An independent nursery operator has invested over £2m in a new 200-place facility, with Blueprint Interiors appointed to deliver a bespoke interior design and fit out.
Little Woodlands Children’s Day Nursery, the second nursery to be launched by mother and daughter team Louise Toombs and Ellie McNicol, has been created following the success of Shardlow Hall Day Nursery, which the pair have owned and operated in Derbyshire for 14 years.
As part of the £2m+ investment, Ashby-based workplace consultancy, Blueprint Interiors, is delivering the internal design and fit out of the two-storey property, developing a bespoke environment designed around the needs of children, families and staff.
The project presented an opportunity to move away from a traditional nursery aesthetic and create a warm, contemporary environment that supports early years learning, wellbeing, exploration and a strong sense of belonging.
The design considers how individual spaces work together to support different stages of development, while incorporating areas that encourage creativity, independence and curiosity. Equal consideration has also been given to staff facilities and working environments, recognising the importance of creating a positive workplace alongside spaces designed for children.
The day nursery – which will have the capacity for 200 children – is set to open in Castle Donington later this month (September) following the transformation of the two-storey property into the high-quality early years facility.
Kate McNicol, Project Designer at Blueprint Interiors, said: “This was a truly special project to work on, and it was a pleasure to work alongside Louise and Ellie, whose passion for creating an exceptional environment for children has been evident from the very beginning.
Together, we wanted to move beyond the traditional nursery model and create a space that feels inspiring, welcoming and genuinely connected to its surroundings. The aim was to create an environment where children can feel a sense of familiarity and belonging from their earliest years, while giving them the freedom and confidence to explore, learn and develop their own curiosity.
Every element of the design has been thoughtfully considered, from the way the spaces support children’s learning and wellbeing to creating an environment where staff feel equally valued and supported. It has been an exciting opportunity to show how considered interior design can play such an important role in early years development, and we’re incredibly proud to have helped bring Louise and Ellie’s vision to life.”
Ellie McNicol, Co-Founder of Little Woodlands Children’s Day Nursery, said: “We wanted to create somewhere that feels much more than a nursery – a place where children feel safe, secure and truly at home, where they can explore their surroundings, develop their confidence and individuality, and feel a real sense of belonging from the very beginning.
Every detail has been carefully considered to create an environment that feels warm, welcoming and inspiring for children, as well as a wonderful place for our team to work. We’ve been fortunate to have Blueprint Interiors alongside us throughout the process, helping us turn our ideas and years of experience into a space that genuinely reflects who we are and what we believe in.”
