Mini Explorers Nursery

The Pepper Pot, Crabtree Hall Business Centre, Little Holtby, Northallerton DL7 9LN
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8.9 21 Reviews
  • Mini Explorers Nursery, Northallerton
Mini Explorers Crabtree Hall – The UK’s First Recognised Farm School Nursery.

Mini Explorers at Crabtree Hall is proud to be the UK’s first recognised Farm School Nursery, offering a unique and enriching early years experience rooted in nature, outdoor learning, and farm life. Located on a working farm in the heart of the North Yorkshire countryside, the Mini Explorers provides children with daily opportunities to connect with the natural world.

From the youngest babies in the Baby Bunnies room to the confident pre-schoolers in Farm School Two, children explore fields, woodlands, and the wider Crabtree Hall estate. They engage with real-life learning through experiences such as feeding animals, planting crops, and observing seasonal changes. These experiences help to build confidence, independence, and a strong sense of curiosity about the world around them.

Mini Explorers promotes a deep understanding of animal welfare, food production, and environmental responsibility. Children are encouraged to take risks, solve problems, and build resilience through both guided activities and child-led exploration.

The dedicated team of Early Years Educators at Mini Explorers combines the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) with outdoor, farm-based learning. Children benefit from rich, hands-on experiences that promote physical development, emotional wellbeing, and social skills, all while fostering a lifelong respect for the environment.

With its strong focus on outdoor learning and meaningful experiences, Mini Explorers provides a truly special setting where children grow, thrive, and develop the foundations for a lifelong love of learning.
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Type of Service

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

Owner

  • Mini Explorers Crabtree Ltd
  • Privately Owned

Person in Charge

  • Jessica Clarkson (Nursery Manager)

Admission Information

  • 12 weeks - 5 years

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 34

Total Places for Children

  • 93

Age Range

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

Funding & Fees

  • April 2025 – March 2026:


    Full Day 7am-6.30pm -
    0-2 Years: £79.50
    2-3 Years: £78.00
    3-5 Years: £77.50


    ½ Day 7am-12pm / 1pm-6.30pm: £46.00 for all ages.
    Lunch hour (12noon – 1pm): £8.50 per hour


    Optional consumables charge for 3 years+(for children receiving Government Funded hours) - £2.50 per hour
    Optional consumables charge for 9 months - 3 years funded children (for children receiving Government Funded hours) - £1.40 per hour

Opening Times

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

When Closed

  • Bank Holidays & 1 week at Christmas

Parking

  • Mini Explorers is based on a private site with ample parking. They have a small amount of parking directly outside the rooms of the nursery and a larger car park 50m from the nursery.

Mini Explorers Nursery Reviews (21)

