The Story of the Mini Explorers
Founding Mini Explorers Nursery
Boundless Adventures
Founded on the belief that children thrive in an environment where learning and nature go hand in hand! Starting modestly with just five children and a team of seven dedicated educators, Mini Explorers quickly captured the hearts of families seeking something beyond traditional childcare. Our unique approach, combining robust Early Years education with boundless outdoor adventures, allowed us to expand swiftly. Today, we stand as the UK’s first Farm School Nursery, a proud pioneer in integrating the natural environment with early childhood development.
Rooted in Discovery
We firmly believe that early experiences in the great outdoors provide profound benefits that are not only immeasurable but also integral to a child’s development. At Mini Explorers, every day is an opportunity for adventure, learning, and growth in an environment where children are encouraged to thrive at their own pace.
Embracing the Great Outdoors
Our curriculum is deeply integrated with outdoor learning, encouraging children to explore and learn from the natural world around them.
Holistic Development
We focus on the holistic development of each child, addressing their physical, emotional, social, and intellectual growth through diverse and engaging activities.
Child Centred Learning
Adopting a child-centred approach, we tailor learning experiences to suit individual interests and developmental stages, fostering independence and self-discovery
Do you want your child to be part of our unique nursery?
Our Curriculum
Literacy
Mathematics
Understanding the world
Creative thinking
From working out how to keep the sheep in the paddock to deciding which animals to feed next, creative and lateral thinking are essential Farm School skills. Resilience and positivity is also ingrained in our children; if your first seeds don’t germinate or your bread doesn’t rise, have another go!
A Novel Concept within a National Framework
At Mini Explorers, our curriculum is aligned with the national Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) guidelines, yet what our children learn each day transcends conventional classroom boundaries. Our beautiful North Yorkshire farm setting serves as a dynamic classroom, offering lessons in nature’s lap and fostering growth through exploration and play.
Recognising the importance of preparing our young learners for the future, our team of expert educators and child-development specialists creatively incorporates key EYFS learning areas into everyday farm activities. This harmonious blend ensures that while our Mini Explorers cherish their early memories of mud, fields, and fun, they are also well-prepared for the adventures that lie ahead in their educational journeys.
Crabtree Hall
Crabtree Hall is a small family run business centre, set in the middle of the family farm. Although a rural location we are only 20 minutes from East Coast Main line stations at Darlington and Northallerton, between Leeming Bar and Catterick with superb links to the national motorway network. The fully serviced offices have superb views across Wensleydale and ample free parking directly outside the doors.
Mini Explorers are given daily opportunities to explore the farm and the beautiful countryside around us, and learn about the natural world, food production, animal welfare and the farming landscape of Crabtree Hall.
