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Eco & Sustainability Newsletter - Winter 2026

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 14:34:58 GMT

Stay up-to-date with the latest Eco & Sustainability news from Toad Hall Nursery Group

Welcome to the first issue of our 2026 Eco & Sustainability Newsletter.

In here, you will find a range of eco & sustainability updates, resources, and information on:

Eco-friendly initiatives
Celebrate our progress across our nurseries
Eco events & resources
Simple tips to save energy

Read the full newsletter here or on the image below.

Sustainability in Action: Our 2025 Journey

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 11:55:31 GMT

Toad Hall Nursery Group is committed to creating a sustainable future by integrating environmental responsibility into its nurseries. Our vision is to become a leader in sustainable childcare, fostering environmentally conscious behaviours among children, staff, and families while reducing our overall carbon footprint.

As we look back on 2025, we are proud to reflect on the meaningful and positive changes made across the group. This year saw us take practical steps to protect and enhance our environment, from planting trees on the Eden Restoration Project in Kenya to actively reducing our energy usage through more efficient practices. We also made a conscious move towards plastic-free and more sustainable products, ensuring our purchasing decisions align with our environmental values.

To find out more about our commitment to sustainability at Toad Hall Nursery, click here.

Accredited & Committed: First Aid with Tigerlily Training

Fri, 28 Nov 2025 16:22:26 GMT

We were delighted to welcome Katharine Pickering from Tigerlily Training to our Farnborough setting, marking an important milestone in our ongoing commitment to excellence in safety and care.

During her visit, Katharine met with members of the Toad Hall Nursery team and officially presented us with our brand-new Tigerlily First Aid Accreditation plaques. Each Toad Hall setting has received its own plaque, which will be proudly displayed as a visible testament to the team’s dedication to maintaining the highest first aid standards.

Tigerlily Training, a nationally respected provider of accredited first aid qualifications, has long been a trusted partner of Toad Hall Nursery. Every member of the nursery team completes Full Paediatric First Aid training through Tigerlily, achieving the provider’s highest level of accreditation. This ensures that staff across all settings are fully equipped with the knowledge and confidence needed to respond effectively in first aid situations.

To uphold this recognition and continually strengthen its approach to safety, Toad Hall Nursery follows a rigorous commitment to ongoing professional development and compliance, including:

Conducting first aid drills every six months , ensuring teams remain confident and prepared.
Aligning all first aid training with current EYFS 2025 and HSE standards , guaranteeing adherence to the latest regulatory guidance.
Providing annual refresher courses for all designated first aiders , keeping their skills sharp, up to date, and ready to put into action.

Thank you to Tigerlily Training for their ongoing support and collaboration in helping create safe, nurturing environments where children can learn, play, and thrive.

To find out more about our commitment to health and safety, click here .

Food & Nutrition Newsletter - Winter 2025

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 11:54:43 GMT

Stay up-to-date with the latest Food & Nutrition from Toad Hall Nursery Group

Welcome to the Winter 2025 edition of our Food and Nutrition newsletter, a roundup of the latest news from the Toad Hall kitchen.

In here, you In this edition, you’ll find a range of Food and Nutrition updates, resources and information on:

Important changes to our menus
Winter Menu news
Recipe of the Month
Compost bins
Autumn Bake Off competition news

Read the full newsletter here or on the image below.

Watford Nursery Raises Vital Funds for Local Gymnastics Instructor

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 15:18:13 GMT

Watford Nursery Raises Vital Funds for Local Gymnastics Instructor

The children, families, and staff at Toad Hall Nursery Watford have come together to raise vital funds in support of Ryan, their much-loved Supernastics instructor who delivers weekly gymnastics sessions at the nursery.

Recently, Ryan received the difficult news that he has been diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer and is currently undergoing treatment. In response, the Watford nursery community has rallied around him, determined to help in any way they can.

In October, the nursery organised a series of fundraising events, including a breakfast morning for parents, cake sale, raffle, sponsored gymnastics challenge, and a “wear bright colours” day to show support and lift spirits.

The incredible generosity and enthusiasm from everyone involved have helped raise over £700 to support Ryan during his treatment and recovery.

If you want to support the fundraising efforts of the team, visit the official JustGiving page here: Crowdfunding For Good From JustGiving

Autumn Bake Off winner announced

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 11:07:50 GMT

Star Baker Success

At Toad Hall, we love finding fun and creative ways to involve our children and families in learning experiences – and our recent Toad Hall Autumn Bake Off was a perfect example of that! The competition invited children and their families from across our nurseries to bake something special together with an autumn theme and share their creations with us.

The entries were full of imagination, effort and delicious ideas. We’re thrilled to announce that Daniel from our Woking Nursery has been crowned this year’s Toad Hall Star Baker !

Daniel, with the help of his nanny, baked a beautifully spiced Apple and Cinnamon Cake that impressed everyone with its flavour and presentation. What made it even more special was that Daniel brought the recipe into nursery to share with his friends and teachers – a wonderful example of our home learning partnership in action.

As a reward for his fantastic effort, Daniel will receive his very own Toad Hall baking set – we’re sure he’ll be putting it to good use very soon!

If you’d like to try Daniel’s winning recipe at home, you can follow it below.

Apple & Cinnamon Cake Recipe

Ingredients:

4 oz butter
6 oz caster sugar
2 eggs (beaten)
8 oz self-raising flour
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp mixed spice
1 lb cooking apples (1–2 large apples)
3–4 tbsp milk

Method:

Preheat the oven to Gas Mark 4.
Grease and line an 8-inch cake tin.
Beat the eggs and set aside.
Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Gradually add the beaten eggs, mixing well after each addition.
Fold in the sieved flour and spices.
Peel, core and finely dice the apples, then gently fold them into the mixture.
Add enough milk to achieve a soft dropping consistency.
Spoon the mixture into the prepared tin.
Bake for approximately 75 minutes, checking partway through to ensure the top doesn’t brown too much.
Once baked, sprinkle with sugar if desired and leave to cool before serving.

Well done to everyone who took part in the Bake Off this year; it was wonderful to see so many families getting involved and baking together.

Our Promise of Safety at Toad Hall Nursery

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 11:54:51 GMT

Our Promise of Safety at Toad Hall Nursery

At Toad Hall Nursery, nothing matters more to us than the safety, health, and wellbeing of your child. We understand how important it is for you to feel confident that your little one is in safe hands — and that’s why we’ve created a secure, nurturing environment built on robust procedures, caring staff, and a culture of safety. Each of our nurseries holds Emerald Membership with Hygenisys , recognised experts in safety compliance, which means we undergo regular audits and maintain the highest standards in hygiene, health, and safety practices across all our settings.

Policies, Procedures & Regulatory Standards

We fully comply fully with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory health and safety guidelines, which set out national expectations for the safety, welfare, and learning environment of young children.

Our commitment to safety is built on strong internal policies, defined procedures, and a culture of personalised care. These are instilled in our team from their very first day with us through their comprehensive induction.

Each of our nurseries holds Emerald or Ruby Membership with Hygenisys , experts in safety compliance. This recognition means we are committed to upholding the highest standards in food safety, fire safety, and health & safety.

Staff Training & Professional Development

Our dedicated team is the centre of our safe, caring environment. From their very first day, all staff undergo thorough induction and receive regular training to stay up to date with best practices, including:

Paediatric First Aid – delivered through our trusted partner, Tigerlily Training.
Safeguarding & Child Protection – to identify and act on any concerns.
Food Hygiene & Allergen Awareness – ensuring safe preparation and serving of food, and careful allergy management.
Fire Safety & Emergency Evacuation – so every team member knows how to respond calmly and efficiently.
Intruder Awareness – helping keep everyone safe should an unauthorised person enter.
Manual Handling – to lift safely and reduce injury risk.
Infection Control – maintaining hygiene and reducing illness.
COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) – identifying and evaluating the risks hazardous substances pose to health and preventing or minimizing exposure.
Health & Safety Awareness – including risk assessments and safe working practices.

Safeguarding & Recruitment

Every nursery has a designated Safeguarding Lead, supported by our company-wide Head of Safeguarding, who ensures that best protection practice in child protection is always maintained.

All team members are recruited through our safer recruitment process that includes:

Enhanced DBS checks
Identity and qualification verification
In-depth induction
Ongoing supervision and training

This helps us ensure that only the most trusted, qualified individuals care for your children.

