At Cotton Tails, we’re here to give every child the best start in life. Our nurseries are warm, safe, and nurturing places where children can play, learn, and grow — and where parents have peace of mind every day.
About us
Our Story
Cotton Tails opened in 1991, founded by Nicola and David Cotton to provide high-quality childcare in a safe, nurturing environment. As parents of four, they understood the importance of a place where little ones feel happy, secure, and inspired to learn.
Unlike large corporate nurseries, we focus on personal connections, led by long-term managers – including four family members – who uphold our values of trust, care, and community. Today, Cotton Tails is a family of four nurseries, each with unique spaces, imaginative outdoor areas, and updated resources to help children from birth to five explore, play, and thrive.
We are proud of our Ofsted recognition, but what matters most are the strong partnerships we build with parents. We also invest in our staff, helping them grow so they can bring out the best in every child.
Our Values
Our values guide everything we do. They shape the care we provide, the experiences we create, and the relationships we build with children and families.
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Nurture – Providing a safe, caring environment where every child feels supported.
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Inspire – Encouraging curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning in every child, every day.
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Grow – Helping children develop confidence, independence, and resilience.
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Together – Building strong partnerships with families and our community.
These values are at the heart of our nurseries, ensuring every child is given the very best start in life.
Our Philosophy
We believe children learn best when they feel happy, safe, and valued. At Cotton Tails, we follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, using play, exploration, and encouragement to support every stage of development. Our values are simple – nurture curiosity, build confidence, and create a love of learning that will last a lifetime.
Our People
Our dedicated team is what makes Cotton Tails special. Many of our staff have been with us for years – some since the very beginning – bringing consistency, experience, and a deep understanding of our values. We support our people with ongoing training and development, so they can give each child the best possible care and learning every day.
Quality & Standards
Excellence in care and education is at the heart of everything we do. Our nurseries are regularly recognised by Ofsted and other registered bodies, giving parents confidence in the quality we provide.
We maintain the highest standards of safety and wellbeing through robust safeguarding policies, secure environments, and up to date first aid training for all staff. Regular audits, inspections, and staff development ensure every Cotton Tails nursery offers the same trusted level of care and learning.
Join Our Family
Whether you’re a parent looking for the right nursery or an early year’s professional seeking a rewarding career, we’d love to welcome you to Cotton Tails.