What do you do if it rains?
We play, of course! A little rain never stops us—it’s all part of the adventure. That’s why having the right gear is so important. Staying warm and dry means happy, creative play in all weathers. Our lovely trees offer some shelter, and if we need a cosy spot, we have The Little Grub House nestled in the woodland.
Do you go out in all weathers?
Yes! We embrace the elements, come rain or shine. The only thing that might keep us away from the Woodland site is high winds with heavy, persistent rain. If that happens, we’ll head to other open spaces where it’s safe to explore.
Do I need to buy specific clothing/footwear?
Absolutely. We spend lots of time outdoors, so it’s really important that your child is dressed for the adventure. The right kit keeps everyone comfortable and ready to explore. Check out our kit guide for all the details.
Do all children have a rest/sleep?
Yes, but we make it a peaceful and enjoyable experience. Every day, we take 15-20 minutes before lunch to slow down, stretch with a few gentle yoga moves, take some deep breaths, and settle on our own soft sheepskin rugs. With a story in the air, some little ones daydream, while others drift off for a nap—it’s a moment of calm in our busy day.
When can my child start at Little Grubs Kindergarten?
Many children join us from 2 years old, but places are limited for this age group, so get in touch soon. There’s no need to wait for a new term; you can start at a time that works best for your family, as long as we have space.
What is the adult: child ratio?
We always meet the required legal ratios, but at Little Grubs, we like to go above and beyond. We keep our adult-to-child ratio higher than the government recommendations to give your little ones the very best care and attention on our daily adventures.
When are you open?
We’re open for 38 weeks a year, closely following Shropshire Local Authority’s term dates. We take a break for school holidays and a few Staff Education Days.
What is the minimum attendance?
To give children the best experience, we require a minimum of 2 days per week. This helps with continuity, routine, and making sure your child gets the most out of their time with us. Our settling-in programme ensures a smooth and happy start.
Can my child attend another early years setting alongside Little Grubs?
From experience, we find that children settle best when they are fully immersed in one setting. Each place has its own rhythms and routines, and splitting time between two settings can sometimes be tricky. We’d love to chat more about why we recommend a single setting and find the best option for your child.
How will you support my child to settle in?
We know that starting somewhere new is a big step, so we do everything we can to make it smooth and stress-free—for both your child and you. Your child's Key Person will guide you through the settling-in process, and we even offer home visits if you'd like your child to meet their Key Person in a familiar environment.
Are meals included, and do you cater for dietary needs?
Yes. Mealtimes are special at Little Grubs. Children help lay the table, serve themselves, and even take part in food preparation—chopping vegetables or baking desserts. We all eat together, and while we share the same meal, we’re happy to cater for dietary needs like vegetarian, dairy-free, and gluten-free options.
Why do you have a later lunch?
We make the most of our time outdoors. Our main meal is at 1:15 PM, but we enjoy a hearty morning snack of fruit and homemade bread and butter. Plus, there are always seasonal treats and campfire delights along the way.
What is risky play, and why do you encourage it?
We believe that adventurous play is an important part of growing up. Climbing, balancing, jumping, and exploring build confidence, resilience, and problem-solving skills. We teach children how to assess and manage risk themselves—because learning to make safe choices is a valuable life skill. Some of the amazing benefits include:
A sense of achievement and confidence
Learning to understand limits and push boundaries safely
A thrilling sense of adventure
Improved motor and cognitive skills
Creative thinking and problem-solving
At Little Grubs, we create a safe environment where children can test their limits, take risks, and thrive.
What does it cost to join Little Grubs?
We accept government funding, but to sustain our unique approach, we apply a discretionary fee to cover additional services and consumables. Here is why! Imagine the excitement of a school trip every day. That is the essence of Little Grubs. Our enriched outdoor curriculum means children don’t just stay in one place—we venture out across Oakly Park Estate, exploring magical natural play spaces like:
The Rhododendron Garden
Our dedicated woodland site for Forest School adventures
The Walled Garden
The peaceful Hornbeam Glade
Riverside walks and nature spotting
Kings Head Farm, where we see the changing seasons in action
St. Mary’s Church and its historic surroundings
Yew Tree Avenue, a perfect place for discovery and wonder
To provide this rich, hands-on learning experience, we apply a discretionary daily service charge. This helps us:
Keep staff-to-child ratios higher than legally required, ensuring small group sizes and plenty of individual attention
Offer high-quality, nature-led learning in a safe and stimulating environment
Maintain our incredible outdoor learning spaces so they remain a magical place for children to explore
Please get in touch for more details about our fees and funding options.
Little Grubs isn’t just a nursery—it’s an adventure, every single day.
How do I apply for a place?
We’d love to hear from you! Get in touch for more information, and come see Little Grubs in action. A visit is the best way to meet our wonderful team, explore our setting, and chat about what’s best for your child.
Do you have a waiting list?
Not exactly—we don’t keep a traditional waiting list because we can’t guarantee places. Instead, we keep a record of families who have shown interest in joining Little Grubs. Since spaces are limited each term, we allocate places based on our admissions policy, ensuring a fair process for families while keeping our setting sustainable. If you’ve registered your interest, we’ll reach out to you as soon as a place becomes available.