Security of Premises & Access Control

Physical security is vital at our nurseries. Our settings are equipped with secure entry and exit systems, and we enforce strict access protocols whereby only those authorised individuals can enter.

Visitors are required to follow sign‑in and sign‑out procedures so we can monitor who is on site at all times.

Food Safety and Allergies

To mitigate the risks that mealtimes and food can present:

Kitchen teams hold up‑to‑date food hygiene certifications, while food preparation areas are maintained to the highest cleanliness and safety standards.
Nursery staff are trained in food safety to supervise mealtimes and ensure hygiene is upheld.
For children with special dietary requirements or allergies, we have individual care plans and procedures to prevent cross‑contamination.

Health & Safety Reviews

To ensure our policies and procedures remain current and effective, we hold quarterly health and safety meetings with a dedicated committee composed of safety representatives from each of our nurseries. Additionally, we conduct an annual review of our Health and Safety manual to ensure ongoing compliance with relevant frameworks and legislation.

By embedding safety into every aspect of our nurseries —we give parents peace of mind and children a safe, happy place to learn and grow.

If you’d like to find out more about our approach to safety visit our Health and Safety page , or get in touch with our friendly team.

Crawley Nursery Celebrates First Birthday with Exciting Expansion

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 16:04:02 GMT

Toad Hall Nursery Crawley has marked its first anniversary with a special celebration for families and guests, highlighting a successful year and an exciting expansion.

The nursery has recently expanded by opening a new preschool room upstairs. The light, modern, and spacious environment is fully equipped with preschool resources, offering children the perfect setting to learn, play, and grow.

Nursery Manager, Sonya Thakar, said:
"We are delighted to be celebrating our first year at Toad Hall Crawley. It has been wonderful to see the nursery flourish, and we’re excited to expand further so we can welcome even more children. We have a fantastic team of dedicated staff who are ready to support every child’s journey with us."

Looking ahead, the nursery has plans for further development aimed at enhancing children’s experiences - from integrating the rooms to support free-flow play and exploration, to creating a dedicated technology space - all while continuing to expand and provide even more opportunities for the local community.

To find out more or to book a tour, visit www.toadhall-nursery.co.uk/crawley or contact the team at crawley@toadhall-nursery.co.uk .

Winner of Best Childcare & Day Nursery Collection 2025

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 10:38:55 GMT

We’re thrilled to share that Toad Hall Nursery has been named Best Childcare & Day Nursery Collection 2025!

This recognition comes as part of SME News' prestigious Business Elite Awards , an annual programme now in its eighth year. The awards celebrate and showcase outstanding businesses across the UK that continue to grow, inspire, and innovate within their industries — and we are proud to be among them.

What makes this award especially meaningful is that winners are chosen purely on merit . SME News' research team carries out a meticulous selection process, drawing on publicly available information and records to identify businesses that truly stand out in their field.

To be recognised for the quality of our childcare and early years education is an incredible honour — and a wonderful way to celebrate everything we’ve achieved together.

Thank you to everyone who has been a part of our journey!

NMT SENCO Award Finalist 2025!

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 12:02:50 GMT

We’re delighted to share that Kerry Webb from Toad Hall Nursery Horley has been named a Finalist for the SENCO Award at the NMT Nursery Awards 2025!

This national recognition highlights Kerry’s incredible commitment to inclusion and her dedication to supporting children with Special Educational Needs (SEN).

Kerry has been part of the Toad Hall family for over 20 years, and we couldn’t be prouder. Her passion, expertise, and unwavering dedication shine through every single day. She consistently goes above and beyond to support children, families, and colleagues – making a lasting difference to everyone around her.

“Congratulations, Kerry! Being recognised in these prestigious awards is a wonderful honour and a reflection of your outstanding commitment to supporting children with additional needs. At Toad Hall Nursery Group, inclusion is at the heart of our ethos – we are proud to provide an environment where every child is valued, supported, and given the opportunity to reach their full potential.”
– Kate Bridgman, Joint Head of Operations

At Toad Hall, each of our nurseries has a dedicated SENDCo who works closely with children, parents, and staff to ensure the best possible outcomes. Our specialist SEN team also provides guidance on referrals, access to support, funding, and key information to help families confidently navigate their child’s developmental journey.

Food & Nutrition Newsletter - Summer 2025

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 13:03:37 GMT

Stay up-to-date with the latest Food & Nutrition from Toad Hall Nursery Group

Welcome to the Summer 2025 edition of our Food and Nutrition newsletter, a roundup of the latest news from the Toad Hall kitchen.

In here, you In this edition, you’ll find a range of Food and Nutrition updates, resources and information on:

Food Safety
Summer Food Play Ideas
Recipe of the Month

Read the full newsletter here or on the image below.

Eco & Sustainability Newsletter - Summer 2025

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 09:52:10 GMT

Stay up-to-date with the latest Eco & Sustainability news from Toad Hall Nursery Group

Welcome to the very first issue of our Eco & Sustainability Newsletter! At Toad Hall Nursery Group, we’re dedicated to creating a greener, more sustainable future for every child.

In here, you will find a range of eco & sustainability updates, resources, and information on:

Eco-friendly initiatives
Celebrate our progress across our nurseries
Eco Events
Simple tips to save energy

Read the full newsletter here or on the image below.

Toad Hall Nursery Earns National Recognition for SEN Support and Childcare Services

Thu, 22 May 2025 11:29:11 GMT

We’re proud to share that Toad Hall Nursery Group has been recognised as Runner-Up in the Best SEN Support category and named a finalist for Childcare Provider of the Year at the 2025 Childcare Services Awards!

This national recognition is a proud moment for our team and reflects our ongoing dedication to inclusive practice and supporting children with Special Educational Needs (SEN).

Each of our nurseries has a dedicated SENDCo who works closely with children, parents, and staff to ensure the best possible outcomes. Our dedicated SEN team provides guidance on referrals, accessing support, funding, and sharing key information to help families navigate their child's developmental journey.

We believe in personalised learning to cater to each child's unique needs. Here are some of the things we have in place to make that happen.

Makaton is integrated into daily routines, songs, and storytelling to create a more accessible learning environment.
Visual aids are used throughout the nurseries to support children with hearing difficulties.
We incorporate schemas into play to encourage child-led learning experiences, such as enclosed spaces, spinning objects, and movement-based activities.
Activities are adapted to individual needs, including smaller group sessions, quiet spaces, and sensory-friendly materials.

“We are honoured to have been recognised in these prestigious awards. This achievement is a testament to the unwavering commitment and expertise of our team in supporting children with additional needs. At Toad Hall, inclusion is not just a principle, it’s a core part of our ethos. We proudly provide a nurturing environment where every child is valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential - all while making magical memories along the way.” Katrina Otomoso, Head of Operations

Our dedication to inclusive, high-quality early years education has never been stronger. Thank you to our incredible staff, supportive families, and wider community for helping us achieve this proud moment.

Kerry’s 20-Year Milestone: Celebrating Dedication at Toad Hall Nursery

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 08:27:29 GMT

We’re celebrating a truly remarkable achievement - our amazing Nursery Manager, Kerry, from Toad Hall Nursery in Horley, has been part of our family for an incredible 20 years!

Kerry’s passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment shine through every day. She goes above and beyond to support children, families, and staff, making a lasting impact on everyone around her.

Her journey began as an Apprentice, and over the years, Kerry has gained extensive experience in various roles, continually developing her skills. Kerry holds a Foundation Degree in Early Years and a Level 5 qualification in SEND, which has shaped her into the outstanding leader she is today.

Her expertise was reflected in the nursery’s last glowing Ofsted report (November 2022), which highlighted the strong support for children with SEND, stating: "Support for children with SEND is a strength of the nursery. As a result, children with SEND make good progress in learning and development."

We are incredibly proud of Kerry and grateful for her 20 years of dedication. Please join us in celebrating this amazing milestone—thank you, Kerry, for everything you do!

Celebrating Success: Hitchin Nursery Achieves 'Good' Ofsted Rating

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 15:22:53 GMT

We are thrilled to share the news that our Hitchin nursery has received a 'Good' rating from Ofsted!

This achievement reflects the hard work, dedication, and passion our team puts into providing exceptional care and learning experiences for the children who attend. Below, we’ll take a closer look at the highlights from the inspection report.