8.9

Mini Explorers Nursery has a Review Score of 8.9 (8.857) out of 10, based on 8 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Mini Explorers Nursery has 21 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Date Published
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Reviewer Connection to Mini Explorers Nursery
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Total of 21, showing 1-20
Review from M F (Mother of Child) published on 29 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My two children absolutely love being Mini Explorers. They're always out and about visiting the animals or the tractors. They always have stories to tell when they come home.
The staff are all incredibly friendly and approachable. Nothing is too much trouble.
I'd have no issues in recommending Mini
Explorers as a nursery to anyone.
Reply from Rachael Lattimer, Manager at Mini Explorers Nursery
Thank you so much for your lovely review. We're delighted to hear how much your children enjoy their time at Mini Explorers and that they go home with so many stories to share - that's exactly what we…read more
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Review from Stephanie T (Mother of Child) published on 22 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I find this nursery exceptional, not only is the care good but the surroundings and what it has to offer to my child is like no other nursey. My child's sibling also attended this nursery and he loved it, he had extra needs and they provided this unconditionally. I have no negatives about this nursery,
staff are always happy to listen to your worries or concerns and put you at ease. The food is great all freshly made.
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Review from Jenny H (Mother of Child) published on 16 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Such an amazing facility, the staff are wonderful. I am amazed at the ongoing enthusiasm and diversity in activities including animals, tractors and Christmas trees- external visitors such as ponies, ice cream van,fish and chip van. They populate a wonderful Calander of events through the year to include
parents and grandparents in their care. The play areas are wonderful just food fabulous!
Reply from Rachael Lattimer, Manager at Mini Explorers Nursery
We're thrilled to hear how much you value the experiences and activities we provide at Mini Explorers. Our team works hard to create a fun, engaging, and inclusive environment - from the animals and…read more
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Review from Yasmin S (Mother of Child) published on 16 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
What can I day mini Explorers its such a fantastic nursery my little boy has been attending since he was 10months old and he is now three.
The chnage in him is amazing all the ladies there are absolutely fantastic and work so hard.
The things they do day to day is outstanding and there is no other
nursery like it.
They provied so much for all the children and always go that extra mile.
I can't thank mini enough for my child's start of an amazing journey!
The facilities are amazing the children have so much outside space to explore and the learning that comes with this are the best..
Reply from Rachael Lattimer, Manager at Mini Explorers Nursery
We're absolutely delighted to hear how much of a positive impact Mini Explorers has had on your little boy's journey so far. Watching children grow, thrive, and build confidence from such a young age…read more
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Review from Nicole H (Mother of Child) published on 15 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Mini explorers have been nothing but accommodating towards my child and helping her progress. When she joined in May she was barely able to say 1 word clearly and was struggling with 'school life'. The time and energy the staff have put in to make her feel comfortable and safe enough to grow and thrive
is amazing. And now she loves coming to school each day and is speaking more and more each day.
Amazing team that actually care about children's growth and will accommodate to the children's learning needs.
Reply from Rachael Lattimer, Manager at Mini Explorers Nursery
Thank you so much for your lovely review. We're thrilled to see how much progress your little one has made and that she enjoys coming in each day. It means the world to us that she feels happy, safe,…read more
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Review from Joe D (Father of Child) published on 5 August 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I've had 2 children go through this nursery over the last 3 years and have nothing but good things to say about the setting and the staff in all of the rooms. My children have thoroughly enjoyed their time at the nursery and have made connections with numerous members of the team. Would highly recommend
it to anybody looking at a setting for their children.
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Review from L H (Mother of Child) published on 9 June 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Our children have thrived here, they thoroughly enjoy attending and the activities they do. The food is brilliant and children with allergies are well catered for. The outdoor learning environment is amazing and the children are out in all weathers.
Communication with parents has improved but we are
never asked our opinions or thoughts on things. Staff turn over is high, there are some long standing members of staff but often staff move on.
This is a higher end priced nursery and over the past few years prices have soared well above inflation. The price structure can be unfair, charging parents when it is bank holidays or the nursery is closed over Christmas so children can't attend if parents wanted them to. If you have a half day it is considerably more and you have to pay for lunch on top. There is no flexibility in when you use your funded hours it is a one time bracket fits all.
Overall from a child care provider I do highly recommend Mini's.
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Review from S T (Mother of Child) published on 23 September 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5
Things we would recommend
- beautiful outdoor setting (forest school every day, including coming home very muddy!).
- some staff in the rooms are brilliant.
Things we don't recommend
- poor communication with management, e.g. changing T&Cs of our payments without any notice and not being forthcoming
with information when asked for details.
- unfair bank holiday policy, including a consumable charge when no items are consumed.
- 12% April price increase, well above inflation.
- Feeling penalised as a customer needing additional days above funded hours e.g. swapping to term time only and having to continue to pay full price to keep the day, when families using only funded hours don't.
- Not feeling listened to as a parent is hard, after an incident with our child using a hot tap in the children's sink, a warning sign was put up (can any children at the nursery read?).
On balance, we would say our child would recommend the nursery, but, as parents, we would not recommend the customer service.
Reply from Claire Crouch, Manager at Mini Explorers Nursery
Thank you for sharing your feedback with us. We are disappointed that certain aspects of your experience did not meet your expectations. At Mini Explorers, we are dedicated to delivering the highest…read more
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Review from L A (Mother of Child) published on 6 September 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been going to Mini Explorers for a year, and it is the most amazing place. She’s so happy, loves all the activities and is excited to go there in the morning. I can’t recommend this nursery enough - absolutely fantastic with lovely staff who are always supportive and helpful.
Reply from Rachael Lattimer, Manager at Mini Explorers Nursery
Thank you very much for your review. We love having you as part of our Mini Explorers family!
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Review from Melissa L (Mother of Child) published on 6 September 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The most perfect nursery we could ask for. We are so happy that we found Mini Explorers Nursery as it is the ideal setting for our daughter. It’s based on a gorgeous farm/hall estate and the children’s time there is centred around being outdoors and exploring the wonderful scenery. They go out and see
the various farm animals, watch the machinery at work, and take in the nature surrounding them. The staff are absolutely brilliant, always smiling and extremely professional - shout out to one member of staff in particular who is a superstar! They seem to really care about staff progression and celebrate their staff’s achievements which is so important.
We feel so confident that our daughter is in safe hands and is going to have a fantastic day every time we drop her off.
The facilities are amazing, with separate rooms/buildings for each age group but they will often come together for meals/celebrations which is really lovely.
All in all, we would recommend Mini Explorers to everyone!
Reply from Rachael Lattimer, Manager at Mini Explorers Nursery
Thank you very much! I am sure that member of staff will be overwhelmed with her little mention here too!
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Review from T P (Mother of Child) published on 1 September 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This is a truly incredible nursery! The farm concept allows the children to spend the majority of their day outside exploring and having fun with their friends and children are given learning opportunities like no other. Feeding the animals, watching the farmer and running through the fields to name
just a few activities that have happened this year.
All snacks and meals are clearly carefully planned to develop the little ones' taste buds as well as being nutritionally beneficial, from roast dinner to BBQs around the fire pit (the odd hot chocolate in the field is an added treat), we are always amazed when the menus are shared.
The highlight for us, as parents, is the staff. Our daughter joined when she was almost 1 and the love and care she was shown in Hoppity Hares, by not only her key worker but all the staff, meant that we have never had any separation issues at drop off. Toddlers has been equally as amazing this year, roll on the fun and frivolities of Farm School One!
Reply from Rachael Lattimer, Manager at Mini Explorers Nursery
Food is certainly a huge aspect of the nursery for us. All the different textures and tastes being introduced at such a young age is absolutely key for us.
Thank you for your comment regarding the…read more
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Review from Kimberley B (Mother of Child) published on 1 September 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Mini Explorers has done wonders for our child’s development especially for being in a gorgeous outdoor setting.
The Mini Explorers management team along with the incredible educators have been nothing but brilliant in helping develop and meet our daughter's needs. Our daughter has Special Educational
Needs and an Autism diagnosis and Mini Explorers have met her needs more then we could have hoped. Working alongside the SenCo and having a 1-1 support assigned to our daughter has been amazing. The communication between us and the setting is easy and has made us feel comfortable and secure in knowing our daughter is being given the best chance possible being included alongside the other children and educators.
We couldn’t have asked for a better place to send our daughter and the development from when she started to now is amazing. I would recommend Mini Explorers highly.
Reply from Rachael Lattimer, Manager at Mini Explorers Nursery
It has been an absolute pleasure to have you with us over the last few years, and seeing the progress made is magical!

