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
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Total of 49, showing 21-40
Review from Sophie R (Mother of Child) published on 16 January 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Absolutely incredible staff. Amazing at supporting development and creating a safe and welcoming space for children. The food is home-cooked and well balanced, my daughter always eats more there than at home.
I can't rate the nursery highly enough.
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Review from Daniel P (Father of Child) published on 3 January 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This nursery is excellent and has been since we started in January 2021. The staff are all fantastic and there is good staff retention. The nursery employs a key worker policy and uses regular child observations to chart progress and help development.
The kitchen deserves a special mention for the
varied and balanced diet menu plans. Not just pasta every day!
In the nursery, there are good boundaries, with rules well adhered to. In preschool, all children know when to wash their hands and sit patiently at the table at meal times, for example.
Lastly, the nursery has a good outdoor area, which is used on a daily basis year-round, including activities such as mud kitchens, bare foot walking, climbing equipment, sand pits etc.
The nursery is introducing forest school activities.
This is a very good nursery.
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Review from R G (Mother of Child) published on 15 December 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The team are incredibly friendly and professional at all times. We always receive a warm hello and goodbye. The rooms are cosy and relaxing, like a home from home. I feel really happy leaving my child here for the day, knowing he will be well looked after, entertained and fed very tasty food.
The
App is really useful in updating me on the essentials of the day, naps and food. It's also nice to receive photos and read about his development.


The nursery has recently held an open day/stay and play - it was so nice to see my child interacting with other children and the staff, and moving confidently in the space.

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Review from E J (Mother of Child) published on 7 December 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A brilliant nursery. Staff are kind, attentive and genuinely care for the children. Our little boy was anxious when starting (we’d just moved house) and they were so thoughtful in making him feel safe and settled, making him a lovely family book, finding out what we’d been up to as a family so they
could talk with him about it, and taking the time to do the things he enjoys.


They also run lots of events to bring the families into the nursery which has really helped him to settle - and for us to feel more a part of his experience and community there.


They always use communication through the App which we’ve found so much easier to engage with than the nursery we were at before moving up to Derby. The garden is brilliant, with so much space, and they’re always up for taking them out to play, which our little boy loves! The on-site chef makes sure they get exposed to all sorts of lovely and healthy meals.


Really couldn’t rate this nursery higher.