Our curriculum fosters a love for learning, supporting each child’s growth and providing a strong foundation for their future success. Ofsted stated that “Staff implement an ambitious curriculum that is embedded well throughout the nursery. Activities are thoughtfully planned to extend children's curiosity and sequence their learning” and that the children show positive attitudes towards learning.

At our nursery, staff "act as positive role models and set out clear expectations," creating a supportive environment where children are encouraged to behave well. By helping children learn routines and "effectively manage transitions," staff ensure that every child feels secure and supported, promoting their overall well-being. Additionally, our team demonstrates a deep understanding of each child's unique development, showing "good knowledge of children's next steps." They provide a "rich range of learning experiences" to support these individual needs, ensuring that each child is given the right opportunities to grow and thrive.

It was highlighted that physical development is strongly supported at the nursery, both indoors and outdoors. “Activities such as yoga sessions help children practice balance, coordination, and mindfulness”, encouraging them to develop essential motor skills. “Outdoor play further enhances motor skills, with children actively involving staff as they engaging in activities, such as painting, trike riding, and mud kitchen play.”

Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities receive strong support at our nursery. “Staff promote a collaborative approach, working closely with both parents and external professionals” to ensure each child’s needs are met effectively. The nursery maintains an inclusive environment, with staff “liaising regularly with the team to adapt spaces and implement strategies that meet individual learning needs”. This ensures that all children, regardless of their abilities, have access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed.

The inspector also reported how highly valued our partnership with parents is, commenting on how “families engaged through events, such as stay-and-play sessions, grandparents' days, and festivals” and kept informed and involved through newsletters, boards, and more.

Speaking on the inspection, Jeni Goss, Head of Early Years, Safeguarding & Compliance at Toad Hall Nursery said, " We are delighted with Toad Hall Hitchin’s recent Ofsted outcome of ‘Good! The manager and her team have worked incredibly hard, and I am thrilled that Ofsted recognised their ambitious curriculum and how well the staff play alongside children and narrate their play helping them to hear and learn new words.

The staff team were praised for acting as positive role models for the children and for valuing children’s voices. Ofsted commented that:

“Staff provide activities that are thoughtfully planned to extend children’s curiosity and scaffold their learning.”

The team were also praised for their strong SEND provision and were recognised for the collaborative approach they use with parents, as well as the tools they use to help SEND children to have a positive start to their day.

Staff reported to Ofsted that they feel valued, appreciated, and feel their achievements are celebrated. The team certainly have a lot to celebrate after such a strong inspection, we are incredibly proud of them."

To read the full report, click here .

To find out more about Toad Hall Nursery Hitchin or to book a tour, email hitchin@toadhall-nursery.co.uk or call 01462 450354 .

Keeping your little ones healthy and safe - February 2025 Newsletter

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 09:29:33 GMT

Stay up-to-date with the latest health and safety news for children

At Toad Hall Nursery Group, the safety of our children, staff, and parents is paramount. We strictly adhere to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) health and safety guidelines, which childcare settings in England are required to follow.

To help you stay up-to-date with the latest health and safety news for children, we have put together the first 2025 edition of our Health and Safety newsletter. You will find a range of Health and Safety updates, resources, and information on:

Why are nappy sacks so dangerous?
Laundry pods & capsule safety
Keeping children safe in early years
What to do if a baby/child is choking
Safer sleep advice
Eco section - Recycling waste across our nurseries
Things children can do at home to help the environment

Read the full newsletter here or on the image below.

Progression opportunities following an apprenticeship

Fri, 14 Feb 2025 10:15:59 GMT

To round off National Apprenticeship Week, we delved into Jordan’s apprenticeship story to find out more about the progression opportunities available to those who start as an apprentice.

Why did you choose a career in childcare?

I’ve always had an interest in caring for people and animals. I did my Level 3 Health and Social Care with work experience at a school setting. This sparked my decision to follow into childcare.

What were the reasons for choosing an apprenticeship over other routes into the industry?

Learning as I work and being more hands on is the best way I learn. University was not an interest of mine, and I enjoy forming bonds with families and children.

How did Toad Hall Nursery support you throughout your apprenticeship?

By giving me time to learn, being patient, teaching me new skills, and providing further training.

How has your career progressed since qualifying?

Since gaining my Level 3, I have been promoted to Room Leader. I am now a SENCo and looking to become a Team Leader.

What further training opportunities have you received?

Training I have attended includes First Aid (Paediatric and Emergency first aid), SEND, safeguarding, magical maths, and role-play training.

What would you say to someone considering an apprenticeship with Toad Hall Nursery?

I would recommend the friendly and supportive environment. Huge progression is available, and lovely staff, children and families.

We hope you have enjoyed learning more about apprenticeships with Toad Hall Nursery and celebrating National Apprenticeship Week 2025 with us. To find out more about our apprenticeships and our current vacancies, please contact our Recruitment team.

Awesome Apprenticeships in Childcare

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 10:19:46 GMT

Hear from 2024' Awesome Apprentice Liam

In celebration of National Apprenticeship Week 2025, we continue to shine a light on the positive impact that apprenticeships make to individuals and to our nurseries.

We spoke with Liam, our newly qualified Nursery Nurse at Toad Hall Nursery Walton-on-Thames and winner of the Awesome Apprentice Award 2024, to find out more about how he found his apprenticeship with us.

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Why choose an apprenticeship with Toad Hall Nursery

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 10:38:56 GMT

This week we are celebrating National Apprenticeship Week!

Whether you are just starting out, looking to further your qualifications, or changing your career, an apprenticeship is a great way to acquire valuable skills and hands-on experience in childcare and early years.

At Toad Hall Nursery, many of our current team members joined as Apprentices, and, after qualifying, have progressed in their careers with us.

We spoke with some of the team from our nursery in Horley about their apprenticeship journey past and present.

Why did you choose a career in childcare?

“To support children’s development in all aspects, help them thrive with their learning and to help shape their future.” Rochelle

“From an early age I always wanted to work with children and in the early years and was given the perfect opportunity to start my career with Toad Hall which I have never looked back on. I love watching children develop and meet their milestones no matter how long that takes them and have always had a special interest in supporting children with special educational needs.” Kerry

“I always knew from a young age that I wanted to work with children and be a part of helping them learn and develop.” Jessica

What were the reasons for choosing an apprenticeship over other routes into the industry?

“I came to Toad Hall as a qualified Level 2. I was given the opportunity to do my Level 3 which I wanted to do to develop my knowledge and understanding.” Sarah

“I wanted to work in childcare but had a qualification in health and social care, so I chose an apprenticeship so I could work alongside learning and gain experience.” Rachael

“After completing my Level 2 at college, I went on to do my Level 3 through an apprenticeship. I found that I learnt much quicker while also working in a nursery setting and always had the support and guidance from the people I worked with if I needed help. Choosing an apprenticeship helped me to develop my experience with working in a nursery setting while also working towards a qualification.” Jessica

“I learn a lot better when I put into practice what I am learning.” Eve

“You earn whilst you learn on the job!” Hayden

“Being able to learn and gain experience whilst working on the job and putting into action what I have learnt.” Rochelle

“For me the decision was easy! I struggled hugely at school with reading and writing and knew I would not succeed in my dream on a different route. Completing an apprentice gave me all the practical learning which I was much better at and support from a nursery and others that had been through the same journey.” Kerry

How did Toad Hall Nursery support you throughout your apprenticeship?

“Toad Hall supported me through every step from ensuring I had access to a tutor and allowing time to complete my work. Managers were always on hand to help and offer advice when I was struggling or didn’t understand, and all my achievements were celebrated.” Kerry

“By giving me the time and resources required to do the best I can.” Hayden

“I felt very supported through my apprenticeship, I knew that I could rely on support of everyone around me if I ever needed any help with any of my coursework. I was always pushed out of my comfort zone in a positive way and pushed to my strengths.” Jessica

“They gave me time out to do my training and complete assignments. Gave me feedback after activities carried out and everyday practice.” Rochelle

How has your career progressed since qualifying?

“I did my Level 3 at Toad Hall and then went on to do my Team Leadership course, becoming a Team Leader at the nursery.” Sarah

“When I finished my apprenticeship, I was employed as a Nursery Nurse and over the years I built up my confidence to eventually becoming a Room Leader.” Jessica

“Since completing my apprenticeship, I have worked my way up from Nursery Nurse to Room Leader, then Team Leader to Assistant Manager, and now to my current position of Nursery Manager.” Kerry

Have you received any further training opportunities since completing your apprenticeship?

