Circular logo with a leaf icon in the centre and the text "THE EARLY YEARS ACADEMY" encircling it.
The Early Years Academy Derby

Creating Awe and Wonder In Every Moment

Two children hold hands.

BELONGING

Where our children thrive on feelings of love, compassion, and protection, creating secure attachments.

A young child wearing a blue jacket is playing with sand in a sandbox.

BEING

Where our children learn to be individuals, build relationships, and make meaning of the world around them.

Three children play in an outdoor kitchen area, engaging with various pots and pans.

BECOMING

Where our children are active participants in building their knowledge, understanding, and skills, creating solid foundations for their future learning.

The Early Years Academy Derby

Welcome to our outstanding day nursery in the heart of Derby! Rated Outstanding by Ofsted, we provide top-quality early years education in a nurturing, stimulating environment. Our experienced, caring staff are dedicated to fostering your child's growth and development through personalised attention and support.

Our state-of-the-art facilities include spacious classrooms, interactive play areas, and outdoor learning spaces, all designed to inspire curiosity and creativity. Our tailored curriculum balances academic, creative, and physical activities, ensuring a holistic approach to early childhood education. At The Early Years Academy Derby, we are committed to helping your child reach their full potential in a safe and loving environment.

Why Choose Us?

Choosing the right nursery for your child is a big decision. At The Early Years Academy we take the stress out of that decision by providing a safe and stimulating environment where your child can thrive and become all that they can be. 

Children sit and play at a table in a classroom, with one child smiling at the camera while another child is assisted by an adult.

Bespoke Booking Patterns

We offer flexible childcare packages tailored to each family's needs. Choose the hours and services that best fit your schedule, whether you need full-time, part-time, or different session times. Our bespoke packages ensure a convenient and nurturing environment that adapts to modern families' dynamic needs.

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Safe and Stimulating Environments

Our nurseries are designed for safety and stimulation, sparking awe and wonder in every moment. With secure entry systems, regular drills, and child-proofed facilities, your child's safety is our priority. We provide sensory-rich environments with open-ended resources and nature elements to foster curiosity and discovery.

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Highly Qualified and Experienced Team

Our dedicated educators support and extend your child's learning with engaging activities that promote curiosity, adventure, and resilience. Integrating diverse cultural perspectives, we build a strong foundation for lifelong learning, nurturing both academic and life skills.

An adult man holds a toddler dressed in a blue jacket.

Parent Involvement and Engagement

We value parents as a child's first teachers and actively involve them in the learning journey. Through observations, feedback, events, and assessments, we create a collaborative environment. By integrating parents into our activities, we ensure personalised support and a holistic educational experience.

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Nutritious Menus

We promote healthy eating and oral health with thoughtfully crafted menus. Collaborating with The EYA cooks, children, and parents, we offer freshly cooked, nutritious meals tailored to each child's dietary needs. Our balanced, low-sugar, high-fibre meals support healthy growth and happy smiles.

Why Choose The Early Years Academy

At The Early Years Academy, we use innovative teaching methods and a play-based curriculum to encourage curiosity and problem-solving. We prioritise socialisation and emotional well-being, helping children build strong relationships and confidence. Your child's physical development is nurtured through a variety of activities and outdoor play, supporting physical health and motor skills.

Our team, led by Sophie and Sarah, brings a wealth of experience and passion for early childhood education. We invest in continuous professional development to ensure our educators are always improving and up-to-date with the best practices.

We follow strict health and safety protocols to keep your child safe in learning spaces that are designed to inspire creativity and exploration, providing a secure and stimulating environment for all children.

A light blue circle containing a gold checkmark.

Highly Qualified Experienced Team

A light blue circle containing a gold checkmark.

Safe And Stimulating Environments

A light blue circle containing a gold checkmark.

Bespoke Booking Patterns

A light blue circle containing a gold checkmark.

No Minimum Booking Required

A light blue circle containing a gold checkmark.

Unlimited Settling In Sessions

A light blue circle containing a gold checkmark.

