Business Details
27 Years
experience
Trusted Childcare Excellence in West London & Buckinghamshire
Hungry Caterpillar Day Nurseries was founded in 1999 by Olivia Foley and Tim, driven by their personal need for high-quality childcare and a vision to address gaps in early years education. As a family-run business, we prioritise nurturing environments where children are cared for as if they were our own. Our approach combines passionate educators, innovative learning programmes like forest school, and a commitment to continuous staff development through apprenticeships and training. With nurseries across West London and Buckinghamshire, we serve families seeking consistency and excellence in childcare.Our team of dedicated professionals, many of whom have grown with the company, ensures each child receives personalised attention. We actively engage parents through daily updates via the Famly app, fostering transparency and trust. Over two decades, we have expanded our services while maintaining core family values. Our focus on nutrition, with menus designed by a head chef, supports holistic child development. Recognised for our apprenticeship programmes and staff welfare initiatives, we remain committed to evolving with families' needs while upholding our founding principles.
Services
Nursery Education
Funded Childcare
Forest School
Apprenticeships
Catering Services
Details
- Year established: 1999
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of family-led childcare expertise
- Our staff receive 5 paid annual training days for continuous development
- Forest school programmes enhance outdoor learning experiences
- We provide transparent daily updates via the Famly app
- Nutritionist-designed menus support children's growth and development
What people say
Incredibly friendly staff
Daily app updates
Safe environment
Amazing food
Great relationships with teachers
Services
Nursery Education
Our nursery education programmes cater to children aged 0-5, following the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. Qualified educators deliver play-based learning in stimulating indoor and outdoor environments. Forest school sessions develop motor skills and environmental awareness through hands-on activities.
Funded Childcare
We administer government-funded childcare schemes for eligible families, including 15-30 hours weekly entitlements. Our team assists with code validation and termly declarations to ensure seamless access to financial support while maintaining consistent care schedules.
Forest School
Forest school programmes promote physical development and nature connection through structured outdoor activities. Children engage in seasonal exploration, den-building, and supervised risk-taking exercises to build confidence and resilience in natural settings.
Apprenticeships
Our Level 3 apprenticeship programme combines practical nursery experience with formal qualifications. Apprentices receive mentorship, 5 paid training days annually, and progression opportunities to leadership roles within our nursery group.
Catering Services
On-site chefs prepare three-course meals using seasonal ingredients from local suppliers. Menus meet nutritional guidelines while accommodating dietary requirements. The four-week rotating menu introduces children to diverse flavours and textures to expand culinary horizons.
People
Olivia Foley
Founder & Director
Olivia established Hungry Caterpillars in 1999 after identifying childcare gaps. With over two decades in early years education, she champions family values and quality improvement. She oversees strategic direction while maintaining close nursery connections.
Patrycja Kozak
Head Chef
Patrycja leads our catering team with 15+ years culinary experience. She designs nutritionally balanced menus, trains nursery chefs, and develops recipes meeting children's dietary needs while promoting healthy eating habits.
Questions
What government-funded childcare options do you offer?
We provide 15-30 hours weekly funded childcare for eligible families. Our team assists with code validation and termly declarations to access government subsidies seamlessly.
How can I visit a nursery before enrolling?
Book a visit through our website to tour facilities, meet staff, and see learning environments. We accommodate visits at convenient times across all nursery locations.
What staff training programmes do you provide?
We offer Level 3 apprenticeships, 5 annual paid training days, and leadership development programmes. Staff access 100+ online courses and receive mentorship for career progression.
How do you communicate with parents daily?
The Famly app provides real-time updates, activity photos, and meal records. Parents receive immediate notifications about their child's nursery experiences and developmental milestones.
What special dietary requirements can you accommodate?
Our head chef creates alternative meals for allergies, cultural preferences, and medical needs. Menus undergo regular reviews to ensure nutritional balance while meeting individual requirements.
