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Funded Childcare available at

Poplars Blossoms
Nursery School

ENQUIRE TODAY

First-Class Childcare for Sherwood, Woodthorpe, and Daybrook

Why Choose Us?
  • 🌟 Small, bright rooms where children feel safe and form strong bonds with our caring staff.
  • 🎨 Unique Poplars Approach tailored for all age groups, fostering development and creativity.
  • ❤️ A warm, friendly atmosphere where parents feel supported, and our passionate staff are dedicated to nurturing young minds.

Age Groups

Babies

0 – 2 years

Toddlers

2 – 3 years

Pre-School

3 – 5 years at The Willows

Our History

Poplars Nursery School first opened in Sherwood in 1993, built on a vision of nurturing, home-from-home care and early education for local families. Over the years, our dedicated staff and supportive parents have helped shape what’s now known as the Poplars Approach – a thoughtful, child-centred way of learning that supports children’s natural development.

At Poplars Blossoms, we strive to provide a stimulating environment for children aged 3 months to 3 years, where they can learn, grow, and thrive. We promote an enabling environment enriched with meaningful learning opportunities, and our nurturing approach encourages every child to develop confidence and truly blossom.
We are proud to offer a dedicated pre-school facility, The Willows Preschool, located at Portland Court just a few yards from Poplars Blossoms. When children turn three, they transition to The Willows. This process is carefully supported to ensure it is positive, gentle, and seamless. Each child receives a transition book to explore with their family before visits begin, helping them become familiar with their new setting. Children then attend their transition visits accompanied by their key worker or a familiar carer, who stays with them for the duration of each session to provide reassurance and continuity.
We work closely with families to ensure transitions are smooth, supportive, and reassuring. Throughout the process, every child is nurtured, encouraged, and guided as they take this exciting next step in their learning journey.

 

Nurturing Learning, Growing Together

Since 1993, Poplars Nursery has built a strong reputation in Nottingham for providing high-quality care and education for children aged 12 weeks to 6 years. Our unique Poplars Approach embraces the Human Scale Ethos, creating a warm, family-friendly environment where every child feels valued. With small group settings, dedicated staff, and a focus on learning through play, we nurture curiosity, confidence, and a love for learning from the very start.

Our Friendly Team

At both Poplars Nursery School & Poplars Blossoms Nursery School, we invest in the personal and professional development of each member of staff.

Nursery School Activities

We provide a rich learning environment where children thrive through:

  • Engaging activities planned by dedicated staff, tailored to each child’s development and shared with parents.
  • Outdoor learning in a nature-friendly space that encourages exploration and discovery.
  • Hands-on experiences that foster problem-solving, curiosity, and critical thinking.
  • Small group learning, allowing staff to closely support each child’s progress at their own pace.
  • Creative expression, giving children the freedom to explore art, music, and imaginative play.

Partnership with Parents

We believe strong parent partnerships enhance every child’s learning. By staying connected and sharing insights, we create a nurturing environment tailored to each child. Your feedback is always welcome, helping us continually improve our care and support.

Together, we create a positive and supportive space where your child feels valued, confident, and excited to learn. Your involvement helps shape their journey, ensuring the best start in life.

Funding

30 hours funded childcare

Most working parents may be eligible for up to 30 hours of funded childcare per week for children aged from 9 months through to 4 years old. Eligibility depends on employment status, income, your child’s age and where you live.

Funding is normally provided across the 38 week school year. At Poplars Blossoms Nursery School we offer the option to stretch funding across 51 weeks of the year so families can spread their funded hours more evenly.

Check eligibility at: gov.uk

15 hours funded childcare

All parents are entitled to 15 hours of funded childcare for children aged 3 and 4 years old from the term after their third birthday.

When funding is stretched across the year, 15 hours becomes approximately 11 hours per week, while 30 hours becomes around 22 hours per week.

Many working parents may also qualify for Tax-Free Childcare, which can help families save up to £2,000 per year.

Check eligibility at: gov.uk

Important information

Funded childcare is capped by the Local Authority at a maximum of 10 hours per day.

Any additional care required outside of funded hours is optional and charged for. We offer flexible attendance including half-day sessions of 5.5 hours (morning) or 5 hours (afternoon).

Our team can explain how funded hours can be applied to your child’s attendance pattern if you qualify for funding.

A small daily consumable charge helps cover the cost of meals, utilities, cleaning supplies and learning resources used during funded sessions.

£3 per half day
£6 per full day

This is a voluntary contribution. If parents prefer not to participate, they may provide a packed lunch for their child following our healthy packed lunch guidance.

Book early

Our spaces fill very quickly, so we recommend enquiring as early as possible to secure the sessions and start date you require.

What Parents Are Saying About Us

I just want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has looked after my little boy since he began at Poplars. It was quite a traumatic time trying to find somewhere for him when his childminder could no longer look after him. It was a blessing in disguise as I knew the minute I walked in and met you all that Poplars was the perfect place. I cannot thank you enough for making that transition so easy and he has had the best time ever. He has come on so much since he has started and that’s all thanks to all you. We are going to miss you all so much and I wish I could just move you all up north with us.

Parent of Jack

My children have been part of Poplars Nursery School since 2012 and they have benefited enormously from the ethos of the nursery, the smaller, home-like setting, and the care and attention of the staff. The staff know the children very well, and appreciate their personalities and where they are at in their development. They track their development in conjunction with parents with books which include plenty of photos so you can see what they have been up to. They do lots of fun activities, which are well thought through and promote their self-confidence and independence, In fact, a lot of thought goes in to their processes and activities and it’s clear that the children enjoy being in this environment. My children have particularly enjoyed the visits from White Post farm, the annual nursery outings, the occasional outings to local sites and annual productions where they get to perform to all the parents and show them what they have been doing throughout the year. We have been delighted by the care and nurture this nursery has given all our children – thank you Poplars!

Parents of Sophie, Alice and Martha

I cannot explain how grateful I am with the care and love you have shown my little boy. We are so sad to be leaving but so proud that he has had such a fantastic start to his life and that is down to all you staff. Thank you.

Parent of Sienna, Theo and Kamali

To all the staff at Poplars Blossoms. I cannot thank you all enough for helping to bring up my young lady. You have taught her many things from learning to read; about the world we all live in; to be mindful of others and to enjoy the world of learning. Thank you!

Parent of Bethany