Funded Only Sessions

Sarah
Sarah Signature
Sophie
Sophie Signature

Why Choose The Early Years Academy

At The Early Years Academy, we use innovative teaching methods and a play-based curriculum to encourage curiosity and problem-solving. We prioritise socialisation and emotional well-being, helping children build strong relationships and confidence. Your child's physical development is nurtured through a variety of activities and outdoor play, supporting physical health and motor skills.

Our team, led by Sophie and Sarah, brings a wealth of experience and passion for early childhood education. We invest in continuous professional development to ensure our educators are always improving and up-to-date with the best practices.

We follow strict health and safety protocols to keep your child safe in learning spaces that are designed to inspire creativity and exploration, providing a secure and stimulating environment for all children.

A light blue circle containing a gold checkmark.

Highly Qualified Experienced Team

A light blue circle containing a gold checkmark.

Safe And Stimulating Environments

A light blue circle containing a gold checkmark.

Bespoke Booking Patterns

A light blue circle containing a gold checkmark.

No Minimum Booking Required

A light blue circle containing a gold checkmark.

Unlimited Settling In Sessions

A light blue circle containing a gold checkmark.

Funded Only Sessions

Sarah
Sarah Signature
Sophie
Sophie Signature

How To Join Our Nursery Family

  • Number 1.

    Book A VIP Tour

    Book a VIP tour to explore our nursery, meet our team, and experience our nurturing environment. This will help you feel confident that we are the right fit for your family.

  • Number 2.

    Enrol Your Child

    Once you've decided that our nursery is the right choice, our team will provide all the necessary information and forms to ensure a smooth and straightforward registration.

  • Number 3.

    Plan Settling In Sessions

    Arrange tailored settling-in sessions to help your child transition smoothly. Our staff will create a personalised plan to make the process comfortable for your family.

Learn About Free Funded Childcare At The Early Years Academy!

The Early Years Academy provides free funding for children starting from 9 months old. Learn how you can qualify and enrol your child in our nurturing environment.

What Parents Love About Us

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Emily S

Mother of Child

I am over the moon with The Early Years Academy! My son is now 19 months old and has been attending since he was 4 months old, the girls are so fantastic with the children there is always an activity out as soon as we get there in the morning so my little one is most of the time too excited to even remember to say bye to me, they always let me know exactly how he’s been at the end of the day when I pick him up! They always have events where they invite the parents in with their little ones (even when they’re not due on that day!) we are about to go to the Mother's Day event this afternoon so we’re very excited and I know it’ll be hard to get my little one away afterwards! Absolutely would recommend this nursery to anyone!

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Sarah A

Mother of Child

Child has really thrived and enjoys the day at nursery. He likes the toys and enjoys and a good sing and dance. The food is great and outdoor space is a real asset compared to other nurseries. Would recommend.

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Sun C

Mother of Child

They have a cosy indoor room for each age group of children and a lovely outdoor space. My son eagerly enters the room and enjoys healthy meals prepared in their kitchen. The staff is attentive, positive and professional. I always receive welcoming energy and my son started calling them by name. I can relax knowing he is being looked after by the lovely team. The administrative side has been so efficient and helpful in supporting our childcare plan. The app they are using is a game-changer, considering the nursery’s busy schedule, it helps me communicate with the staff and stay updated on my son, the nursery’s changes, and events. The observations each focus week show a peek into his nursery life. They always plan to improve the environment and program for children that I’m looking forward to our son’s participation in those coming activities and there are many events that parents can attend. I’m so glad to have found this wonderful setting.

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Louise D

Mother of Child

My little boy loves nursery and has formed bonds with all the staff. The nursery provides a great variety of activities and a lovely calming setting for the children. My boy came on so far once he started nursery and has learnt lots of new skills.

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A S

Mother of Child

We absolutely love early years academy, our daughter enjoys and looks forward to going. We get regular updates on her day and on her development. They put in so much effort into everything and it is such a lovely atmosphere. I would recommend the nursery to everyone. Our daughter has a food allergy and they cater to her needs really well.

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T G

Father of Child

Our daughter has been attending the toddler room for a few months now, and after a brief period of settling in, she now really loves it. All the staff and kind, and communication is amazing using the app. I particularly love the focus week updates with pictures and descriptions of the fun she’s been getting up to and the development she’s been making!

