Why we Exist
Refreshing Childcare
When Kid Ease was founded, our promise was simple: Refreshing Childcare.
At a time when nurseries often felt formal and inflexible, our founders wanted to create something different: somewhere warm and personal, where children spent their days learning through play, curiosity and exploration, and where parents felt supported by people who genuinely cared.
More than twenty years later, that promise still guides us.
High-Quality, Play-Based Learning
The first five years of a child’s life are incredibly important. During this time, children develop language, emotional security, social skills and the foundations for future learning.
Approximately 90% of brain development takes place before the age of five, and research shows that high-quality early years education can have a lasting positive impact on children’s cognitive, social and behavioural development.
That is why we see ourselves as much more than childcare for working parents. Through carefully planned, play-based experiences, children explore, experiment, ask questions and make sense of the world around them. Our role is to nurture that natural curiosity and help each child build the confidence, knowledge and independence they need for school and for life.
Investing in People
The quality of a nursery is ultimately shaped by the people within it. The warm, responsive interactions children have with adults every day are at the heart of their learning, wellbeing and development.
That’s why we invest in our staff first. Many of our team have been with us for years and describe Kid Ease as feeling like a family.
That continuity and the deep experience our staff bring mean practitioners understand child development deeply, know families well, and can tailor care and learning to the individual needs of every child.
A Natural Childhood
We believe childhood should be full of adventure, discovery and time outdoors.
Whether they are planting seeds, building dens, hunting for minibeasts, caring for living things, climbing, balancing or simply getting muddy, children learn best when they can explore the world first-hand. In an increasingly busy and digital world, we think childhood should still look and feel like childhood.
Research shows that time in nature supports children’s wellbeing and physical and mental health [3], while outdoor learning can improve engagement, social development and educational outcomes [4,5].
Just as importantly, it helps children develop confidence, resilience, curiosity and a lasting appreciation for the world around them.
Children at the Centre
Above all, children are at the centre of every decision we make. From the environments we create, to the people we employ and the experiences we provide, everything we do is focused on giving children the very best start in life.
These principles shape what happens in our nurseries every day, from key person relationships and curriculum planning to forest school sessions, mealtimes and SEND support. The ‘Our Childcare & Education’ section explains how each of them works in practice.
The research behind our ethos
The approach we take is shaped by our experience as early years educators and a growing body of research into child development, early education and outdoor learning. If you would like to learn more, the following resources provide useful insights:
Harvard Center on the Developing Child
Research exploring how children’s brains develop in the early years and the lasting impact of early experiences.
Effective Pre-school, Primary and Secondary Education (EPPSE) Project
A landmark UK study demonstrating the long-term benefits of high-quality early years education on children’s learning, social development and future outcomes.
Natural England: Nature and Wellbeing Evidence Review
An overview of research highlighting the positive relationship between spending time in nature and children’s health, wellbeing and development.
Natural Connections Demonstration Project
Research commissioned by Natural England showing how outdoor learning can improve children’s engagement, motivation and wellbeing.
Education Endowment Foundation (EEF): Outdoor Adventure Learning
Evidence and guidance on the educational and developmental benefits of outdoor learning experiences.
Research in early childhood is continually evolving. We regularly review emerging evidence and best practice to ensure our provision reflects current understanding of how young children learn and thrive.
Ready to explore your options?
Book a visit, speak with a Nursery Manager or contact us to discuss availability, funding and start dates.