The Secret Garden Attenborough Day Nursery & Pre-School

235 Attenborough Lane, Attenborough, Nottingham NG9 6AS
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10 53 Reviews
  • The Secret Garden Attenborough Day Nursery & Pre-School, Nottingham
The Secret Garden Attenborough Day Nursery & Pre-School provides high-quality childcare within a warm, friendly 'home from home' setting.

They have a team of dedicated and enthusiastic staff who tailor every activity to the development of each individual child. This ensures the development of every child to their full potential through fun and stimulating play, making confident, happy children.

At Secret Garden Attenborough, babies start their journey with the nursery in the Papillon Room, a dedicated space for pre-walkers with its own sheltered play area to the rear, and move to the Mariposa room with direct access to a large garden and play area.

The Butterfly Room for pre-school age children is divided into two sections for younger and older children who have direct access to a covered outdoor play area and garden. All rooms are designed to maximise free flow which promotes children’s choice and easy access to the outdoors.

Each child has a key worker in each room, enabling the staff to form a strong bond with every child and to get to know them extremely well.

Secret Garden Childcare is a small, family-run business with a focus on nature and the environment. They focus on using natural materials and accessing the outdoor environment to maximise learning opportunities.

Extra-curricular activities on both sites include Rockabillies music sessions for the toddlers, while the pre-school children benefit from forest school, regular walks to the Attenborough nature reserve and feeding the ducks, taking full advantage of local opportunities for learning about the world.

No learning opportunity is lost; even a rainy day can make for a fun learning activity, kitted out with wellies, brollies and waterproofs!
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Funding & Fees

Full Day 8am-6pm £71
Half Day 8am-1pm/1-6pm £46.50p,
Full Week £340p (Monday - Friday),
Early start 7:30-8am £3

Food charges on funded sessions are £9 for a morning and £7 for an afternoon

Contact The Secret Garden Attenborough Day Nursery & Pre-School to get a personalised quote.

Contact The Secret Garden Attenborough Day Nursery & Pre-School to get a personalised quote.

Type of Service

  • Day Nursery
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Sarah Whittaker (Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 23

Total Places for Children

  • 49

Age Range

  • from 0 years 2 months
  • to 5 years 0 months

Opening Times

  • Monday 07:30-18:00
    Tuesday 07:30-18:00
    Wednesday 07:30-18:00
    Thursday 07:30-18:00
    Friday 07:30-18:00

When Closed

  • Bank Holidays & Christmas

Parking

  • Parking is available on Attenborough Lane or Shady Lane.

The Secret Garden Attenborough Day Nursery & Pre-School Reviews (53)

