The Early Years Academy Derby

135 Duffield Road, Derby DE22 1AF
Review Us
10 49 Reviews
  • The Early Years Academy Derby, Derby
The Early Years Academy puts the children at the forefront of everything they do!

The Early Years Academy believes that in order for children to learn and thrive they must first be happy, engaged, and motivated for thinking (learning) to occur.  

The Early Years Academy aims to create awe and wonder in every moment, providing environments that become alive with possibilities. Opening the world to children through enriched natural environments that teach each child to enjoy being in the moment; a moment that will never be again. Ensuring that each child has a strong sense of belonging builds a foundation for well-being, and becomes all that they can be through environments that are full of play, learning, and adventure. 
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Type of Service

  • Day Nursery
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care
  • Sessional Day Care

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Maggie Bellamy (Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 40

Total Places for Children

  • 104

Age Range

  • from 0 years 3 months
  • to 5 years 0 months

Funding & Fees

  • £42.00 Morning and Afternoon sessions
    £74.00 Full Day
    £69.00 10 hour day
    £66.00 9 hour day
    £63.85 8 hour day

  • Fees are reviewed annually and remain competitive. A 10% discounted rate is applied to all full-time fees. 1-week holiday discount.

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

  • Public Holidays & 1 week between Christmas & New Year

Parking

  • Limited parking spaces to the rear of the nursery.

The Early Years Academy Derby Reviews (49)

10

The Early Years Academy Derby has a Review Score of 10 (9.955) out of 10, based on 30 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time The Early Years Academy Derby has 49 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Date Published
  • 49
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  • 30
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Review from Lauren B (Mother of Child) published on 10 July 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has attended from 1 year old to school age, and he absolutely thrived at this nursery. The staff are lovely and incredibly supportive.
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Review from K H (Mother of Child) published on 3 July 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We've been so pleased with our experience at The Early Years Academy so far. The staff are wonderful-so caring, attentive, and encouraging. It's been lovely to watch my child bond with both the educators and the other children in her room (Toddlers 2-3/Rising 3s).


My daughter has made fantastic progress,

both developmentally and socially, and she always comes home happy and excited. It's a nurturing environment where she truly thrives.


The The Early Years Academy provides great support during transitions to other rooms, as well as with key milestones such as toilet training, dropping naps, and navigating other big changes.


The daily updates the educators provide on the app is so reassuring - I love seeing what my little on is up to, and the menu offered is full of variety and sounds delicious!


At The The Early Years Academy they prioritise the safety and wellbeing of the children, and after viewing close to 20 nurseries and preschools, I couldn't be happier with my choice.


Highly recommended!

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Review from E S (Mother of Child) published on 28 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
EYA have been incredible for my son. He's a velcro toddler, but settled into nursery in a few days, sleeping well, eating well and was immediately approaching the staff for comfort when needed. The kids get to do some great indoor activities that I don't do at home, go outside 1-2 times a day, have
very nutritious meals with great variety and an environment to encourage imaginative play and independence. We couldn't be happier with EYA!
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Review from Victoria E (Mother of Child) published on 27 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have been so pleased with our choice of nursery. All the staff are welcoming and friendly and so supportive to both us as parents and to our little one.


We are kept regularly up to date with activities and updates especially if there is any change to routine. They really go out of their way to