“After completing my Level 2 and Level 3 apprenticeships, I was able to complete my Foundation degree through Ipswich University and have completed further training and diplomas around SEN.” Kerry

“Two years after achieving my Level 2, I went on to complete my Level 3 qualification, as well as ongoing learning courses through the National College and toolbox talks.” Rachael

“Yes - before becoming a Room Leader I competed a course in Team Leading - this helped me grow my confidence on my journey to becoming a Room Leader.” Jessica

“We have National College training that has given us opportunities to develop our learning, and I will soon be attending DSL training.” Sarah

What would you say to someone considering an apprenticeship with Toad Hall Nursery?

“It will be one of the best and most rewarding jobs you can do.” Hayden

“It is a good opportunity to open more doors, improve your knowledge and gain experience within a setting.” Sarah

“Doing an apprenticeship opened so many opportunities, this is just the start of a long career with lots of room for progression after you’ve completed the apprenticeship. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, there is always lots of help and support!” Jessica

“Go for it! Gain the knowledge and experience whilst being supported.” Rochelle

“Best decision I ever made, you get the best of both worlds and are so much more supported than going to college. Apprenticeship teaches you so much more then college ever could. I don’t regret my decision and would always recommend.” Kerry

“Doing this apprenticeship is rewarding and has great opportunities to learn and develop.” Eve

Are you eligible for funded childcare?

Thu, 06 Feb 2025 11:41:27 GMT

From September 2025, the amount of funded childcare available is expanding!

Eligible working parents with children aged under 3 will soon be able to access up to 30 hours funded childcare per week for 38 weeks of the year. This will be accessible from the term after their child turns 9 months until they reach school age. This is an increase from the 15 hours currently available.

Are you eligible?

You can usually get funded childcare for working parents if you (and your partner, if you have one) are:

in work or starting a new job
on sick leave or annual leave
on shared parental, maternity, paternity or adoption leave

The amount of funded childcare you can get depends on:

your child’s age and circumstances
your income (and your partner’s income, if you have one)
your immigration status

To check your eligibility, please visit Government Childcare Choices .

When can I access the working parent offer?

Steps to claim your funded childcare

1. Find your nearest nursery

2. Check your eligibility

3. Apply and claim your code

4. Provide us with your funding code – You will need to renew your code every 3 months; however, your code will remain the same so we will not require this again.

Childcare support set to expand in September 2025

Fri, 17 Jan 2025 10:20:42 GMT

Upcoming changes to childcare support

Starting in September 2025, childcare support will be expanded! Working parents with children aged 9 months to school age may qualify for 30 hours of funded childcare per week during term-time.

Find out below how many hours of early years education you may be eligible for per week.

To find out more information and check if you are eligible, please visit - Upcoming changes to childcare support | Childcare choices or contact your local nursery.

International Men's Day 2024: Men in Childcare

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 12:38:02 GMT

They say it takes a village to raise a child – this includes males too!

On International Men’s Day, we celebrate the positive male role models we are lucky to have within our company, from those who work in our

nursery settings to those working in our Head Office.

Official figures show that only 2% of people who work in early years education in England are male, a figure which we would very much like to see increase. We believe children should be cared for by a wide-cross of the community, including men, providing children with opportunities to experience positive male role models.

We spoke with Josh, a Modern Apprentice from our nursery in Woking to ask him his thoughts on men working in childcare.

What inspired you to start your career in Early Years?

My family work with children and they really inspired me to go forwards with this career. I have had previous work experience and I baby sit also. I like knowing that I can work towards helping young children develop in lots of different skills.

How did you find coming into a predominantly female industry and workplace?

The first day I started Toad Hall Nursery I felt so welcome – being the only male here all the team made me feel very welcome. I feel that men don’t feel they can work in Early Years, but they can! People need to be more aware of this as an option for them.

Since starting everyone has been so supportive and it is a happy, welcoming and kind environment to work in. I am looking forward to now gaining my qualifications!

What do you feel you can offer differently as a male practitioner?

I can offer myself as a male role model to the children, showing them and guiding them on their journey in learning.

What do you feel stops more men from joining the profession?

I don’t feel that men in childcare is spoken about enough! We could see more pictures on social media and online to promote men in working in childcare.

Click here to find out more about our career opportunities at Toad Hall Nursery or email recruitment@toadhall-nursery.co.uk .

(Source: DFE Childcare and Early Years Providers Survey)

A 'Good' Rating for our Wellingborough Nursery

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 15:16:29 GMT

We are delighted to announce that following their first ever Ofsted inspection, Toad Hall Nursery Wellingborough has received a GOOD rating. This comes at the perfect time as we are also soon to be celebrating the nursery’s 1 ^st birthday!

We are delighted to announce that following their first ever Ofsted inspection, Toad Hall Nursery Wellingborough has received a GOOD rating. This comes at the perfect time as we are also soon to be celebrating the nursery’s 1 ^st birthday!

The Inspector describes the nursery as “welcoming”, “well organised and equipped with a wide range of resources that contributes to children being motivated to explore and be curious.”

The report continues to detail the “clear, positive relationships between staff and children” and how “staff are positive role models”. Our supportive team are committed to providing each child with the very best care and learning experiences, with Ofsted identifying staff promoting children’s well-being and encouraging “children to be creative and follow their own ideas” which “promotes children’s confidence and self-esteem.”

At Toad Hall Nursery, we go the extra mile to work together with parents and carers to create a true childcare partnership. The reports recounts how “Parents are warmly welcomed into the nursery every day and staff give them detailed information about how their child has been and about the activities they have taken part in. Parents like the support the staff give them in relation to helping their children continue their learning at home. The effective partnership between parents and staff contributes to children receiving a consistent approach.”

Although the nursery and team are relatively new, the Inspector says “there is a clear team spirit and approach in this nursery. Staff work well together and feel valued and supported by the management team.” We are proud that this has been identified and excited for what it to come for this setting!

To read the full Ofsted report, click here .

To find out more about Toad Hall Nursery Wellingborough or to book a tour, please email wellingborough@toadhall-nursery.co.uk or call 01933 848982 .

Toad Hall Nursery Group Earns Food for Life Silver Certification

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 11:06:39 GMT

We are delighted to announce we have earned the Food for Life Served Here Silver certification from the Soil Association for providing healthy and sustainable meals across our 12 sites.

Our nursery chefs freshly prepare each certified meal, using ingredients that are free from additives, artificial trans fats, and GM ingredients. The meat served is fully traceable back to the farm and meets or exceeds UK animal welfare standards. Eggs are free-range, fish is sustainably sourced, and our menus feature seasonal ingredients, all contributing to a reduced environmental impact.

The Food for Life Served Here certification recognises and celebrates our commitment to sustainability, ethical practices, and cooking from scratch.

“Our team is incredibly proud to have achieved the Silver award at Toad Hall Nurseries,” said Head Chef Kayleigh Forest Foster. “We serve five nutritious meals daily, using fresh, local produce from our partner Creed, known for their commitment to ethical and environmentally friendly practices.”

Our nurseries are currently enjoying the delicious Autumn/Winter menu, perfect for the cooler, shorter days. Seasonal offerings include hearty dishes like Beef & Butternut Squash Stew with Mash, Fish Pie with Gnocchi and Greens, and a comforting Mixed Berry Crumble.

Read more about Nutrition and Food at Toad Hall Nursery here .

Chessington Nursery Achieves 'Good' Rating from Ofsted

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 15:33:58 GMT

We are pleased to announce that Toad Hall Nursery Chessington has received a GOOD Ofsted rating following their recent inspection. The report positively coveys the warm and welcoming environment we provide for our families, and the dedication of our team members who were identified as ‘good role models’ for the children.

In the report, it was highlighted that the “Staff know children well and build warm and secure relationships with them. Children demonstrate they feel safe and are well settled”. At Toad Hall Nursery, we strive to make our setting a home from home environment where children feel a sense of belonging.

For those just starting at our nursery, we offer several settling-in sessions to ensure the child and parents feel secure when they start. Referring to this, Ofsted said “An effective settling-in procedure is in place to ensure that parents have plenty of opportunities to share information with their child's key person. Children complete several settling-in sessions, which supports staff to learn about children's interests and routines to ensure that the process runs as smoothly as possible.”

