Family Run Nursery: Our Take on the Modern Family This month we’ve taken a page in The Guardian’s Modern Family series, and it runs in print and online on 29 August. We spent a long time deciding what to put in that space. In the end we wrote about families, what they look like now, […]
Paediatric First Aid Training for Everyone Our Caterpillar Training Academy in Northolt recently opened its doors, and this week it hosted its first training session: twelve members of staff spending a full day on their paediatric first aid training, delivered by Tigerlily Training. As it happened, all twelve were recent joiners, although our sessions usually mix […]
We’re thrilled to share some brilliant news: Hungry Caterpillar Day Nurseries has been named a Top 50 SME Apprenticeship Employer in the UK for 2026, ranking #24, an award recognised by the UK Government and HigherIn. It’s the kind of news that makes us want to shout it from the rooftops, but if we’re honest, […]
Come and Meet Us: Hungry Caterpillar Day Nurseries Open Day This Summer Choosing childcare is one of the biggest decisions a parent can make and we know it’s not one to take lightly. That’s why we’d love to invite you to come and see one of our nurseries open days for yourself. Our Open Days […]
We’re in The Sunday Times Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers 2026 We have some exciting news. Hungry Caterpillar Day Nurseries is named in The Sunday Times Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers 2026. Specifically, we’re ranked #58 in the UK. For a family-founded nursery group, this recognition means everything to us. What is the Sunday Times Top […]
Recently, our teams came together at Alec Reed Academy for a nursery staff training day and it was a really productive one. Four topics were covered across the day, led by specialists who know early years inside out. What we covered at our nursery staff training day Our team explored best practice for caring for […]
You may be entitled to claim 570 hours funded childcare per year from the government for your 2-year-old. We spread this funding throughout 51 weeks of the year to provide consistency for your child and your family, receiving 11.18 hours per week.
You will have access to this funding the term after your child turns 2.
Procedures to apply for 2-year-old funding differ across Local Authorities. You should speak to your Health Visitor, Nursery Manager or look online at your Local Authority website.
You may be able to receive an additional 570 hours per year on top of the funded entitlement if your child is 3 to 4 years old and you are working parents. This means that with the additional funding, eligible children will receive up to 1,140 hours funded childcare per year. We spread this funding throughout 51 weeks of the year to provide consistency for your child and your family, receiving 22.35 hours per week.
All funded childcare starts the term after your child’s 3rd birthday.
To check eligibility for 30 hours funded childcare, you will need to visit: www.childcarechoices.gov.uk.
All 3 to 4-year-olds in England are eligible for 570 funded hours per year up until the term that they start Reception or reach compulsory school age (the term following their 5th birthday). There are no earning or work requirements. We spread this funding throughout 51 weeks of the year to provide consistency for your child and your family, receiving 11.18 hours per week.
You will have access to this funding the term after your child turns 3 (see table)
Your child is automatically entitled to 15 hours funded childcare the term after their third birthday; you do not have to do anything to receive this funding as your chosen childcare provider will do it for you. If you have any questions or queries, your Nursery Manager will be able to help.
You may be able to receive 570 hours per year if your child is 9 months to 3 years old and you are a working parent/carer. We spread this funding throughout 51 weeks of the year to provide consistency for your child and your family, receiving 11.11 hours per week.
All funded childcare can be claimed from the term after your child turns 9 months or 2 years old.
To check eligibility for 15 hours funded childcare, you will need to visit: www.childcarechoices.gov.uk.
As parents first Tim and Olivia, the founders and owners, understand how vital choosing the right nursery is, for you and your child.
Hungry Caterpillars exists in response to their own family’s childcare needs, 20 years ago, and continues to be a family run nursery group with family values at its core.
Our aim is to care and educate children as though they were our own, always asking would we want it for our own children.
At Hungry Caterpillars we recruit based on positive attitude and passion for early years. We couldn’t do what we do without our fantastic team.
Each educator shares their enthusiasm, laughter, smiles and fun with the children, creating a happy environment for learning and preparation for the future.
Our educators are all unique individuals from a diverse range of backgrounds and cultures, which we celebrate as it adds to the rich tapestry of learning we are able to offer.
Our role is to inspire children to love learning now and in the future. That is a big responsibility but one we embrace.
We do this through our beautiful environments, fantastic outdoor areas, forest school program, planning in the moment and a passion to inspire curiosity, wonder and awe in each and every child.
Vacancies marked with an asterisk (*) also come with up to £500 New Starter bonus* (T&C’s apply)
Academy Gardens, UB5
– Early Years Practitioner*
-Nursery Room Leader*
Chalfont, SL9
– Chef
– Early Years Practitioner*
– Nursery Room Leader*
Acton Park, W3
– Early Years Practitioner*
High Wycombe, HP11
– Early Years Apprentice
– Early Years Practitioner*
Hanwell, W7
– Early Years Practitioner*
Northolt, UB5
– Early Years Practitioner*
Stanburn, HA7
– Early Years Apprentice
West Twyford
– Early Years Practitioner*
All Sites
– Nursery Bank Worker
Our Caterpillar Apprenticeships are a fabulous opportunity to ‘earn whilst you learn’, gaining your Level 3 Diploma and experience working alongside our qualified team in a busy bustling nursery environment.
During your training, you get a personal tutor, designated study time and access to our training portal with over 100 courses, 5 fully paid annual training days and the support of your mentor.
We also offer a free NUS Apprentice Card with discounts at 100s of shops and restaurants!
At Hungry Caterpillars, we believe in developing our future leaders from within, working with you to achieve your career ambitions.
Thanks to our fantastic training and development opportunities, we have many Caterpillar Success Stories!
Here is one from our Lovely Northolt Manager, Chelsey!
“I began my journey with Hungry Caterpillars in September 2009 as an apprentice, eager to learn and grow within the childcare sector. With the support of my colleagues and mentor, I was encouraged to develop my skills, take on new challenges and build my confidence. In 2018, I was proud to be promoted to Nursery Manager, a milestone that reflects my hard work, dedication and passion for continuous learning. Today I feel privileged to lead my amazing team and to support new apprentices as they begin their own journeys, helping them achieve their qualifications and offering guidance and encouragement along the way.”
At Hungry Caterpillars, we believe in giving our team every opportunity to develop their skills and progress in their career.
At the heart of Hungry Caterpillars is our incredible team who we value and offer:
