Abbey Wood-Dobby -Director, Little Adventurers Day Nursery
What inspired your vision for the LADN group, and how has that vision shaped the way Little Adventurers Day Nursery operates today?
My vision for Little Adventurers Day Nursery grew from a deep belief that childhood should feel calm, meaningful and full of curiosity.
Having worked across schools, the private sector and charities, I saw how powerful the early years are in shaping a child’s confidence and sense of belonging. I wanted to create environments where children are truly known as individuals and where learning grows naturally through relationships, exploration and conversation.
That vision continues to guide everything we do. Our spaces are intentionally calm and inviting, and our practitioners focus on observing children closely and responding to their interests. Childhood should not be rushed — it should be a time to grow, explore and discover.
When you think about the ideal early years experience for a child, what does that look like within your nursery environment?
For me, the ideal early years experience is one where a child feels safe, valued and curious about the world around them.
In our nurseries, children are surrounded by adults who truly notice them — their interests, their ideas and the moments that spark their imagination. Our environments invite exploration rather than overwhelm children with noise or distraction.
We place a strong emphasis on language, relationships and meaningful play. When children have time, space and supportive adults around them, their confidence and love of learning grows naturally.
The EY sector is incredibly competitive. What sets Little Adventurers apart?
While beautiful environments matter, what truly sets Little Adventurers apart is the strength of our relationships with children and families.
Parents often tell us our nurseries feel calm and welcoming. That atmosphere is intentional. We invest heavily in our team, because skilled and confident practitioners create the best experiences for children.
We also see ourselves as part of a wider community, supporting families and building strong partnerships that help children thrive.
How do you create a culture where staff feel supported and motivated?
Creating a strong culture starts with listening. Early years practitioners do incredibly important work, and they deserve to feel respected and supported.
We invest in training, mentoring and leadership development so our team can grow professionally and feel proud of the work they do. We also encourage our team to step outside their comfort zones in a supportive way — reflecting on practice, trying new ideas and continually improving together.
When practitioners feel valued and confident, that positivity flows directly into the experiences children have each day.
Looking ahead, what opportunities excite you most?
There is growing national recognition of the importance of early childhood education, particularly around early language and strong leadership in the sector.
We are committed to continuing to develop evidence-informed practice and sharing what we have learned, contributing to the wider conversation through collaboration, training and sector leadership, while continuing to grow Little Adventurers in ways that stay true to our values.
Where would you hope the LADN group is in five years?
In five years, I hope Little Adventurers is recognised not only for the quality of our nurseries but also for supporting the development of the wider early years sector.
Most importantly, I hope the children and families who pass through our doors remember it as a place where they felt safe, valued and inspired to explore the world around them.
www.littleadventurersdaynursery.co.uk