Finkley Down Farm Nursery & Pre-School has been named one of 12 finalists for Individual Nursery of the Year at the 2026 National NMT Nursery Awards.
The nursery will find out whether it has won at the awards ceremony in London on 7 November.
Set within the grounds of Finkley Down Farm, the nursery combines everyday farm experiences with small, family-style groups.
Within the larger nursery, children belong to groups known as “pods”, with familiar adults and friends. This helps staff build close relationships with children and tailor activities to their interests and needs.
An ordinary morning might involve counting freshly collected eggs, watching vegetables grow or talking about how animals are cared for. Staff build on the children’s questions, using these shared experiences to develop language, confidence and independence. The smaller groups give children time to join in at their own pace and share their discoveries with familiar friends.
Alison Dennis, Director, said: “I am extremely proud of our team. They put so much care, imagination and enthusiasm into making every day special for the children, and becoming a national finalist is wonderful recognition of their dedication.
“From our youngest babies to our pre-school children, we want every child to feel known, valued and excited to learn. We are delighted to share this moment with the families who are such an important part of nursery life.”
Kirsty Caswell, Nursery Manager, added: “Our pods help us keep the personal feel of a smaller nursery. Staff get to know each child’s interests, routines and the things that help them feel settled, and families have familiar people to talk to about their day.
“Children can have big experiences while still being understood and supported as individuals.”
The nursery opened its Baby Bungalow in late 2024, providing a purpose-designed building and garden for children under two. Toddlers and pre-school children moved into the redesigned Farmhouse, with a yurt offering space for storytelling and quieter activities.
At its inspection on 19 October 2023, Ofsted rated the nursery Outstanding overall and in all four graded areas: quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management.
The nursery is part of Attraction Nurseries, a group of eight settings across the south of England. Guided by its ethos of “Happy Children. Happy Parents. Happy Staff.”, the group brings together nurseries with their own individual character and a shared commitment to caring relationships and learning through play. Since its beginnings in 2017, Attraction Nurseries has grown steadily, building on its experience and investing in its people, facilities and learning environments. As the group has developed, its focus has remained on continually improving children’s experiences and supporting the families and staff at the heart of each nursery.