Our team were praised for their “good understanding of how children learn” and how the curriculum they have implemented is used to “plan weekly activities to ensure that all children make good progress and reach their curriculum goals.” The report continues to say “Staff are positive role models for behaviour. They give gentle reminders to children about how to behave and encourage children to develop good manners. As a result, children are kind and considerate to each other, and they learn to take turns and share their toys.”

We believe that parental involvement with nursery life is critical and greatly beneficial to the children. Ofsted identified that “Leaders and staff have good relationships with parents, and they provide regular opportunities to involve them and keep them up to date with their children's learning.” The special events we hold such as Sports Day and Parent meetings are all ways we work as a partnership with parents to achieve the best for each child.

Not only do we work hard to ensure the children enjoy their time with us, but we also want our staff to enjoy what they do. Ofsted said “Staff are well supported by leaders, who are passionate about the nursery and their staff team. Leaders support and coach staff effectively to continue to develop and build on their knowledge.”

Jeni Goss, Head of Early Years, Safeguarding & Compliance, said "We are delighted with Toad Hall Chessington’s recent Ofsted outcome of Good! The team have worked incredibly hard, and we are very happy that that recognition was given to the teams hard work by commenting that staff know children well and build warm and secure relationships with them and that children demonstrate they feel safe and are well settled

We were also proud that Ofsted recognised our welcoming and home-from-home environment where children thrive and our well-resourced gardens. Our bespoke curriculum was also praised with Ofsted saying:

“Together, staff have created a curriculum focusing on children's social skills, communication, being healthy and experiencing nature. They

use this to plan weekly activities to ensure that all children make good progress and reach their curriculum goals”

There was also praise for our dedication to keeping children safe by commenting that there is an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first, we couldn’t agree more."

To read the full Ofsted report, click here .

To find out more about Toad Hall Nursery Chessington or to book a tour, please email bridgeroad@toadhall-nursery.co.uk or call 020 8391 4447 .

New Nursery Coming Soon to Farnborough

Fri, 04 Oct 2024 10:13:20 GMT

We are delighted to be expanding into Hampshire with the opening of a brand-new nursery in Farnborough!

Farnborough is the perfect location for our next Toad Hall Nursery due to its popularity with families, excellent schools, and great sense of community. We cannot wait to be a part of it!

The nursery will be situated in The Old Library, a beautiful, detached Grade II listed building on Boundary Road. Work will soon commence to turn it from an office building to a modern and welcoming space for children to feel at home in. The nursery will also boast a large private garden for the children to explore.

To register your interest and hear about the latest updates on the nursery, please email farnborough@toadhall-nursery.co.uk .

We look forward to welcoming you to an open day soon!

To find out more about our Farnborough nursery, click here .

Enter our Summer Giveaway

Fri, 16 Aug 2024 10:08:07 GMT

Win an amazing arts and crafts kit for summer! This kit is packed with activities to keep your little one entertained. Plus, it comes with a lovely storage trolley to keep everything tidy at home! ✨��

How to enter:

- Like / follow our Facebook page

- Like the competition Facebook post

- Tell us your child’s favourite creative activity they do at nursery in the post comments

- Tag a friend who might like to enter in the post comments

�� All entries MUST be submitted by 11.59pm on Thursday 22nd August 2024. Winners will be notified after this date. Good luck!

Competition T’s & C’s:

- The prize is aimed at a young child, we recommend entering for children under 5 years old.

- You must live in England

- You must complete all of the 'How to enter' steps to be entered

- A winner will be randomly selected using an online tool selector and contacted directly

- You must collect the prize from one of our nurseries

- All entries must be submitted by 11.59 on Thursday 22nd August 2024

Disclaimer: this giveaway is not affiliated with or endorsed by Instagram/Facebook. Beware of scams, we will contact the winner directly.

Berkhamsted Nursery Achieves 'Good'Rating from Ofsted

Wed, 14 Aug 2024 11:26:05 GMT

We are delighted to announce that our Berkhamsted nursery has received a GOOD rating from Ofsted in their inspection which took place in July. The report was filled with fantastic feedback on the support our staff provide the children and their teaching skills, as well as our approach on staff wellbeing and more.

The report starts by stating how the “Children show their enjoyment of attending this welcoming nursery. They settle quickly and build secure relationships with staff.” This demonstrates how as a nursery we strive to ensure each child feels a sense of belonging at our setting and enjoys their time with us.

Our team is our strongest asset, they have a “genuine enthusiasm for their work and are committed to the nursery’s continuous development”. The Inspector identified numerous ways in which they successfully support the children in our care, from adapting the nursery curriculum “to reflect children’s needs” to providing secure monitoring meaning “any gaps in children’s learning is quickly addressed”.

The report continues to say, “Staff demonstrate good teaching skills and, on occasion, these are of a higher quality. Children show that they thoroughly enjoy their interactions with staff.”

Not only do we work hard to ensure the children enjoy their time with us, but we also want our staff to enjoy what they do. The report highlighted how the senior team “act as good role models and staff reflect their commitment and positivity”, while “a key strength of this nursery is the manager’s meticulous attention to promoting staff well-being”.

Jeni Goss, Head of Early Years at Toad Hall Nursery Group, commented “We are absolutely delighted with such a strong ‘Good’ outcome at our Berkhamsted nursery. We are particularly proud that Ofsted recognised the high-quality activities we provide for the children and how staff's enthusiasm and their belief in children's abilities helps them persist and learn more. We are also incredibly proud of the manager, Alicia, who Ofsted quite rightly recognised as a key strength in the setting, not only for her genuine enthusiasm for work but also for her meticulous attention to promoting staff well-being. We know that happy staff, means happy children and families and this is a testament to how hard Alicia and her team work.

We are also pleased that Ofsted recognised our vigilant staff team who ensure children are safe and support them in understanding safety. Keeping children safe is paramount and a responsibility we take seriously at Toad Hall Nursery.”

To read the full Ofsted report, click here .

To find out more about Toad Hall Nursery Berkhamsted or to book a tour, please email berkhamsted@toadhall-nursery.co.uk or call 01442 871 777 .

Langley Nursery Management Team Honoured for Commitment to Inclusion

Wed, 05 Jun 2024 09:33:55 GMT

The management team at Toad Hall Nursery in Langley has been locally recognised by the Slough Council and Children’s First for their exceptional dedication to creating an inclusive learning environment for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

Natalie Brown, the Nursery Manager, and Sharon Poole, the Assistant Manager and Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENDco), have worked tirelessly to ensure that Toad Hall Nursery Langley meets the diverse needs of all its children. Their unwavering support for both children and their parents on their SEND journey has been instrumental in adapting the nursery's provisions to overcome individual challenges and barriers, allowing every child to thrive and reach their full potential.

“We are truly honoured to receive this award and to have our hard work recognised by the local community,” said Natalie Brown. “Our commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where every child can succeed is at the heart of everything we do.”

The award highlights the team's innovative approaches and the positive impact of their work in promoting inclusivity and support for children with SEND.

Toad Hall Nursery Group Welcomes Community to Preview Newly Renovated Nursery

Wed, 22 May 2024 14:50:13 GMT

We hosted a highly successful open event on Friday, May 18th, and Saturday, May 19th, inviting local families and businesses in Crawley to preview our newly renovated nursery. The event saw an impressive turnout, with over 100 families eager to explore the new facilities.

The new nursery aims to provide a warm and inviting environment for children, parents, and carers. With a focus on individual curriculum planning, children will have the opportunity to play, learn, and grow, creating magical memories along the way. The Crawley Nursery is scheduled to open in Summer 2024.

Katrina Otomoso, Joint Head of Operations, expressed her excitement, stating, "We are delighted with our recent Open Day. It was a pleasure to meet everyone and show them around. Thank you to the Crawley community for being so welcoming!"

Conveniently located at 117 Ifield Road, just minutes from Crawley town centre, the nursery is housed in a large Victorian home. The building offers a light, modern, and spacious setting. The extensive outdoor area will include gardens tailored to different age groups and a dedicated Forest School area, ensuring a comprehensive and enriching experience for all attendees.

Toad Hall Nursery Crawley looks forward to becoming a cherished part of the Crawley community, fostering the development and happiness of local children.