We believe all children should be treat with the upmost respect and entitled…read more
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Review from A C (Mother of Child) published on 1 September 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The absolute best nursery, I don’t have a bad word to say. My daughter is absolutely thriving thanks to the whole team at Mini Explorers. She loves going to nursery, even on her days off it’s all she speaks about. They’re always outdoors playing, going on adventures and seeing their animals. The meals
that get made for children are always amazing, I get jealous when I see on the app all the lovely food they’ve had each day. It really is an amazing nursery in every single aspect, I wouldn’t want my girl anywhere else.
Reply from Rachael Lattimer, Manager at Mini Explorers Nursery
This is so lovely to hear! It's a pleasure having you as part of our Mini Explorers family, thank you!
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Review from Chloe B (Mother of Child) published on 1 September 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I could not recommend Mini Explorers enough. My little boy has been tube-fed since he was 6 weeks old and I knew finding a nursery to accommodate his needs wouldn’t be easy but the management/staff at Mini Explorers couldn’t have done more to help us. They welcomed him with open arms and every member
of staff who played a part in his care learned how to feed him so quickly and with such confidence, it really did put my mind at ease that he was in safe hands when I went back to work. I couldn’t fault them in any way as they have everything and more anyone could ever ask from a nursery and taking care of their children. They provided him with such love and care, nothing was ever too much trouble when it came to his extra needs. He loved his time there in hoppity hares and the toddler room and settled in so quickly, he was very happy and all the girls are just amazing! We are very lucky he had such a wonderful start to his educational journey and I can’t thank you all enough!
Reply from Rachael Lattimer, Manager at Mini Explorers Nursery
He was a dream to have within the nursery, and that cheeky little smile always made our day.