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Jo E

Mother of Child

Cannot rate this nursery highly enough! We chose EYA because when we had our tour the staff were actually interested in my daughter rather than only informing us on the financial side of things. We also loved the indoor and outdoor spaces. I was really worried about the transition going back to work, but it has honestly been far easier than I had hoped because I know that my daughter is safe, being well looked after and is genuinely excited to be there, kicks her legs and waves her arms every time we ring the bell with the biggest grin on her face. My daughter has recently finished her focus week, the team messaged to see if there is anything specific we'd like her to develop, and throughout the week we have been sent updates and pictures, with reasons why they've done certain activities and how she's reacted.

The team are truly wonderful and you can tell they care, and whilst there the meals she has are better than what I make for myself. 10s across the board from me!

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Sophie R

Mother of Child

Absolutely incredible staff. Amazing at supporting development and creating a safe and welcoming space for children. The food is home-cooked and well balanced, my daughter always eats more there than at home.

I can't rate the nursery highly enough.

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Daniel P

Father of Child

This nursery is excellent and has been since we started in January 2021. The staff are all fantastic and there is good staff retention. The nursery employs a key worker policy and uses regular child observations to chart progress and help development.
The kitchen deserves a special mention for the varied and balanced diet menu plans. Not just pasta every day!
In the nursery, there are good boundaries, with rules well adhered to. In preschool, all children know when to wash their hands and sit patiently at the table at meal times, for example.
Lastly, the nursery has a good outdoor area, which is used on a daily basis year-round, including activities such as mud kitchens, bare foot walking, climbing equipment, sand pits etc.
The nursery is introducing forest school activities.
This is a very good nursery

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R G

Mother of Child

The team are incredibly friendly and professional at all times. We always receive a warm hello and goodbye. The rooms are cosy and relaxing, like a home from home. I feel really happy leaving my child here for the day, knowing he will be well looked after, entertained and fed very tasty food.

The App is really useful in updating me on the essentials of the day, naps and food. It's also nice to receive photos and read about his development.

The nursery has recently held an open day/stay and play - it was so nice to see my child interacting with other children and the staff, and moving confidently in the space.

Start Your Childs Learning Journey With Us Today

Schedule a visit today and begin your child's learning journey with us. Meet our passionate team, explore our facilities, and experience our enriching environments. We're here to answer your questions and make the enrollment process smooth. Join our nurturing community where your child is valued and supported. Contact us today to start this exciting journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, The Early Years Academy prioritises your child's safety with strict safety protocols, secure entrances, childproofed spaces, and regular safety drills. All staff are thoroughly vetted and trained in first aid and emergency procedures.

Our team consists of experienced educators passionate about early childhood education. They hold relevant certifications and undergo continuous professional development to provide the best care and education for your child.

Our engaging curriculum balances academic learning with creative and physical activities. It is designed to foster curiosity and development through age-appropriate lessons and hands-on experiences.

We create a warm, inclusive atmosphere where children feel safe and valued. Our programmes encourage social interaction and teamwork, helping children build friendships and social skills. Positive reinforcement is used to support emotional and behavioural development.

We provide regular updates through newsletters and parent-teacher meetings. Open communication channels ensure you are always informed and involved in your child's experiences and progress.

We maintain a low child-to-teacher ratio to ensure personalised attention and support for each child. This allows for a nurturing environment where every child can thrive.

We open 7:30am until 6:00PM Monday to Friday. The EYA offers flexible hours with clear policies on late pick-ups and early drop-offs to fit your family’s schedule. We strive to make drop-offs and pick-ups as convenient as possible.

We maintain high standards of hygiene and cleanliness to reduce the risk of illness and ensure a healthy environment for your child. Regular cleaning routines are strictly followed.

Our programmes include various social activities that encourage interaction and teamwork. These activities help children develop strong social skills and build lasting friendships.

Yes, we are adaptable to individual family needs, including special dietary requirements and schedules. We work closely with parents to ensure all needs are met.

Enquire With Us Today

Make an enquiry today to secure your child's place at The Early Years Academy and start their journey in a safe, nurturing and enriching environment.

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