For parents wishing to register their interest in our new nursery - please contact the team at Crawley@toadhall-nursery.co.uk .

We are actively recruiting new staff for our new nursery, and anyone interested should contact our recruitment team: recruitment@toadhall-nursery.co.uk

Funded childcare expanded offer is now open for children aged 9+ months

Tue, 14 May 2024 10:28:02 GMT

Eligible families can claim 15 hours of government funded childcare for children that are 9+ months old, this will be from September 2024.

This is an expansion of the recent changes for 2-year-old's that launched in April 2024. Eligible families can apply for a code from the 12th May 2024. This is offered across all our nurseries for 38 weeks during term time.

Feeling unsure about how to claim your funded quality childcare hours starting September 2024?

No worries! We've got you covered with a simple step-by-step guide below to streamline the process and ensure a smooth experience.

For more information about the upcoming changes to childcare support, visit the Childcare Choices website.

To book a tour and secure a place at one of our nurseries, please get in touch.

Toad Hall Nursery set to open a brand-new nursery in Crawley

Mon, 29 Apr 2024 10:40:53 GMT

We're expanding to West Sussex with the opening of a brand-new nursery in Crawley!

We are extremely excited to announce we will be opening of a brand-new nursery in Crawley , with hopes of welcoming local families to start this summer.

Located on Ifield Road, minutes from Crawley town centre, our new nursery is set in a large Victorian home which we are completely renovating to offer a light, modern, and spacious setting. The extensive outdoor space will boast gardens for each age group and its very own Forest School area.

The nursery will provide a welcoming space for children, parents, and carers to feel at home, with individual curriculum planning allowing children to play, learn and adapt while exploring new things and making magical memories.

To showcase the nursery, we would like to invite you to our upcoming open days on Friday 17 ^th and Saturday 18 ^th May from 10am-2pm. This will give you the opportunity to tour the setting, meet the team, and find out everything about nursery life – from curriculum and safeguarding to what’s included, and more. To reserve an appointment, please contact us .

Gail Tanner and Claire French, Co-Managing Directors of Toad Hall Nursery, said

“Toad Hall Nursery Group initially launched over thirty years ago with the goal of creating a nursery that delivered exceptional childcare and education, and we are delighted to now be opening our thirteenth setting in Crawley! Our neighbouring Horley Nursery has been a valued asset to the nearby residents for over 20 years, and we hope to extend this to the Crawley community. We look forward to welcoming everyone to the open events.”

For parents wishing to register their interest in our new nursery or book an appointment for one of our open days, please contact crawley@toadhall-nursery.co.uk .

To find out more about our Crawley nursery, click here .

Food & Nutrition Newsletter - Spring 2024

Wed, 24 Apr 2024 13:07:37 GMT

At Toad Hall Nursery, we believe in nourishing both minds and bodies!

Every day, our dedicated Nursery Chefs and Kitchen staff work their magic, preparing delicious meals right here on site. Freshness and quality are guaranteed!

Welcome to the first 2024 edition of our Food and Nutrition newsletter, a roundup of the latest news from the Toad Hall kitchen.

In this edition, you’ll find a range of Food and Nutrition updates, resources and information on:

Our Chef Day
Menu feedback
Weaning advice
Calcium and Vitamin D
Recipe of the Month

Read the full newsletter here or on the image below.

Walton-on-Thames Nursery Achieves 'Good' Rating from Ofsted

Tue, 16 Apr 2024 08:51:42 GMT

We're thrilled to announce that our Walton-on-Thames nursery has received a GOOD rating from Ofsted in our recent inspection conducted in March, accompanied by some outstanding feedback on curriculum, behaviour, and safeguarding.

The report describes how the children enjoyed their time at the nursery and benefited from the range of learning opportunities the staff provided for them.

Staff were praised for their attentiveness and extensive knowledge of child development. Their dedication ensures that babies receive the highest quality care and attention tailored to their needs. This nurturing environment provides babies with the emotional support they require, fostering a sense of security and contributing to the establishment of positive relationships.

Behaviour at the nursery was praised and it noted that throughout the nursery, ‘staff establish clear expectations for children's behaviour’.

The report underscores another significant aspect: the staff's commitment to equipping children with essential skills for school readiness. This includes fostering independence by teaching them to accomplish tasks autonomously. For instance, during mealtimes, children are encouraged to serve their meals and pour their drinks. Staff gently guide them in passing bowls and jugs to their peers, fostering independence in managing daily routines.

Jeni Goss, Head of Early Years at Toad Hall Nursery Group, commented “The team is so proud to receive such fantastic feedback, this is a testament to how hard they have worked over the last year. The report reflects not only the improvements they have made but also their passion and dedication to providing their children with the very best start in their learning journey. My highlights were seeing the team shine on the day itself and the praise the new curriculum received from the inspector, who could see it in action, pointing out the particular strength the staff have for thinking of ways to build on activities and promoting new language whilst also commenting on their warm interactions and the way they engage children. I am also thrilled that the inspector commented that there is an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first, I couldn’t agree more. Ensuring the wellbeing and safety of all our children remains our utmost priority at Toad Hall Nursery Group.”

The full Ofsted report is available to read here.

To find out more about our Walton-on-Thames nursery and book a tour, please get in touch with Ashlea our Nursery Manager on 01932 252 858 or email felcottroad@toadhall-nursery.co.uk .

Toad Hall Nursery Earns 2024 Great Place To Work Certification™

Fri, 12 Apr 2024 09:22:05 GMT

Toad Hall Nursery is proud to be Certified™ by Great Place To Work® for 2024.

The prestigious award is based entirely on what current employees say about their experience working with us, so we couldn't be more proud to achieve this.

We are fully committed to creating a positive, supportive, fun, and fulfilling work environment for all who work with us, from our nursery teams through to Head Office staff. We pride ourselves on our family atmosphere, which is one of the many reasons why so many of our employees have been with the company for 10+ years.

"Great Place To Work Certification is a highly coveted achievement that requires consistent and intentional dedication to the overall employee experience," says Sarah Lewis-Kulin, the Vice President of Global Recognition at Great Place To Work. She emphasizes that Certification is the sole official recognition earned by the real-time feedback of employees regarding their company culture. “By successfully earning this recognition, it is evident that Toad Hall Nursery stands out as one of the top companies to work for, providing a great workplace environment for its employees."

If you would like to join a company that puts it’s people at the forefront and somewhere you can make a positive difference daily, then visit our c areers page to find out more about our current opportunities.

Keeping your little ones healthy and safe - March 2024 Newsletter

Wed, 20 Mar 2024 11:39:20 GMT

Stay up-to-date with the latest health and safety news for children

To help you stay up to date with the latest health and safety news for children, we have put together the first 2024 edition of our Health and Safety newsletter. You will find a range of Health and Safety updates, resources, and information on:

Oral Health
Choking & Food Safety
Water Safety
Measles
How to determine if your child is well enough for the nursery day

Read the full newsletter here or on the image below.

Celebrating a Year of Heartfelt Fundraising: Supporting WellChild Every Step of the Way

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 10:15:42 GMT

In the past year, our twelve nurseries rallied together to support WellChild, a vital charity for seriously ill children and their families. From Las Vegas to Walton-on-Thames, we've run marathons, hosted dress-up days, and organised charity events to raise funds.

Highlights include our Head of Finance, Michael, completing the Las Vegas half marathon early in the year, setting the pace for an extraordinary year ahead. As temperatures peaked during the summer, our Walton-on-Thames staff united in spirit, pounded the pavement to complete the Weybridge 10k.

Children and families joined in, adding their joy to our efforts through various dress-up days and cake sales throughout the year.

We recently capped off our fundraising with a heartfelt gesture, presenting a cheque to WellChild paediatric nurses at our Chessington nursery.

“We are thrilled to have been invited to Toad Hall Nursery to be presented with the fundraising cheque on behalf of WellChild. It really is such an incredible gift to a charity that supports children with complex healthcare needs and their families. Thank you to everyone involved. Through your fundraising efforts, WellChild is able to continue to fund nurses like us to continue to care for children who need additional healthcare needs and ensure they can be safely discharged home to thrive at home with their families. We are proud to be WellChild Nurses and we are very grateful for all your support. Every contribution makes a difference.”
Alex McClements and Charlie Perth, WellChild Paediatric Long Term Ventilation Nurses

In every step and smile, we've shown that together, we can truly make a difference.