10

The Secret Garden Attenborough Day Nursery & Pre-School has a Review Score of 10 (9.955) out of 10, based on 26 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time The Secret Garden Attenborough Day Nursery & Pre-School has 53 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Date Published
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Reviewer Connection to The Secret Garden Attenborough Day Nursery & Pre-School
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Total of 53, showing 1-20
Review from Katie M (Mother of Child) published on 16 March 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have recently moved both of my boys to the secret garden, one at the nursery and one at the preschool. The manager did everything possible to ensure we could have the days we needed after having moved into the area and communication was very good. On starting the nursery in January, my eldest son
found it difficult to settle in due to the change and the staff and in particular his key worker went above and beyond in the first few weeks to help my son feel safe and settle in. We are now two months in and he tells me he "loves new preschool". Staff at both the nursery and the preschool have been lovely with my children and they are both very happy to be dropped off in the mornings which says it all. We have particularly liked the app the nursery use and the updates and photos we receive throughout the day which are lovely to see. We have also enjoyed the extra activities on offer especially the forest school. Thank you secret garden for looking after our boys.
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Review from Emilia C (Mother of Child) published on 12 March 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This is by far the best nursery. We have tried different settings and here children are safe, happy and they are actually learning. My nearly 3 year old daughter doesn't want to stay at home, she wants to go to her friends! She was there as a baby, then we tried settings closer to us but she just wasn't
happy anywhere else. We are back here and she is in a completely different room and still really happy and coming with new skills and knowledge every week. It just shows a great culture of this place. Can't be more pleased.
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Review from A F (Mother of Child) published on 12 March 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both my children attend the nursery/pre-school. It's the most wonderful, warm, friendly, and nurturing environment. From the very first settling in session with my first child, to a really recent settling in session with my second child, every point of contact is just spot on. All the staff are fully
aware of their needs, from the minute details, to the big obvious changes. They've helped through every part. I just love sending my children here, and I know they love it too! Thank you!
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Review from Sarah D (Mother of Child) published on 12 March 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We couldn't be happier with the secret garden nursery, Attenborough. The staff are incredibly kind and caring, and it's so clear how well they know and understand our child as an individual. She goes so happily every day, which says more than anything else.
Communication has been excellent from the
start. We always feel informed about her day, and the team are approachable, responsive and genuinely invested in her wellbeing. It feels like a real partnership.
We've seen such a big leap in her language since starting. She's more confident, chatty and expressive, and it's been lovely to watch her develop. The nursery has clearly played a big part in that progress.
Most importantly, she feels safe, secure and excited to be there. We're so grateful for the care and attention the team give her each day.
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Review from DEBBIE B (Mother of Child) published on 7 March 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have had a wonderful experience with Secret Garden Attenborough. Their staff have been kind, helpful and positive with us every day that our daughter has attended, and she absolutely loves her days with them and all the different activities both on and off site. Whenever we have questions or concerns
(e.g sleep issues) staff have thoughtful advice and take the time to research other ideas. We recommend them to other parents regularly and intend to send our younger child there when the time comes.
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Review from S R (Mother of Child) published on 6 March 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Delightful nursery near the nature reserve. Staff are caring and kind. My toddler loves attending and we have seen her grow and develop wonderfully in the 6 months she has been there, with eating, social development and walking. We are very happy there.
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Review from Claire R (Mother of Child) published on 6 March 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son has been attending Attenborough Secret Garden Nursery since September and it has been wonderful to see him having such a good time there. The nursery staff are so helpful, caring and professional and I feel confident leaving my son in their safe hands. Thank you to all of the staff for being
so amazing!
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Review from V W (Mother of Child) published on 3 March 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have loved every second of having my daughter at Secret Garden Attenborough. The staff are all lovely and genuinely care for the children. They are always interacting with them and keep me up to date on the app.


My daughter has always been happy going in amd coming home. I would 100% recommend it

to anyone and am truly sad that we are leaving here.


The only minor negative comment I'd make is the gates need fixing as getting to the baby room, carrying the baby and bag is a bit of a struggle but its the smallest of issues. l

