in striving for delivering excellence by enriching home from home environments with an expertly trained team.
All staff complete comprehensive training, further developing their knowledge and understanding of children’s development, covering all key aspects in keeping children safe.
We can provide advice and support for all our families on a vast range of topics by pulling together our combined experience.
Food & Nutrition
Our delicious, healthy and nutritious food is sourced from trusted suppliers and prepared and cooked by our onsite chef. All dietary and religious needs are met.
Our experienced team would love to meet you and your little one, so book a visit today and we will show you everything our nursery has to offer during your own personal tour at a time to suit you.
Join us at our next Open Day
Saturday 18th January 2025 (9am-1pm)
Call Back Request
If you would like us to give you a call back at a time which is more convenient for you, please fill in the form below.