If you would like to donate to WellChild - My donation | WellChild Donations

Quick step funding guides for our parents

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 14:09:52 GMT

Parent Reminder: The deadline is approaching (31st March) to apply for 15 or 30 hours of childcare to start your place in April.

Feeling unsure about how to claim your funded quality childcare hours starting April 2024?

No worries! We've got you covered with a simple step-by-step guide to streamline the process and ensure a smooth experience.

For more information about the upcoming changes to childcare support, visit Early Years Education Funding information for our parents (toadhall-nursery.co.uk) .

Discover the Surprising Benefits of Winter Outdoor Play for Children!

Tue, 30 Jan 2024 09:49:08 GMT

As winter blankets the world in a glistening layer of frost and ice, the outdoors transforms into a magical playground for the children of Toad Hall Nursery, offering a unique set of benefits that extend beyond the chill in the air. Embracing the beauty of winter through outdoor play is not only invigorating but also contributes significantly to the overall well-being and development of our young minds.

Our beautiful, explorative garden spaces within our nurseries are accessible all year round and we actively encourage the children to engage in outdoor activities to reap the multitude of benefits they offer.

Physical Activity in the Fresh Air:

Outdoor activities not only promote cardiovascular health but also enhance gross motor skills, strength, and coordination.

Sensory Exploration:

The winter landscape offers a sensory experience like no other. As well as being a naturally calming environment, the children can gain so much from crunching through ice, feeling the cold air on their faces, and even playing out when it’s darker. Such experiences enhance sensory investigation, and provide rich experiences for fine motor skills as well as bodily awareness.

Boosting Immune Systems:

Exposure to cold weather can actually strengthen a child's immune system. Spending time outdoors in winter conditions helps the body adapt to temperature changes and builds resilience against common illnesses.

Vitamin D Absorption:

Winter sun, though less intense than in other seasons, still provides a valuable source of vitamin D. Outdoor play during daylight hours allows our children to absorb this essential vitamin, crucial for bone health, immune function, and overall well-being.

Cognitive Stimulation through Winter Challenges:

Winter play introduces children to a new set of challenges. Building structures with snow, navigating icy patches, and understanding the science behind freezing and melting provide cognitive stimulation. Problem-solving in a winter setting cultivates critical thinking skills and creativity.

In embracing the wonders of outdoor play during the winter season at Toad Hall Nursery, we not only provide our children with a healthy dose of fun but also give them a host of physical, mental, and emotional benefits. So, wrap up, step into the winter wonderland, and let the frosty adventures begin!

New early years education funding information for our parents

Wed, 22 Nov 2023 14:25:13 GMT

Upcoming changes to childcare support

We know that childcare can be costly, so wanted to help outline what educational funding is available to parents of children before they start school.

Currently, in England, all parents and carers of 3 and 4-year-olds are entitled to 15 hours a week of educational childcare. Eligible working parents and carers also get an additional 15 hours, bringing this up to a total of 30 hours a week. Some eligible parents of 2-year-old children may also be entitled to 15 hours of educational childcare.

New plans have been set out to help make quality childcare more affordable for families. Starting from April 2024, existing childcare will be expanded in phases and by September 2025, working parents with children aged 9 months to school age may be eligible for 30 hours of childcare over 38 weeks of the year.

Find out below how many hours of early years education you may be eligible for per week.

To find out more information, please visit - Upcoming changes to childcare support | Childcare choices or contact your local nursery.

Toad Hall Nursery Group celebrates 30 years!

Tue, 01 Aug 2023 10:35:50 GMT

Toad Hall Nursery Group celebrates 30 years!

July marked the 30 ^th birthday anniversary of Toad Hall Nursery Group! We first opened our doors thirty years ago and have grown to an impressive eleven established settings, with a twelfth site opening in Wellingborough later this year!

Birthday celebrations have been in full swing, all our eleven nurseries kick-started the fun by having their own birthday parties, including lots of birthday-themed play with celebratory games and food. Louise Cope, Senior Support Manager, at Haslemere Nursery, said “It was really lovely to involve the children in our birthday celebrations. We held a big party with lots of fun and games and everyone got involved! I’ve been with Toad Hall Nursery Group now for over 17 years, it’s been amazing to celebrate this special milestone with them.”

Our staff celebrations followed, and all staff and their families were invited to a Family Away Day at Ascot Racecourse. Families were treated to an action-packed day of entertainment, food and plenty of cake!

Our Company Directors, Claire French and Gail Tanner said “We have a fantastic team of people working within Toad Hall Nursery Group, we are delighted they and their families could join us at Ascot Racecourse for our Family Away Day to celebrate this big milestone for the company. We really do appreciate our staff and everything they do.”

Nursery Managers all received a caricature sketch of themselves on their Annual Away Day to keep as a Toad Hall Nursery keepsake. All staff had the fun of trying to match the sketches up with each Manager!

Over the years Toad Hall Nursery Group has grown and evolved. Our nurseries have been traditionally based in the South East of England, however, our newest site will be in Northampton, which we open later on this year. We look forward to sharing the pictures with everyone when it’s transformed! The new purpose-built nursery is situated on a new housing development and will feature beautiful light and spacious rooms with access to free-flowing garden spaces. The nursery will provide a welcoming space for children, parents and carers to feel at home, with individual planning allowing children to play, learn and adapt while exploring new things and developing personalities.

If you would like any more information regarding any of our Toad Hall nurseries, please visit our website or contact us.

Toad Hall Nursery Group set to expand with the opening of a brand-new nursery!

Mon, 10 Jul 2023 09:01:27 GMT

Toad Hall Nursery Group set to expand with the opening of a brand-new nursery!

We are extremely excited to announce we will be opening a brand-new nursery in Wellingborough later this year on the new Glenvale Park development. Glenvale Park is a new neighbourhood for Wellingborough which offers quality homes, convenient amenities and exceptional green spaces. Our new nursery will provide up to 100 places for children in the local community.

The purpose-built nursery and preschool will offer impressive spacious rooms filled with natural light with free-flow access to a beautifully designed garden. The nursery will provide a welcoming space for children, parents and carers to feel at home, with individual planning allowing children to play, learn and adapt while exploring new things and developing personalities.

Gail Tanner and Claire French, Co-Managing Directors of Toad Hall Nursery, said

“Toad Hall Nursery Group initially launched nearly thirty years ago, the goal was to create a nursery that delivered exceptional childcare and education. We are delighted to be opening our twelfth setting! We believe that Toad Hall Nursery will be a valued asset to residents of Glenvale Park and the surrounding community, and we look forward to welcoming everyone soon.”

For parents wishing to register their interest in our new nursery, please contact Wellingborough@toadhall-nursery.co.uk .

We are actively recruiting new staff for our new nursery, and anyone interested should contact our recruitment team: recruitment@toadhall-nursery.co.uk

Toad Hall Nursery Group awarded the prestigious Silver Soil Association Food for Life award!

Tue, 04 Jul 2023 08:19:29 GMT

Toad Hall Nursery Group awarded the prestigious Silver Soil Association Food for Life award!

We are absolutely thrilled to announce that all eleven of our nurseries have been awarded the prestigious Silver Soil Association Food for Life award!

This incredible recognition is a testament to our unwavering commitment to serving food that is not only delicious but also wholesome for our little ones.

The Food for Life Catering Mark is a resounding endorsement that assures our families that our chefs use only the freshest ingredients. Our menus meet the highest UK welfare standards, ensuring the well-being of our children and promoting ethical practices within the food industry.

We're extremely proud of this achievement and would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated staff, talented chefs, and wonderful families for their ongoing support. Together, we're creating an environment where children can grow, learn, and thrive with the very best nutrition.

Join us in celebrating this milestone.

Toad Hall Nursery Group celebrates Daynurseries.co.uk Top 20 Group Award!

Wed, 28 Jun 2023 16:13:51 GMT

Toad Hall Nursery Group celebrates Daynurseries.co.uk Top 20 Group Award!

At Toad Hall Nursery Group, we are absolutely delighted to have been awarded a place by parents in the daynurseries.co.uk Top 20 Large Nursery Groups 2023. We pride ourselves on our excellent parent feedback.