Reply from Sarah Whittaker, Area Manager at The Secret Garden Attenborough Day Nursery & Pre-SchoolThank you for the lovely Review. It's great to hear you've been so happy with the nursery and care you've received.
We will get the gate sorted! Thanks
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Review from S K (Mother of Child) published on 17 July 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A wonderful childcare setting. Caring and attentive team. Child-led service working collaboratively with families to provide a nurturing and happy environment. 100% recommend!
Reply from Sarah Whittaker, Area Manager at The Secret Garden Attenborough Day Nursery & Pre-SchoolThank you so much for this lovely review. We are so pleased that you've been happy with the care received.
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Review from Imogen R (Mother of Child) published on 25 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter is in the baby room. This nursery is lovely. The staff are incredibly friendly and have done such a good job making sure my daughter feels safe and secure when she is there. There is lots of feedback and various activities for them to do, I especially love the walks to Attenborough nature
reserve. The food is nutritious and varied. Everything is focused on the individual child and the staff make sure that they get the attention they need.
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Review from L E (Father of Child) published on 18 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Great experience with out first child, excellent staff and clear support of our son's development. Staff keep us well updated and our son clearly quickly began to enjoy going to nursery and has good bonds with key worker members of staff.
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Review from L P (Mother of Child) published on 18 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The nursery feels like a home from home for my child. The staff are kind and loving towards all the children, which is so clear in the bonds they make. They are also very supportive of parents and any questions or queries they might have. Their communication is regular and we receive many pictures everyday
of what our children have been doing. My child genuinely loves being there and it is clear they are being given the chance to thrive during their time there. They go above and beyond when organising events for children and families, including Christmas social events for the parents/guardians alone and Mother's Day Breakfasts. I have complete trust in the nursery, which, as they look after the most precious thing to you as a parent/guardian, is the most important thing.
Reply from Sarah Whittaker, Area Manager at The Secret Garden Attenborough Day Nursery & Pre-SchoolThis is so lovely to hear. I'm so pleased you are so happy with the nursery and enjoy all the events we do. Thank you so much for taking the time to write us a review.
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Review from HN B (Mother of Child) published on 17 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both of our children have been through this nursery. We have been so pleased with the level of care and support our children received. Their confidence grew and the staff have helped them to settle in quickly.
I would highly recommend this nursery.
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Review from M E (Mother of Child) published on 17 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son attends Attenborough Day Nursery 4 days a week. He absolutely loves going to nursery. His speech has come on hugely since moving to the toddler room.


The staff are all second to non. They all take an interest in him and known him well. The activities that the staff do with the children

help with development and the reports they provide are really detailed.


The staff use the app so we get daily updates and photos of what our child has been up to that day, which is much better than a verbal handover which some nurseries do. The app is also used to communicate between staff and parents as well which is useful, particularly as drop off and pick up can sometimes be quite busy


We would recommend The Secret Garden Attenborough Day Nursery to any parent looking to put their child into nursery.

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Review from W G (Father of Child) published on 17 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter's been at Secret Garden about 6 months. lovely nursery. She's always happy to be dropped off, seems to do a range of activities and the food she gets is cooked on site and isn't processed.


Staff all lovely and keep us informed on how she's getting on. They strike a sensible balance about

illness.


So far very happy.

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Review from Ashley G (Father of Child) published on 24 June 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child has been attending The Secret Garden Attenborough Day Nursery for 6 months now and he's loved it since his very first day. Perfect location next to our favourite nature reserve, particularly love that they take the children around there weather permitting. The staff are incredible, very accommodating
and willing to help whenever you need anything. They do their utmost to encourage my child's development with engaging activities. Really like the app that is used to keep updated on my child's day and the staff are very responsive to messages. There is a good variety of healthy and nutritious foods throughout the week. The nursery also goes out of its way to put on various events throughout the year to get parents involved which has helped us to meet other parents and get to know the staff more.
Overall, I highly recommend this nursery and am thankful for all that they do!
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Review from I H (Father of Child) published on 27 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son absolutely loves going to nursery, as did my daughter before she moved through to preschool. The staff are friendly and caring and provide fun and varied activities for the children to take part in each day. There is a great outdoor space for the children to use, and we would highly recommend
this nursery to other parents.
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Review from Olivia S (Mother of Child) published on 27 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son loves attending this nursery. The staff are so caring and welcoming and happy with him. They have so many opportunities for outside play and all play is well thought out and full of imagination. My son absolutely thrives there. They have been very supportive with his eating and providing help
and advice when needed. He has been attending the nursery for almost a year and I’m so happy for him.
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Review from K C (Mother of Child) published on 27 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The Secret Garden is a lovely setting and offers a calming environment for children to explore.
Our little boy is thriving and enjoys and loves attending.
It’s lovely that the children get to visit the local nature reserve and get to make their own decisions about playing inside or outside.
All the
food is homemade and is really tasty.
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Review from Jessica R (Mother of Child) published on 27 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We could not be happier with the care that our child receives at the Secret Garden. The staff are so warm and approachable. There are always really interesting activities organised for the children to engage in and so much thought and creativity goes into learning tasks. The communication is amazing
and we always have a thorough handover at the end of the day as well as receiving updates throughout the day including photos of activities. Our son is able to attend a weekly forest school whilst at preschool and he really enjoys this. Our son has settled in so quickly and looks forward to attending. He always comes home excited to talk about his day. We cannot recommend this preschool enough and our son is thriving in their care.
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Current Review Score: 10.0 (9.955)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 10 (9.955) out of 10 for The Secret Garden Attenborough Day Nursery & Pre-School is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 5.0 out of 5 from 26 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 26 positive Reviews in the last 24 months.

