About Little Doves

Where every child is known, valued and encouraged to flourish

The earliest years of childhood are precious. They are the years when children begin to understand who they are, form their first friendships and develop the confidence to explore the world around them.

Our belief

At Little Doves, we believe every child deserves the very best start.

Our approach is built around strong relationships, purposeful play and a deep understanding of how young children learn. We provide a nurturing environment where children feel safe, supported and inspired to discover new experiences every day.

As part of the Feltonfleet family, Little Doves builds on a proud heritage, decades of educational expertise and a reputation for excellence in nurturing young minds, providing children with the very best foundations for their future journey.

Part of Feltonfleet

Little Doves is part of Feltonfleet School Trust Ltd (Registered Charity No 312070), based at Feltonfleet School Cobham in its own standalone building.

Rooted in play. Growing for life.

Play is how children make sense of the world.

Through play, children develop creativity, communication, problem-solving skills and independence. They learn to collaborate, persevere and approach new challenges with confidence.

Overhead view of a treasure basket on a sisal rug holding a wooden ring, a pine cone, a whisk, a scrubbing brush and a pebble on dark velvet, with a toddler’s hand reaching in.

Explore

Discover the world through curiosity, investigation and adventure.

Activities are developed around children’s interests, with sensory, explorative open-ended activities such as treasure baskets and heuristic play.
Children get outdoor time every day.
Plentiful outdoor space and facilities within the Feltonfleet school site.

Overhead view of a large sheet of cartridge paper covered in looping green, ochre and blue crayon scribbles, with wax crayons scattered around and a small hand still drawing.

Create

Express ideas and imagination through creativity, music and play.

Each day includes a balance of free play, guided learning, outdoor adventures, creative activities, and quiet/rest time.
Activities invite the children to join in and are built from the child’s interests.
There are no topics or themes — interests often align with a change in season or a well publicised celebration.

Two toddlers in knitted cardigans sit head to head on a sage-green rug, building a wooden stacking toy together in the light of a window.

Connect

Build friendships and develop kindness, empathy and confidence.

Every child has a key worker who builds a strong relationship and understands their needs.
Children flourish when they feel safe and connected.
A focus on building a strong partnership with parents is at the core of the relationship.

A toddler in cream socks steps carefully along a low wooden balance beam, arms held out for balance, on a sage-green rug beside a sunlit doorway.

Grow

Become independent, resilient learners ready for the next steps in their journey.

This is a holistic curriculum — we want children to experience all the seven areas of learning everywhere and anywhere.
We observe their interests and how they are developing, reflect and plan activities that nurture their growth socially, emotionally and academically.
If children require extra support our teams will refer for early intervention in consultation with the parents.

Our experienced Early Years practitioners create a rich and stimulating environment where children can:

explore their interests
develop new skills
build friendships
express their creativity
grow in confidence and independence

Every child’s journey is unique, and we celebrate the individual qualities, interests and strengths that make each child special.

Our approach

A low open birch shelf unit at toddler height against a sage-green wall, holding woven baskets of wooden blocks, folded fabrics, pine cones, wooden rings and a mirror tray.

Approach to learning

A Froebelian, play-based curriculum.

The approach will link to the Feltonfleet curriculum with a Froebelian approach; it is a very play-based curriculum. Activities that invite the children to join in which are built from the child’s interests. There will be no topics or themes, but there are often interests that are aligned maybe with a change in season or a religious celebration that is well publicised.

We have continuous provision and endeavour to create a neuro affirming environment — an environment and practice that suits all children. For the youngest children, staff follow the child’s routine; the only real set times of the day are mealtimes.

Each child is supported as an individual.
An age and stage routine will be put in place for each room by nursery staff.
All children will have a key worker.

The setting

A beautiful setting for growing minds.

Little Doves provides children with a wonderful environment in which to learn and explore. With opportunities for indoor creativity, outdoor discovery and imaginative play, children are encouraged to investigate, take risks and develop their understanding of the world around them.

Every experience is carefully considered to inspire curiosity, encourage independence and create happy memories.

A toddler’s bare feet stepping through dewy grass scattered with daisies and fallen autumn leaves, lit by low golden afternoon sun.

Location: Based at Feltonfleet School Cobham in a standalone building, carefully designed to meet the needs of the children in our care.
Access & parking: Great transport links, its own designated parking and easy access within the school site.
Outdoors: Plentiful outdoor space and facilities, with outdoor time every day. Regular risk assessments are carried out, especially in our outdoor learning areas.
Sensory & heuristic play: Sensory, explorative open-ended activities such as treasure baskets and heuristic play.
Sleep & rest: Babies sleep in the playroom they are based in, where a sleep area is created. The temperature of the room is monitored and sleeping children are checked every 10 minutes.
Staffing: The staff will be employed for Little Doves only. Our caring team are fully qualified and experienced in early years education, with ongoing training in safeguarding, first aid and child development.
Safeguarding: Rigorous safeguarding procedures, secure access to the nursery, highly trained staff and a Designated Safeguarding Lead on site.

Read the full FAQs

Meet the team

The people who will care for your child.

Nursery Manager

Sophie Lemon

Hi, I’m Sophie.

I’ve worked in Early Years for 13 years, and I’m incredibly excited to be part of this new nursery and to begin this journey with our children, families and team.

I’m passionate about creating a safe, nurturing environment where every child feels valued, supported and confident to be themselves. I believe every child is unique, and I love helping little minds grow, explore and reach their full potential.

Building strong partnerships with families is incredibly important to me. I understand how big a step it can be leaving your child in someone else’s care, and I want every parent to feel welcomed, listened to and reassured.

I’m also passionate about supporting our team through coaching, mentoring and sharing my experience, helping everyone reach their own potential.

Before joining Little Doves, I was lucky enough to be part of a nursery from the very beginning. Working alongside an amazing team, we achieved an Ofsted Outstanding judgement within just 14 months and were also recognised as one of the Top 20 Nurseries in our region by Day Nurseries.

Outside of nursery life, I’m a very proud mum to two energetic boys. My own experiences as a parent have further strengthened my understanding of how important it is for families to feel welcomed, supported and reassured when choosing a nursery for their child.

I’m so excited to be starting this new chapter and creating something truly special for our children, families and team. I can’t wait to welcome you all!

Deputy Manager

Naomi Pink

Hi, I am Naomi, the Deputy Manager for Little Doves Nursery.

With over 10 years of experience in early years education, I am delighted to be taking on the role of Deputy Manager. Throughout my career, I have been passionate about creating a nurturing, inclusive environment where every child feels safe, valued, and inspired to reach their full potential.

As a Level 3 qualified early years practitioner, I am committed to supporting each child’s individual development, helping them build confidence, independence, and a lifelong love of learning. I strongly believe in working in partnership with families to provide the very best experiences and outcomes for every child.

Outside of nursery, I enjoy performing on stage, spending time outdoors, and sharing stories with my daughter. My enthusiasm and creativity often find their way into the nursery too — you’ll likely hear me singing along to nursery rhymes and joining in with the children’s adventures!

I am excited to begin this new chapter and look forward to building positive relationships with our children, families, and team as we create a happy and enriching environment for everyone.

Joining Little Doves

Ready to learn more or secure a place for your child?

We’d love to hear from you, so please complete the enquiry form. Or complete our digital registration form to begin the enrolment process.

Make an Enquiry Register Now

01932 862264 littledoves@feltonfleet.co.uk