We were so pleased we were able to help you when you'd been turned away by another provider. We are so…read more
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Review from Mel D (Mother of Child) published on 1 September 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have two children at Mini Explorers who are 3 years and 12 months and we have been using this fantastic nursery for over 2 years now.


They provide the most incredible learning environment for the children, utilising the farm and land around them to the full. They are outside come rain or shine,

and they expose the children to things that most standard nurseries couldn’t even dream of. There are always lots of parent engagement activities and we get lots of daily updates both on the app and at pick-up.


The food is phenomenal, all home cooked and offering superb variety and flavours. The staff are always so helpful and my children have grown very attached to them throughout their time.


I couldn’t recommend it more highly - a home from home.

Reply from Rachael Lattimer, Manager at Mini Explorers Nursery
Your review is so lovely, thank you very much!

Your children are assets to our nursery, and we love having them with us.

Our Farm Nursery really is a unique concept which we are very proud of -…read more
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Review from S E (Mother of Child) published on 1 September 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Amazing opportunities for all children to learn outside and on the farm!
Learning all about the real world and environment around them.
My children love it here. And really thrive from their sessions at nursery.
Not to mention the food is amazing and includes some homegrown fruit and veg!
Reply from Rachael Lattimer, Manager at Mini Explorers Nursery
Thank you very much. We are very proud of what our team has created for the children and the endless opportunities they are given daily.

The food offered is amazing too!
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Review from Kelly H (Mother of Child) published on 1 September 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The most wonderful nursery, staff and environment! My son has been going to Mini’s for two years, and I couldn’t be happier with every aspect. The food is cooked onsite using local organic produce and is varied. The outdoor environment is fantastic in all weather, which creates learning in a great environment.
I could not be more grateful for the highest level of care that is given by the teams in the rooms to the management.
Reply from Rachael Lattimer, Manager at Mini Explorers Nursery
Thank you very much for your kind review and lovely words.
As we always say, there's no such thing as bad weather!
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Review from E D (Aunt of Child) published on 1 September 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Mini Explores provide such a fun, caring, adventurous environment where learning and the outdoors are at the forefront. Marvellous staff that are passionate about their jobs and is demonstrated in their caring attitude towards all the children.
Reply from Rachael Lattimer, Manager at Mini Explorers Nursery
Thank you very much for your lovely review. Our staff team really are incredible and committed to supporting each and every one of our children to ensure they have the best possible start.
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Review from Katherine R (Mother of Child) published on 1 September 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This has been one of the best choices for our little boy! He absolutely loves it, and we have loved everything he does there. He is in his element, playing outside, in the mud, splashing in puddles, and just being an adventurer!
Everything is provided, most importantly, the snacks, which isn’t that
every child’s favourite time of the day?!
The staff are fantastic, and he runs in happily on a morning, ready to start his day!
The outside space is amazing, and feeding the animals whilst learning all at the same time - he even teaches us about different farming machinery now!
We always knew this was the right place for him as he just loves the outdoors and will soon be sending our youngest there.
From singing and drinking hot chocolate around the campfire to growing their own vegetable, this really is a child’s heaven!
The nursery also gets the whole family involved, which is lovely - firework displays and nativities, there is so much going on!
Reply from Rachael Lattimer, Manager at Mini Explorers Nursery
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! Our children have such amazing experiences, which we are very proud of.
I couldn't say it better myself - what more could a little one wish for!
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Review from Rachel D (Mother of Child) published on 1 September 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A lovely experience, as always, with all the team at Minis; they look after and genuinely care about my daughter's well-being and learning. Always catering to her interests with the rest of her friends. She has developed great relationships at Minis with young and adults alike.
Reply from Rachael Lattimer, Manager at Mini Explorers Nursery
Thank you very much for your lovely review of our nursery!
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Current Review Score: 8.9 (8.857)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 8.9 (8.857) out of 10 for Mini Explorers Nursery is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.8 out of 5 from 8 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.1 out of 5 from 7 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 4.781 for Mini Explorers Nursery is calculated as follows: ( (83 Excellents x 5) + (8 Goods x 4) + (3 Satisfactorys x 3) + (1 Poors x 2) + (1 Very Poors x 1) ) ÷ 96 Ratings = 4.781
  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 4.076 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Mini Explorers Nursery is based on 7 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 = 3.7
    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 93 number of registered child places is 18.6. 7 Positive Reviews ÷ 18.6 = 0.376
  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 (2)

Meet the Team (7)

Steph

Steph Pybus

Job Title: Nursery Owner Joined: 2012

Founder and owner Steph is the beating heart of Mini Explorers and is often the first point of contract for any new families to the nursery. Often seen running about the farm with a phone in one hand and a notepad in the other, Steph is always knee-deep in one project or another. From recruiting flocks of pregnant Herdwick sheep, to re-developing the mud kitchens, Steph is on a never-ending quest to make Mini Explorers an even more exciting and dynamic setting for our children.

Mark

Mark Pybus

Job Title: Farmer Joined: 2012

Mark Pybus, or ‘Farmer Mark’ as he is known to our children, is our resident farmer and agronomist. When he’s not zooming about the farm in his distinctive black Land Rover looking busy and important, he can often be found talking to small groups of Mini Explorers about his work and enlisting their help to plant trees, move chicken sheds and mend fences. There are always jobs to be done!

Jessica

Jessica Clarkson

Job Title: Nursery Manager Joined: 2018

Say hello to Jess, our Nursery Manager who steers our ship with a big smile and the best playtime ideas! She’s always around to make sure everything at Mini Explorers runs like clockwork and that every day is filled with giggles and learning.

Charlotte

Charlotte Hurworth

Job Title: Deputy Manager Joined: 2018

Charlotte is our fantastic deputy manager also the queen of DIY. She’s got the magic touch that turns every tumble into a giggle and finds the fun in every game.

Gareth

Gareth

Job Title: Chef Joined: 2023

You can find Gareth in The Nest Cafe, cooking up some delicious food for our children!

Tara

Tara

Job Title: Nursery Chef Joined: 2019

Tara is the ultimate brownie maker and all-around yummy food maker!

Grandad

Grandad Bobby

Job Title: Grounds Keeper Joined: 2012

Proving that Mini Explorers really is a family-affair, Grandad Bobby is one of the many characters you will hear your children talk about. Grandad Bobby is our resident maintenance guru and groundsman. He helps the children with many of their gardening projects, and oversees the landscaping of the Crabtree Hall grounds. Whilst the children know him as Grandad Bobby, he will be more familiar to many parents as ‘the man on the mower’!

Frequently Asked Questions about Mini Explorers Nursery

What is the Age Range of Children that Mini Explorers Nursery accepts?

Mini Explorers Nursery accepts Children aged from 0 years 3 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Mini Explorers Nursery Open?

Mini Explorers Nursery is open: Monday 07:00-18:30, Tuesday 07:00-18:30, Wednesday 07:00-18:30, Thursday 07:00-18:30, Friday 07:00-18:30.

How many Children does Mini Explorers Nursery have capacity for?

Mini Explorers Nursery has capacity for a total of 93 Children.

How far is Mini Explorers Nursery to the centre of Northallerton?

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

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