Katrina Otomoso, Head of Operations says “I would like to thank all our lovely families who have taken the time to leave us a review. We really appreciate your support for Toad Hall Nursery and hugely value your feedback. Choosing childcare for your child is a big decision, when looking for the right setting it is invaluable to be able to read about other parents’ nursery experiences.

And finally, I would also like to say how proud we are of our staff and everything they do, it’s lovely to see the impact our nursery staff has on each child’s early years development and giving them the best start.”

You can read our Daynurseries.co.uk reviews here - Toad Hall Nursery Group | 11 Day Nurseries | 707 Reviews .

Walton-on-Thames Nursery team raise over £800 for WellChild!

Mon, 05 Jun 2023 14:33:04 GMT

Walton-on-Thames Nursery team raise over £800 for WellChild!

A huge well done to staff from our Felcott Road Nursery - A Toad Hall Day Nursery in Walton-on- Thames, Surrey that took part in the Weybridge 10k on the 4 ^th of June. We are delighted to announce the team raised over £800 for WellChild - the national charity for sick children. Thank you to everyone who kindly sponsored the team, we really appreciate your support!

Ashlea Sexton, Nursery Manager at Felcott Road Nursery, said “Working with children every day, WellChild is a charity that is close to our hearts. Toad Hall Nursery Group has been supporting WellChild this year, with the aim to raise as many funds as possible throughout the year by taking part in various fundraisers across the company.”

If you would like to support our team in their fundraising efforts, please visit the Just Giving page - Toad Hall is fundraising for WellChild (justgiving.com) .

Coronation celebrations fit for a king!

Fri, 12 May 2023 10:47:45 GMT

Coronation celebrations fit for a king!

Each of the nurseries had a fantastic time celebrating King Charles III Coronation. They celebrated with a host of royal-themed activities, including a royal tea party for all to mark the occasion...

Through the power of play, children were engaged in fun activities to develop their fine motor skills, engage their senses, and a chance to get creative!

Head of Operations, Katrina Omotoso said “At Toad Hall Nursery Group, we wanted to make the event a memorable day for the children, the staff and our lovely families also got involved! This important moment in history provided the children with wonderful learning opportunities, it’s not every day a new king is crowned!”

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Eco & Sustainability Newsletter - Winter 2026

Stay up-to-date with the latest Eco & Sustainability news from Toad Hall Nursery Group

Sustainability in Action: Our 2025 Journey

Accredited & Committed: First Aid with Tigerlily Training

Food & Nutrition Newsletter - Winter 2025

Stay up-to-date with the latest Food & Nutrition from Toad Hall Nursery Group

Watford Nursery Raises Vital Funds for Local Gymnastics Instructor

Autumn Bake Off winner announced

Star Baker Success

Apple & Cinnamon Cake Recipe

Our Promise of Safety at Toad Hall Nursery

Our Promise of Safety at Toad Hall Nursery

Crawley Nursery Celebrates First Birthday with Exciting Expansion

Winner of Best Childcare & Day Nursery Collection 2025

We’re thrilled to share that Toad Hall Nursery has been named Best Childcare & Day Nursery Collection 2025!

NMT SENCO Award Finalist 2025!

Food & Nutrition Newsletter - Summer 2025

Stay up-to-date with the latest Food & Nutrition from Toad Hall Nursery Group

Eco & Sustainability Newsletter - Summer 2025

Stay up-to-date with the latest Eco & Sustainability news from Toad Hall Nursery Group

Toad Hall Nursery Earns National Recognition for SEN Support and Childcare Services

Kerry’s 20-Year Milestone: Celebrating Dedication at Toad Hall Nursery

Celebrating Success: Hitchin Nursery Achieves 'Good' Ofsted Rating

We are thrilled to share the news that our Hitchin nursery has received a 'Good' rating from Ofsted!

Keeping your little ones healthy and safe - February 2025 Newsletter

Stay up-to-date with the latest health and safety news for children

Progression opportunities following an apprenticeship

To round off National Apprenticeship Week, we delved into Jordan’s apprenticeship story to find out more about the progression opportunities available to those who start as an apprentice.

Awesome Apprenticeships in Childcare

Hear from 2024' Awesome Apprentice Liam

Why choose an apprenticeship with Toad Hall Nursery

This week we are celebrating National Apprenticeship Week!

Are you eligible for funded childcare?

Childcare support set to expand in September 2025

Upcoming changes to childcare support

International Men's Day 2024: Men in Childcare

They say it takes a village to raise a child – this includes males too!

A 'Good' Rating for our Wellingborough Nursery

We are delighted to announce that following their first ever Ofsted inspection, Toad Hall Nursery Wellingborough has received a GOOD rating. This comes at the perfect time as we are also soon to be celebrating the nursery’s 1 st birthday!

Toad Hall Nursery Group Earns Food for Life Silver Certification

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Chessington Nursery Achieves 'Good' Rating from Ofsted

New Nursery Coming Soon to Farnborough

We are delighted to be expanding into Hampshire with the opening of a brand-new nursery in Farnborough!

Enter our Summer Giveaway

Win an amazing arts and crafts kit for summer! This kit is packed with activities to keep your little one entertained. Plus, it comes with a lovely storage trolley to keep everything tidy at home! ✨��

Berkhamsted Nursery Achieves 'Good'Rating from Ofsted

Langley Nursery Management Team Honoured for Commitment to Inclusion

The management team at Toad Hall Nursery in Langley has been locally recognised by the Slough Council and Children’s First for their exceptional dedication to creating an inclusive learning environment for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

Toad Hall Nursery Group Welcomes Community to Preview Newly Renovated Nursery

We hosted a highly successful open event on Friday, May 18th, and Saturday, May 19th, inviting local families and businesses in Crawley to preview our newly renovated nursery. The event saw an impressive turnout, with over 100 families eager to explore the new facilities.

Funded childcare expanded offer is now open for children aged 9+ months

Toad Hall Nursery set to open a brand-new nursery in Crawley

We're expanding to West Sussex with the opening of a brand-new nursery in Crawley!

Food & Nutrition Newsletter - Spring 2024

At Toad Hall Nursery, we believe in nourishing both minds and bodies!

Every day, our dedicated Nursery Chefs and Kitchen staff work their magic, preparing delicious meals right here on site. Freshness and quality are guaranteed!

Walton-on-Thames Nursery Achieves 'Good' Rating from Ofsted

We're thrilled to announce that our Walton-on-Thames nursery has received a GOOD rating from Ofsted in our recent inspection conducted in March, accompanied by some outstanding feedback on curriculum, behaviour, and safeguarding.

Toad Hall Nursery Earns 2024 Great Place To Work Certification™

Toad Hall Nursery is proud to be Certified™ by Great Place To Work® for 2024.

Keeping your little ones healthy and safe - March 2024 Newsletter

Stay up-to-date with the latest health and safety news for children

Celebrating a Year of Heartfelt Fundraising: Supporting WellChild Every Step of the Way

In the past year, our twelve nurseries rallied together to support WellChild, a vital charity for seriously ill children and their families. From Las Vegas to Walton-on-Thames, we've run marathons, hosted dress-up days, and organised charity events to raise funds.

Quick step funding guides for our parents

Discover the Surprising Benefits of Winter Outdoor Play for Children!

Our beautiful, explorative garden spaces within our nurseries are accessible all year round and we actively encourage the children to engage in outdoor activities to reap the multitude of benefits they offer.

New early years education funding information for our parents

Upcoming changes to childcare support ﻿

Toad Hall Nursery Group celebrates 30 years!

Toad Hall Nursery Group celebrates 30 years!

Toad Hall Nursery Group set to expand with the opening of a brand-new nursery!

Toad Hall Nursery Group set to expand with the opening of a brand-new nursery!

Toad Hall Nursery Group awarded the prestigious Silver Soil Association Food for Life award!

Toad Hall Nursery Group awarded the prestigious Silver Soil Association Food for Life award!

Toad Hall Nursery Group celebrates Daynurseries.co.uk Top 20 Group Award!

Toad Hall Nursery Group celebrates Daynurseries.co.uk Top 20 Group Award!

Walton-on-Thames Nursery team raise over £800 for WellChild!

We are delighted to announce that following their first ever Ofsted inspection, Toad Hall Nursery Wellingborough has received a GOOD rating. This comes at the perfect time as we are also soon to be celebrating the nursery’s 1 ^st birthday!

Upcoming changes to childcare support