Business Details
35 Years
experience
Trusted Childcare Services in Birmingham
Cotton Tails Too was founded in 1991 by Nicola and David Cotton to address the need for high-quality childcare in the local community. As parents of four themselves, they established a network of four nurseries across Birmingham and Worcester, catering to children aged 0-5 years. Our settings are designed to be bright, welcoming, and inclusive, with individually tailored environments that prioritise safety, learning, and holistic development. We maintain strong partnerships with parents through open communication, regular newsletters, and annual parent evenings, while investing in staff training to ensure expertise in early years education.Our commitment to excellence is reflected in consistently positive Ofsted reports and a focus on creating memorable experiences for children through bespoke memory books and observation-based learning records. We actively promote healthy lifestyles, hold NHS-backed health initiatives, and provide accessible outdoor spaces for year-round engagement.
Services
Early Years Education
Outdoor Play Areas
Parent Partnerships
Special Educational Needs Support
Healthy Meal Provision
Details
- Year established: 1991
Highlights and features
- Established in 1991 with proven expertise in early years education
- Inclusive practice catering to diverse needs of children and parents
- Experienced team with ongoing professional development
- NHS-backed healthy eating and activity initiatives
- Strong parent partnerships through transparent communication
What people say
Inclusive practice
Dedicated staff
Strong parent partnerships
Healthy meal options
Engaging outdoor spaces
Services
Early Years Education
Our curriculum follows the Early Years Foundation Stage framework, focusing on play-based learning that develops key skills in literacy, numeracy, and social interaction. Each nursery provides age-appropriate resources and structured activities that encourage exploration, creativity, and problem-solving. Our qualified educators create individual learning plans that adapt to each child's developmental stage and interests.
Outdoor Play Areas
All nurseries feature purpose-designed outdoor spaces with age-specific equipment promoting physical development and nature exploration. Secure gardens include sensory gardens, climbing structures, and designated areas for imaginative play. We incorporate weather-appropriate activities year-round, with sheltered zones for all-weather engagement and seasonal learning opportunities.
Parent Partnerships
We maintain open-door policies for parental access and implement key person systems to ensure consistent communication. Daily updates, digital observation records, and regular parent-teacher meetings support collaborative childcare. Families contribute to memory books and participate in themed events, with newsletters providing updates on nursery activities and child development topics.
Special Educational Needs Support
Our inclusive approach accommodates children with diverse needs through individualised support plans and staff training in SEN requirements. We work closely with parents and external specialists to create tailored environments and learning strategies. Adapted resources and sensory spaces ensure all children can participate fully in nursery activities at their own pace.
Healthy Meal Provision
Nutritionally balanced meals follow NHS Eat Well guidelines, with fresh ingredients and home-cooked dishes. Menus accommodate special dietary requirements while educating children about healthy food choices. Our Birmingham nurseries participate in the Startwell healthy living initiative, incorporating food education into daily activities and involving parents in nutrition-focused events.
People
Nicola Cotton
Founder
Co-founder Nicola Cotton established Cotton Tails Too in 1991, drawing on personal parenting experience and professional childcare expertise to create nurturing environments for young children.
David Cotton
Founder
Co-founder David Cotton has directed nursery operations since 1991, focusing on facility development and maintaining high standards across all four nursery locations.
Questions
What age groups do you cater for?
We provide childcare for children aged 0-5 years across all our nursery settings.
Are your nurseries Ofsted registered?
Yes, all four Cotton Tails Nurseries are Ofsted-registered with recent inspection reports available on our website.
Do you accommodate special dietary requirements?
Yes, we cater for special dietary needs and follow nutritionally balanced menus aligned with NHS guidelines.
How do you involve parents in their child's development?
We use key person systems, daily communication, digital observation records, and regular parent meetings to maintain strong partnerships.
What outdoor facilities do you provide?
Each nursery has secure, purpose-designed outdoor spaces with age-appropriate equipment and sensory garden areas for year-round use.
Do you offer settling-in sessions?
Yes, we provide flexible settling-in sessions to help children transition smoothly from home to nursery.