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Review from F J (Mother of Child) published on 7 December 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I would definitely recommend this nursery. The staff are kind and caring and the activities they set up for the children are fantastic and really varied. There is lots of outside play. There is good communication with parents both in person and through the app.
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Review from Jade T (Mother of Child) published on 7 December 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Couldn’t speak higher of this nursery, the staff, the environment, the out of hours activities they put on are all fantastic! My little boy started in October 2023 and they helped him settle in so well. The updates and focus weeks are so well planned to suit his development needs and interests that
it puts my mind at total ease. Thank you early years!
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Review from Stephanie G (Mother of Child) published on 7 December 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been going to the Early Years Academy for just over a year now and she honestly loves it. I couldn’t believe how well she settled in and I’m really pleased I sent her there. The practitioners are all really lovely and get to know the children really well. They run several nice events
each term too which makes the parents really feel a part of the nursery experience. Communication is really good but also not too full on, just a nice balance. I’m really impressed and would recommend to anyone
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Review from Jessica L (Mother of Child) published on 7 December 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Great staff who really take the time to understand and know your child.
They work very hard and my daughter is happy and safe at the nursery.
Lots of options for length of the day. Staff are kind. Would definitely recommend.
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Review from R G (Mother of Child) published on 7 December 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The Early Years Academy Derby is an excellent choice for your little one. My baby started when she was just 4 months old and The Early Years Academy Derby team has taken care of her just as I would have done at home. They are so focused around ensuring the baby is comfortable at home, achieving all
the developmental milestones. I am so happy my baby is a part of The Early Years Academy Derby family.
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Review from G D (Father of Child) published on 7 December 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We are so happy with how our boy has developed at nursery and feel lucky that he is able to interact with such great staff. They always put the children first, provide a varied and well-balanced menu for meals and keep us well informed of his progress.
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Review from Bethany H (Mother of Child) published on 16 August 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been attending The Early Years Academy for just over a year now and I couldn’t recommend it any more than I already do! The kind, welcoming nature of the staff makes you feel immediately at ease, as approachable, highly knowledgeable, and generally lovely people. All staff know you by
name and take a genuine interest in your home life, really giving that family feel. My daughter absolutely loves attending each day and has developed in leaps and bounds since she first started, which isn’t a surprise given the resources available, both in and outdoors. Staff ensure we, as parents, are involved at every step of the learning journey gaining our input for likes/dislikes and keep us regularly informed. The additional events are frequent, well organised, and really lovely additions to our overall experience. I couldn’t be happier with The Early Years Academy and know my child is in the best possible provision, feeling safe, secure, and nurtured.
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Review from C L (Mother of Child) published on 31 July 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We are so impressed with Early Years Academy. The staff are wonderful with the children and everything is very child/family centred. They have a calm environment and nurturing approach, where the children are encouraged to explore and learn in an exciting way.
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Review from G S (Mother of Child) published on 28 July 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My 8-year-old son attended The Early Years Academy before it was The Early Years Academy and he loved it! Some of the amazing staff remain in place and still have a great connection with him. My 2-year-old daughter now attends The Early Years Academy and she is also excited to go to nursery every day.
The staff are great, my daughter has formed some very strong bonds there and the environment, creativity and effort made around learning, fun and inclusion are just brilliant. As a busy working parent, I also really appreciate the fact the admin side of things is exceptionally efficient and that I can manage everything and see all of my daughter's progress through the app.
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Review from Peter H (Stepfather of Child) published on 10 July 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My stepson has been attending The Early Years Academy for over 6 months now and I cannot speak more highly of the nursery, their staff and the service provided as a whole. Our child is on the autism spectrum and requires some additional oversight and care to ensure he thrives in their settings. The
Early Years Academy are wonderful at providing this, they have some SEND specialist staff who are worth their weight in gold, helping our child's development in a truly meaningful way. The manager at The Early Years Academy is great - highly responsive, accommodating to our needs and pro-active about ensuring the children have development plans that are personalized to their individual needs. Quite simply - we couldn't have asked or hoped for a better provider, we are very grateful for the time they put into our son and we would recommend this nursery to anybody in the area.
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Review from Laura W (Mother of Child) published on 23 March 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We continue to be delighted with The Early Years Academy. Our son has been attending for ten months now, and he enjoys going every day. The staff are consistently kind and caring, and I have had no concerns at any point. They take the time to understand his needs.
The food cooked for them is of a
high standard and always varied. Activities seem different every day, and the children are always outdoors when the weather allows.
The environment is superb, always clean, tidy and with a welcoming feel.
We had the choice of three nurseries in close proximity, and we have no regrets about choosing The Early Years Academy. Thank you to everyone!
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Review from Alicia N (Mother of Child) published on 13 March 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our children have been attending The Early Years Academy Derby for a year and a half. Both settled in really well and always look forward to going to nursery and come home very happy. Our two-year-old has special needs due to physical and health-related issues which require additional care and management
of his condition. The support from the nursery has been wonderful, the staff know him well and have a good understanding of his needs and take his needs seriously to ensure his well-being needs are met.
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Review from F R (Mother of Child) published on 2 March 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The Early Years Academy Derby is a fantastic childcare setting! The staff are attentive, really taking time to get to know each child and how to help them enjoy their day at nursery. Training and development are clearly high on the agenda, and this shows in the opportunities given to the children to
learn through play. The physical environment is welcoming, homely and clean. My child usually cleans his plate so it's safe to say that the meals served get the seal of approval too! Communication and updates via the app are very thorough, and the time taken by the staff to talk to the parents at either end of the day is really beneficial. I wouldn't hesitate in recommending The Early Years Academy to anyone!
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Review from K C (Mother of Child) published on 6 February 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The Early Years Academy Derby has been a great first experience in childcare for our daughter. The staff are very caring and passionate. They are always doing new sparks and activities with the children.
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Review from Mercedes R (Mother of Child) published on 6 February 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We are very happy with The Early Years Academy Derby. The staff are excellent, trained and very supportive of the kids' development, but also with the family's specific needs and challenges. The nursery is well-equipped and the premises are beautiful. They provide an excellent diet, our son loves the
food. Nappies, milk and cream are all included, which is very convenient. We would highly recommend The Early Years Academy to other parents.
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Review from Laura G (Mother of Child) published on 24 October 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I just wanted to pass on our gratitude to all the wonderful staff at The Early Years Academy. I for one was very concerned about my daughter starting nursery, it's not an experience I have ever enjoyed and certainly, with my older son, there were times when I felt guilty for sending him, or would find
myself worrying about him etc. Since starting she is very visibly happy and well cared for. All the staff have been accommodating and the communication is the best I have known. I can honestly say I feel happy for her when it's one of her days as I know she's going to have the best fun and care. The setting is out of the way for us, ideally, it would have been a nursery closer to our home or work. We both agree it is 100% worth the extra travel to get our daughter there.


We are so grateful to have found The Early Years Academy and couldn't be happier.

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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.

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.