Business Details
17 Years
experience
Award-Winning Childcare & Early Years Education in Birmingham
The Nest Nursery was founded in 2009 by Lyndsey and Christian Hellyn, combining Lyndsey's extensive experience as a primary school teacher with a shared vision for innovative early years education. As the first accredited Curiosity Approach nurseries in the UK, we prioritise imagination-driven learning through natural resources, open-ended play, and forest school sessions led by Level 3 trained practitioners. Our four Birmingham-based settings - Pype Hayes, Wood End, Lime Tree, and Copper Beech - offer homely environments designed to nurture children aged 0-5, with each location maintaining outstanding Ofsted ratings since opening.We pioneered the Curiosity Approach accreditation to help other nurseries adopt our philosophy of sparking creativity through unstructured exploration. Our commitment to quality extends to nutritionally balanced meals prepared by in-house chefs and partnerships with organisations like The Children's Sleep Charity to support holistic child development.
Services
Forest School Sessions
Healthy Meal Plans
Sleep Consultations
Parent Workshops
Child Development Assessments
Details
- Year established: 2009
Highlights and features
- Pioneers of the Curiosity Approach in UK nurseries
- Four Ofsted 'Outstanding' rated settings since opening
- Forest school sessions led by Level 3 practitioners
- Nutritionally balanced meals prepared by dedicated chefs
- 25+ years combined nursery experience from founding team
Associations and certifications
- Curiosity Approach
- Millies Mark Accreditation
What people say
Outstanding Ofsted ratings
Innovative teaching methods
Nurturing environments
Forest school programs
Natural resources
Services
Forest School Sessions
Our Level 3 Forest School practitioners lead weekly outdoor sessions at local nature reserves. Children engage in nature-based activities that develop physical coordination, environmental awareness, and problem-solving skills. The program follows the Curiosity Approach principles, allowing children to explore natural environments at their own pace while developing confidence through managed risk-taking.
Healthy Meal Plans
Each nursery provides freshly prepared meals using nutritionally balanced recipes developed by our in-house chef. Menus follow government guidelines while accommodating diverse dietary requirements. Meals are served in calm environments that encourage social interaction and healthy eating habits, with all food prepared off-site to maintain kitchen safety standards.
Parent Workshops
We offer regular workshops addressing common parenting challenges including sleep issues, communication development, and early literacy. Sessions incorporate insights from our partnerships with child development experts and provide practical strategies parents can implement at home to support their child's learning journey.
Child Development Assessments
Our staff conduct regular observational assessments tracking each child's progress against early years foundation stage goals. Assessments focus on holistic development rather than academic performance, with findings shared through parent-teacher meetings that maintain open communication about each child's unique learning journey.
Sleep Consultations
Working with The Children's Sleep Charity, we provide evidence-based guidance for parents facing toddler sleep challenges. Our approach combines environmental adjustments with consistent routines, addressing common issues through practical strategies that promote healthy sleep patterns without pharmaceutical interventions.
People
Lyndsey Hellyn
Co-Founder & Director
Former primary school teacher with 15+ years experience in early years education. Pioneered the Curiosity Approach methodology after observing children's natural learning patterns. Oversees curriculum development across all four nursery locations while maintaining close involvement in staff training programs.
Christian Hellyn
Co-Founder & Operations Director
Business strategist with extensive childcare sector experience. Manages day-to-day operations across all settings while ensuring financial sustainability. Works closely with local authorities on early years policy development and maintains partnerships with educational organisations.
Questions
What makes The Nest Nursery different from other nurseries?
We pioneered the Curiosity Approach methodology, focusing on imagination-driven learning through natural resources and open-ended play rather than traditional plastic toys and structured activities.
Do you offer flexible childcare hours?
Our nurseries operate from 7am to 6:15pm daily, with flexible session options available to accommodate different family schedules and working patterns.
How do you support children's transition to school?
Our forest school programs and curiosity-led approach develop essential skills like problem-solving, communication, and self-regulation that prepare children for formal education environments.
Are meals included in nursery fees?
Yes, all meals and snacks are included in our fees, featuring nutritionally balanced recipes prepared daily by our in-house chef to meet government dietary guidelines.
How do you involve parents in their child's learning?
We provide regular progress updates through parent workshops, observational assessments, and daily communication apps that keep families informed about their child's development journey.
What qualifications do your staff hold?
All staff maintain current paediatric first aid certifications and undergo annual training updates. Our forest school practitioners hold Level 3 qualifications, and teaching staff have relevant early years credentials.