Detailed Breakdown of Review Score

The maximum Review Score for a Day Nursery is 10, which is made up from the Average Rating of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) and the Number of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) in the last 24 months:

  1. 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months. The Average Rating of 4.955 for The Secret Garden Attenborough Day Nursery & Pre-School is calculated as follows: ( (297 Excellents x 5) + (14 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 311 Ratings = 4.955
  2. 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5'). The 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for The Secret Garden Attenborough Day Nursery & Pre-School is based on 26 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    1. 4 points are available for the first 20 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews, 0.05 Points for the next five Positive Reviews, and finally 0.025 Points for the next ten Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.050, 7th = 0.050, 8th = 0.050, 9th = 0.050, 10th = 0.050, 11th = 0.025, 12th = 0.025, 13th = 0.025, 14th = 0.025, 15th = 0.025, 16th = 0.025, 17th = 0.025, 18th = 0.025, 19th = 0.025, 20th = 0.025) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 = 4
    2. 1 point is available for the number of Positive Reviews reaching 20% of the number of registered child places in the last 24 months. If this number is partially reached, then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Day Nursery registered for a maximum of 50 child places has to reach 10 Positive Reviews to receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews it will receive 0.7 points. 20% of the 49 number of registered child places is 9.8, which has been reached with 26 Positive reviews. Points = 1
  3. When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.
  4. If a Day Nursery does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Child Vacancies

Please contact us for latest vacancies.

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Awards / Recognitions (0)

Meet the Team (1)

Sarah

Sarah Whittaker

Job Title: Area Manager Joined: 2011

Sarah Has worked at Attenborough Day Nursery since we first opened in 2011. She started as Manager and is now Area Manager overseeing both the Attenborough and Westbridgford sites.


Sarah has a Level 4 qualification and holds a teaching qualification from when she was a childcare Assessor and Trainer.


Sarah is very passionate about Early years and providing high quality childcare for the families.


"Children's early years are so important and I believe in providing an environment that is nurturing and engaging to help children learn and develop. It's really important to me that the nurseries are a homely environment and work closely with the children's families putting each child at the heart of everything we do.


We like to offer the children a wide variety of opportunities such as forest school sessions, music session, tennis session as well as making use of the beautiful nature reserve next door."

Frequently Asked Questions about The Secret Garden Attenborough Day Nursery & Pre-School

What is the Age Range of Children that The Secret Garden Attenborough Day Nursery & Pre-School accepts?

The Secret Garden Attenborough Day Nursery & Pre-School accepts Children aged from 0 years 2 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is The Secret Garden Attenborough Day Nursery & Pre-School Open?

The Secret Garden Attenborough Day Nursery & Pre-School is open: Monday 07:30-18:00, Tuesday 07:30-18:00, Wednesday 07:30-18:00, Thursday 07:30-18:00, Friday 07:30-18:00.

How many Children does The Secret Garden Attenborough Day Nursery & Pre-School have capacity for?

The Secret Garden Attenborough Day Nursery & Pre-School has capacity for a total of 49 Children.

How far is The Secret Garden Attenborough Day Nursery & Pre-School to the centre of Nottingham?

4.6 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of daynurseries.co.uk. Please contact The Secret Garden Attenborough Day Nursery & Pre-School to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. The Secret Garden Attenborough Day Nursery & Pre-School has an Enhanced Service - more info.