Our Story

Little Years Nursery was born not from business plans, but from love, lived experience, and a fierce belief that childhood should feel like belonging.

When Natalie and Chris Bishop founded LYN in 2022, they weren’t just starting a nursery. They were building what they wished existed, a place that reflects the warmth and rhythm of real family life.

As parents of a large family and with Natalie’s many years in early years education, they saw something so often missing in traditional settings: true connection between children of different ages. At home, toddlers learn by watching older siblings. Older children soften with protectiveness. Everyone no matter their age or stage, everyone has something to give, and something to learn.

Why should nurseries be any different?

At Little Years, children are not separated into boxes defined by birthday dates. They grow together — side by side — just as they do in families. They climb trees together, pour tea in mud kitchens, comfort one another, discover their voices, and find their courage.

Our approach weaves together the very best of Montessori independence, Reggio curiosity, Forest School adventure and Steiner Waldorf wonder. But above all, it is shaped by the most powerful teacher of all: childhood itself.

Because childhood is not a race to school readiness.

It is roots. It is laughter. It is muddy hands and kind hearts.
It is learning to be, before learning to do.

Little Years Nurseries exist for that.

A place where childhood belongs