Our place to be unique

At our nursery, we believe childhood is not simply preparation for adulthood – it is a precious time in its own right. Our curriculum is designed to give children a strong, broad foundation for lifelong learning and wellbeing, while celebrating the wonder of these early years.

We see every child as unique, with their own personality, interests, and ways of learning. By truly getting to know each child, we start from what they can do, rather than focusing on what they cannot. This builds confidence, resilience, and a love of learning that lasts well beyond their time with us.

A colourful logo showing the Nursery Awards winner 2025

A curriculum full of experiences and building on cultural capital

Our curriculum is carefully planned to offer children a rich mix of opportunities and new experiences. From planting seeds in our garden, to visiting the university campus and nature reserve, we make learning meaningful and memorable.

Children are encouraged to explore not only their immediate environment, but also the wider world. We bring different cultures, celebrations, and languages into the classroom, helping children to understand and respect diversity. These experiences broaden their horizons, spark curiosity, and give them the knowledge and confidence to thrive in an ever-changing world.

Nurturing the whole child

We balance structured learning with the freedom for children to follow their interests. Our practitioners purposely plan spaces and opportunities that support communication, physical development, creativity, and emotional wellbeing – ensuring that every child’s voice is valued.

By combining secure relationships, inspiring environments, and new opportunities, we aim to nurture children who are curious, confident, and ready for all that lies ahead.

Our unique learning environment

A birds eye shot of the Woodlands Nursery surrounded by trees and University campus buildings

Sustainable building

The Woodlands Day Nursery is a superb modern purpose-built single storey timber framed building with timber cladding and features an external timber canopy covered walkway. Set adjacent to a woodland, our nursery features four inspirational learning spaces enhanced with digital technology and an extensive outdoor learning space. 

We're committed to sustainability and reducing our environmental impact

The nursery is the greenest facility on campus and builds upon the University’s plans for green campus transformation. Our sustainable features include REHAU earth tubes and air source heat pumps which use passive cooling/heating rather than mechanical ventilation; along with roof mounted solar photovoltaic panels to offset carbon emissions. It is highly energy efficient, air-tight, and is targeting net-zero whole life carbon.

The build has been awarded Construction Project of the Year in the 2022 CEF Awards and the Sustainability award at the West Midlands Insider Property Awards 2022.There is a large car park located at the front of the building where you can safely drop off and collect your children and ample safe storage for any prams/pushchairs or car seats.

Our sustainability commitment
for Career Prospects

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2025

for Social Inclusion

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026

for First Generation Students

The Mail University Guide 2026

in the UK for Games Education

Rookies Games Design and Development 2023, 2025

TIGA Best Games Institution 2024, 2025

of Research is “Internationally Excellent” or “World Leading”

Research Excellence Framework 2021

of Research Impact is ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Considerable’

Research Excellence Framework 2021