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The Early Years Academy Derby

Ofsted: Outstanding
(Feb 2023)
·
5.0(10 parent reviews) ·135 Duffield Road, Derby, DE22 1AF · Derby
Number of places
104 places
Age range
0–4 yrs
Last inspected
Feb 2023
Local authority
Derby

About this day nursery

The Early Years Academy strives to create an inspiring environment where children can discover a love for learning. Drawing inspiration from Steiner's philosophy, the nursery employs a child-centred approach, ensuring that each child benefits from unique and enriching experiences through a blend of play, educational activities, and exploration.

Educators are dedicated to supporting and expanding learning, helping children cultivate curiosity, a sense of adventure, and resilience. The Academy strongly values a deep connection with nature, offering indoor and outdoor spaces that are rich in sensory experiences.

The nursery fosters strong collaborations with parents, actively involving them in their child's developmental journey. Guided by the principles of Belonging, Being, and Becoming, the Academy aims to develop happy, engaged, and motivated young learners.

They provide care for babies aged 0-16 months in a nurturing environment, toddlers aged 16 months to 3 years in a vibrant and explorative setting, and preschoolers aged 3-5 years, preparing them for school with hands-on activities that encourage investigation and problem-solving.

Our ethos

The Early Years Academy's philosophy is inspired by Steiner's approach and centres on fostering a love for learning through child-centred experiences. They emphasise a connection with nature, sensory exploration, and encouraging curiosity, adventure, and resilience. The nursery adheres to the principles of Belonging, Being, and Becoming to develop happy, engaged learners and collaborates closely with parents.

What it's like

On entering this nursery, children are welcomed by a sense of tranquillity. Soft lighting and gentle music create a relaxing atmosphere which is echoed in every room. Staff are sensitive to children's individual needs and develop strong bonds with their key children.

Forest SchoolBaking AcademyIntergenerational ProgrammesChild-led learning

Pricing & funding

Funding accepted

15 hours — working parents (9 months–2 yrs)15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)Tax-Free Childcare
Pricing on request

This nursery doesn't publish its fees online. Contact them directly for an up-to-date price list and availability.

Key facts

Opening hours

Monday to Friday, all year round, apart from Bank Holidays and one week at Christmas. Sessions are from 6.30am until 6.30pm.

Session types

flexible booking patterns, funded-only places

Food

Fresh, home-cooked meals and snacks included

Age range

0-5 years

Term time / All Year

All Year

Established

2020

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for The Early Years Academy Derby

Last inspected 14 February 2023

Safeguarding effective
Overall effectiveness
Outstanding
Quality of education
Outstanding
Behaviour and attitudes
Outstanding
Personal development
Outstanding
Leadership and management
Outstanding

What it's like to attend

On entering this nursery, children are welcomed by a sense of tranquillity. Soft lighting and gentle music create a relaxing atmosphere which is echoed in every room. Staff are sensitive to children's individual needs and develop strong bonds with their key children.

Inspector highlights

  • The experienced and compassionate managers are mentors to staff. They spend time getting to know the staff well. Managers provide morale support and suggestions to enhance staff practice.
  • Staff are professionally curious and devoted to securing the best outcomes for children. They seek training which helps them better understand and support the children in their care.
  • Children show that they know, understand and remember previous learning extremely well. Children enthusiastically practise peeling vegetables.
  • Staff regularly 'stop, pause and reflect'. They identify potential gaps in children's learning and adapt their planning accordingly.
  • Managers and staff are brimming with ideas to enrich children's learning experiences.
Inspection #10265239 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

What parents say

Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection

'staff go above and beyond with inclusion, introducing languages and different cultures into the classrooms'

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

Staff regularly 'stop, pause and reflect'. They identify potential gaps in children's learning and adapt their planning accordingly. For example, staff notice that some children struggle with their pincer grip. They plan activities to strengthen children's small-muscle skills. This ensures children, including those in receipt of additional funding and special needs and/or disabilities, are exceptionally well prepared for their next stage in learning.

Outdoor space

Younger children learn to navigate slopes as they manoeuvre ride-on vehicles outdoors. They confidently tackle different balancing challenges, such as raised and angled beams. Children develop their core muscles as they carefully walk across the beams.

Parent Reviews of The Early Years Academy Derby

5.0
(10)
Tamanna Khanom
8 months ago

We’ve been so impressed with The Early Years Academy! The staff are incredibly caring and attentive, and they made my daughter feel welcome and settled very quickly. The meals are freshly prepared by their chef, with a great variety that my daughter actually enjoys. The team has been fantastic with supporting her independence—especially with toilet training—and we’ve seen a huge boost in her confidence since starting here. She now loves going to nursery every day, which is such a relief for us as parents. I would highly recommend The Early Years Academy to anyone looking for a warm, supportive, and high-quality nursery.

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Aimi Drechsler
5 years ago

My daughter attends here 2 days a week, she settled really quickly thanks to the amazing team in the babies. The nursery is implementing new things all the time such as the new online learning journeys and I feel we are being kept up to date with everything and it’s fab I can see what my child has been Upto during the day. My daughter loves being outdoors and it’s one of the main reasons I chose this nursery- because they have a huge outdoor area! We would 100% recommend this nursery to other parents!

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Bumba Klusk
a year ago

A wonderful graduation ceremony! Was like a miniature wedding. This place always goes above and beyond for the children, putting natural learning first whilst emphasing fun

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Cameron Goodwin
3 years ago

A fantastic nursery my daughter loves it so much and the staff are fantastic.

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Reviews from Google for The Early Years Academy Derby. See all on Google Maps

Inspection history

Date: February 2023

  • March 2023Outstanding
  • February 2023Outstanding

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