provide lovely activities in a cosy environment.
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Review from Heidi O (Mother of Child) published on 18 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Excellent nursery setting & staff that go above and beyond for the children in their care. My daughter is very happy here.
Excellent facilities especially the forest school scheme in preschool led by a fantastic staff member.
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Review from Barbara F (Mother of Child) published on 18 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
very nice and family atmosphere, employees with a smile on their face, always willing to help. children happy and joyful under the care of teachers,I recommend with a clear conscience, my son always came back with a new experience, full of smiles and satisfaction
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Review from Sabine L (Mother of Child) published on 12 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I walked round various nurseries while heavily pregnant, but when I walked into EYA I knew it was the one. A vivid memory is a child running up to the carer who was showing me around and giving her a massive hug. All of the nursery staff are so friendly and professional. My daughter has been going
from 9 months starting in the baby room and slowly transitioning to the toddler room and she is so excited each day to go and see her friends and the lovely staff. She absolutely loves it there and we love her being there, safe in the knowledge she's learning and having fun.
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Review from Oliwia D (Mother of Child) published on 5 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little lad has just started at the early years academy he's in the 2 year toddler group.I was so worried in finding a nursery for him to make sure it suits the both of us but the early years academy have been so amazing and supportive.
The first time speaking to them over the phone to try and arrange
a viewing was outstanding and made me feel so at ease , i just knew then this was going to be the place for my little lad. so friendly and welcoming. Ever since he had started they've welcomed us with warmth and happiness it truly feels like a second home. They really do care for every child that attends. with regular updates throughout the day i have no worries leaving my little lad with them. the staff have really made him come out of his shell as he's a really shy boy. We both love this nursery and would recommend it to parents without a doubt. All the staff are truly amazing , kind and caring.
The whole nursery is beautiful, clean and well maintained, with healthy meals. ThankYou!
Reply from Sophie McCluskey, Director at The Early Years Academy Derby
Thank you for your wonderful review! We're so happy to hear that both you and your little lad feel welcome and supported at The Early Years Academy.Choosing the right nursery is a big decision, and…read more
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Review from Philip B (Father of Child) published on 4 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Excellent nursery with exceptional caring and patient staff. I can't recommend the place enough. My son loves the place and the people (and the food). When we visited when deciding you could instantly tell from the way the children were how happy they all were being there.
Reply from Sophie McCluskey, Director at The Early Years Academy Derby
Thank you so much for your kind words! It truly means the world to us to hear how much your son loves his time at The Early Years Academy. Our team is passionate about creating a nurturing, engaging,…read more
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Review from A A (Mother of Child) published on 5 November 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I would like to highlight the wonderful staff members for their continued efforts when supporting and caring for our daughters. Their enthusiasm and passion is clear and the warmth extended to us as a family has been outstanding. Thank you all for providing such a caring, nurturing environment and encouraging
our girls to truly thrive.
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Review from S V (Father of Child) published on 16 October 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both of my children attend this nursery and it has been brilliant from day one. The staff are so friendly and provide fantastic facilities and activities for the kids. They are attentive and make sure that our children's individual needs are met all the time. Would highly recommend to other parents.
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Review from G S (Mother of Child) published on 2 August 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Early Years has been amazing for our son the last couple of years, they've really helped his confidence and speech and have really helped his development across the board.
The staff are amazing and so friendly and kind. They go above and beyond for the children.
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Review from H E (Mother of Child) published on 29 July 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son has loved his time here at The Early Years Academy. He came as a baby during the Covid pandemic and has gone through to pre-school. The staff are always kind, caring and attentive to the needs of the children. Great facilities and community connections.
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Review from Emily S (Mother of Child) published on 15 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I am over the moon with The Early Years Academy! My son is now 19 months old and has been attending since he was 4 months old, the girls are so fantastic with the children there is always an activity out as soon as we get there in the morning so my little one is most of the time too excited to even
remember to say bye to me, they always let me know exactly how he’s been at the end of the day when I pick him up! They always have events where they invite the parents in with their little ones (even when they’re not due on that day!) we are about to go to the Mother's Day event this afternoon so we’re very excited and I know it’ll be hard to get my little one away afterwards! Absolutely would recommend this nursery to anyone!
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Review from Sarah A (Mother of Child) published on 14 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Child has really thrived and enjoys the day at nursery. He likes the toys and enjoys and a good sing and dance. The food is great and outdoor space is a real asset compared to other nurseries. Would recommend.
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Review from Sun C (Mother of Child) published on 14 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
They have a cosy indoor room for each age group of children and a lovely outdoor space. My son eagerly enters the room and enjoys healthy meals prepared in their kitchen. The staff is attentive, positive and professional. I always receive welcoming energy and my son started calling them by name. I can
relax knowing he is being looked after by the lovely team. The administrative side has been so efficient and helpful in supporting our childcare plan. The app they are using is a game-changer, considering the nursery’s busy schedule, it helps me communicate with the staff and stay updated on my son, the nursery’s changes, and events. The observations each focus week show a peek into his nursery life. They always plan to improve the environment and program for children that I’m looking forward to our son’s participation in those coming activities and there are many events that parents can attend. I’m so glad to have found this wonderful setting.
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Review from Louise D (Mother of Child) published on 14 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little boy loves nursery and has formed bonds with all the staff. The nursery provides a great variety of activities and a lovely calming setting for the children. My boy came on so far once he started nursery and has learnt lots of new skills.
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Review from A S (Mother of Child) published on 14 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We absolutely love early years academy, our daughter enjoys and looks forward to going. We get regular updates on her day and on her development. They put in so much effort into everything and it is such a lovely atmosphere. I would recommend the nursery to everyone. Our daughter has a food allergy
and they cater to her needs really well.
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Review from T G (Father of Child) published on 13 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter has been attending the toddler room for a few months now, and after a brief period of settling in, she now really loves it. All the staff and kind, and communication is amazing using the app. I particularly love the focus week updates with pictures and descriptions of the fun she’s been
getting up to and the development she’s been making!
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Review from Jo E (Mother of Child) published on 27 February 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Cannot rate this nursery highly enough! We chose EYA because when we had our tour the staff were actually interested in my daughter rather than only informing us on the financial side of things. We also loved the indoor and outdoor spaces. I was really worried about the transition going back to work,
but it has honestly been far easier than I had hoped because I know that my daughter is safe, being well looked after and is genuinely excited to be there, kicks her legs and waves her arms every time we ring the bell with the biggest grin on her face. My daughter has recently finished her focus week, the team messaged to see if there is anything specific we'd like her to develop, and throughout the week we have been sent updates and pictures, with reasons why they've done certain activities and how she's reacted.
The team are truly wonderful and you can tell they care, and whilst there the meals she has are better than what I make for myself. 10s across the board from me!
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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 Early Years Academy Derby 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 30 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 30 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 Early Years Academy Derby is calculated as follows: ( (342 Excellents x 5) + (16 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 358 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 Early Years Academy Derby is based on 30 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 10 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, and then 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews and then 0.1 Points for the next five Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.100, 7th = 0.100, 8th = 0.100, 9th = 0.100, 10th = 0.100) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 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 104 number of registered child places is 20.8, which has been reached with 30 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)

Margaret

Margaret Bellamy

Job Title: Nursery Manager Joined: 2023

Maggie is a dedicated and experienced early years professional with 17 years in childcare and 14 years in nursery management. She has a passion for delivering outstanding outcomes for children, families, and staff, ensuring high-quality provision and continuous improvement. Since joining The Early Years Academy 15 months ago, she has embraced its ethos while bringing fresh, innovative ideas to enhance learning, sustainability, and staff development.

Frequently Asked Questions about The Early Years Academy Derby

What is the Age Range of Children that The Early Years Academy Derby accepts?

The Early Years Academy Derby accepts Children aged from 0 years 3 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is The Early Years Academy Derby Open?

The Early Years Academy Derby 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 Early Years Academy Derby have capacity for?

The Early Years Academy Derby has capacity for a total of 104 Children.

How far is The Early Years Academy Derby to the centre of Derby?

1.0 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 Early Years Academy Derby to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. The Early Years Academy Derby has an Enhanced Service - more info.