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The Early Years Academy Stone

Creating Awe and Wonder In Every Moment

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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.

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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 Stone

Welcome to our warm and welcoming nursery in the heart of Meaford! Now part of The Early Years Academy family, our beautiful setting combines the charm of a characterful building with a modern approach to early years education. We provide a safe, nurturing environment where every child is celebrated, supported, and inspired to thrive.

Inside our thoughtfully arranged rooms and secure outdoor areas, children engage in play-based learning designed to spark curiosity and encourage exploration. With a dedicated and experienced team, we offer personalised care that meets each child exactly where they are in their developmental journey. From our cosy baby spaces to our dynamic pre-school, we create calm, enriching environments that lay strong foundations for future learning.

At The Early Years Academy Stone, we are proud to offer the highest standard of care and education, a true home-from-home where your child can flourish.

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. 

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A Home‑from‑Home Setting

Nestled within a beautifully preserved Grade II listed former school, Meaford retains its character while offering spacious, secure indoor and outdoor play areas. Parents appreciate our open‑door culture and personal communication.

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Experienced, Caring Staff

Our team comprises qualified and trainee practitioners, each DBS‑checked and trained in paediatric first aid, safeguarding and food hygiene. The nursery manager, Adele, leads from the front, working directly with pre‑school children and liaising with local schools to ensure smooth transitions.

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Tailored EYFS‑Based Learning

We follow the EYFS framework, encouraging development through play across seven key areas, from expressive arts to personal and social growth. Activities in the pre‑school and toddler rooms are carefully planned to build on children’s growing concentration and creativity.

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Key Person Approach

Babies (0–18 months) benefit from a 1:3 ratio in a cosy room tailored to their developmental needs, aligned with home routines and supported by a dedicated key person. In pre‑school, a 1:8 ratio helps prepare children for school readiness, with group activities, structured routines, and a thriving vegetable garden project.

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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.

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Highly Qualified Experienced Team

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Safe And Stimulating Environments

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Bespoke Booking Patterns

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No Minimum Booking Required

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Unlimited Settling In Sessions

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Funded Only Sessions

Sarah
Sarah Signature
Sophie EYA 2025-2
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 EYA 2025-2
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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Mother of Child

Meaford Day Nursery is a FANTASTIC nursery. The nursery provides a safe, fun and educational environment which is totally child focussed. The staff are friendly, caring and kind and childcare provision is flexible. As parents we get daily updates which let us know what the children have been doing, what they've eaten and played with, and we get newsletters too. 
There is a lovely outdoor space which means the children get to play outside and they plant flowers and vegetables. Last year they came second in a gardening competition! Our son was very well prepared for School when he left Meaford. Our daughter is also doing well and already at 3 years old has made some special friends. I have no hesitation in recommending this nursery.

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Mother of Child

Our little girl adores her time at Meaford and always enters and leaves the nursery with a huge smile on her face. We are more than happy with the staff’s dedication to providing a very happy and stimulating environment and promoting our daughters learning. The nursery is a positive and fun filled place to be, with a wide range of inspirational toys both indoors and outdoors for the children to learn and explore. We have confidence in the team at Meaford and have no hesitation in leaving our daughter in their care. If we were our daughter we would want to go to Meaford!!

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Mother of Child

I must say I was very apprehensive when leaving my little boy for the first time in someone else’s care, however the team at Meaford have been absolutely amazing. They welcome us through the door with smiley faces each morning and I am put at ease all the time! Arthur spends so much time exploring new activities and skills and had learnt so much. I’m amazed each day at how he has grown so much in confidence. I feel very proud. I know that’s he’s in very safe hands and he enjoys his time. He especially loves Miss oooocy (Lucy) - Thanks to you all.

 

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

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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