Caterpillars Childcare

Welcome to Caterpillars

Welcome to Caterpillars, our ‘home sweet home‘ nursery set in the heart of the idyllic, Shropshire countryside.

 We are an ‘outstanding’ setting providing holistic childcare to babies in our beautiful ‘little Caterpillars’ room and children from ‘rising 2’s up to school age in our stunning ‘Caterpillars’ classroom. Ofsted have graded our setting ‘outstanding for the forth consecutive time.  Please find our latest inspection report here or linked at the bottom of the page. You can also find our previous inspection reports here or on our ‘About Us’ page.

Caterpillars has been established for over 29 years and is truly a ‘home from home’ nursery. We are set in the beautifully rural, historic ‘Apley Estate’ in the Shropshire countryside. Caterpillars is only a short 10-15 minute drive from many locations such as Bridgnorth, Shifnal, Pattingham, Albrighton, Telford, Seisdon and Wombourne, and even nearer to Norton, Broseley, Sutton Maddock, Beckbury and Ackleton. We are ideally situated just off the main B4176 (Rabbit Run) at  Cotsford, Higford, Shropshire TF11 9ED,  not far from the Sutton Maddock roundabout on a large site ‘built for purpose’ in a beautiful converted barn across two floors. We have a fabulous outdoor space, amazing countryside views including the Wrekin!   Easy access is via our own private road leading to our large private car park.

We are proud that Caterpillars has been awarded Ofsted outstanding status for the fourth consecutive time. We deliver the National Early Years Curriculum and place a strong ethos on the Reggio Emelia approach which is embedded in our teaching styles here at Caterpillars. We are a registered ‘not for profit charity’ and our aim is to provide a high quality, high staff:child ratio and ‘value for money’ childcare provision service to the local and wider community.

Here at Caterpillars, we have excellent links with local schools and settings when supporting transitions, and work closely with other professionals including health professionals, ensuring that your child receives the very best individual care.

Learning outdoors

What Ofsted say about us… “Children demonstrate high levels of engagement and enthusiasm as they freely explore and investigate their environment. They like to visit the outdoor area, where they…

Reggio Emilia

Here at Caterpillars we deliver an outstanding and welcoming, homely environment where the Reggio Emilia approach is embedded, allowing children to use their own natural curiosity and energy to…

Parents in partnership

What Ofsted say about us… “Partnerships with parents are exceptional. Staff use a wealth of inspiring ways to raise parents’ confidence in supporting their child’s learning at home. This includes…

Testimonials

“Caterpillars in an outstanding nursery. The level of care and education is exceptional. The staff go above and beyond to ensure every child is happy and thriving whilst in their care. My Daughter joined when she had just turned two years old and in that year she has quickly developed emotionally, socially and academically. She was able to write her name before she even turned three. Angie is a remarkable nursery manager who is very approachable and supportive. The nursery is well equipped, decorated beautifully with the child’s work and they also have forest school facilities. I was incredibly nervous sending my first born to nursery but caterpillars soon put my mind at rest. My Daughter absolutely loves it here, and I couldn’t be any happier. I would highly recommend Caterpillars to anyone!”

Outstanding Current Parent

“My son joined caterpillars when he was 19 months old, and within the first couple of terms. I saw I huge difference in his social skills. From there, over the following 3 years his social and emotional development skills blossomed. They spent time with him to start the basics of literacy, which quickly turned into Being able to confidently write his name and basic words. His numeracy skills are also fantastic for his age, he loves the number and counting games they play. My son is also under a speech therapist, and Caterpillars never once made him feel singled out. When working with him on his speech, they’d evolve it into class games or songs. He never once came home unhappy. Since my son left in July to start primary school this September, I enrolled my daughter. It didn’t take her long to settle in and feel comfortable, and she’s already making strong relationships with al all the wonderful Caterpillars teachers. I can’t wait to see how my daughter grows over the next two years with Caterpillars. I couldn’t recommend Caterpillars enough, they go above and beyond for each and every child”.

Outstanding preschool Current Parent

“My daughter found it really hard to settle in at her previous nursery which is hard when you leave them to go off to work. My friend recommended Caterpillars and I am so glad I chose to send my daughter there as it is such a lovely place. All of the staff are helpful, friendly and polite and nothing is too much trouble ( you are all lovely ladies) My daughter has really settled in and it makes such a difference knowing that she is happy. The effort that the staff put in clearly shows as she is doing great with her letters, numbers, loves books and drawing which is great in getting her ready for school next year. Keep up the good work, you all do a fantastic job, thank you” x

Excellent, lovely staff that work very hard Current Parent

“My little boy has been going to Caterpillars for two years, within this time his talking, counting, wanting to read books and writing have developed significantly and noticeably, I have no doubt this will only continue within his time at Caterpillars. The quality of care from the staff is exceptional and the time and effort put in their learning journeys is excellent. Thank you!”

Exceptional quality of care and learning… Current Parent

“After visiting many settings and feeling very underwhelmed we were starting to lose hope. We then came across Caterpillars and never looked back. From the initial visit it was clear why they were outstanding. We received such a warm and genuine welcome from Angie and the team. She is the most passionate and knowledgeable teacher I have ever met and her enthusiasm is just contagious. Everyone cares about all of the children and go out of their way to ensure they are happy and achieving their full potential. 8 months in we are still delighted with Caterpillars and our only regret is that we didn’t find them sooner”

Outstanding in every way Current Parent

Our Blog

Nursery School Near Bridgnorth Enjoys Easter Crafts and Activities

Nursery School Near Bridgnorth Enjoys Easter Crafts and Activities

We have all had the best time at Caterpillars over the last couple of weeks making our Easter crafts and…

Creative Time!

Creative Time!

Our young Caterpillars are very creative! We have been learning about colour blending during experiments, growing seedlings and caring for…

Gifts for Mothers Day

Gifts for Mothers Day

Our day nursery in Bridgnorth is where our Little Caterpillars spent their day making gifts for Mothers Day made with…