Cotton Socks Child Care

A little adventure close to home 🛒🦆🌳
We popped to the shop to buy some more breakfast cereal for the week, then headed off on a lovely walk to Alvaston Park.
Having lots of fun on the swings before taking a stroll around the lake, spotting ducks, swans and geese! 🦢🪿💕
Simple days, fresh air, lots of exploring and plenty of little moments to enjoy together. ✨

🤫 Can you believe this place is completely FREE to visit? 🌿✨

Multiple, huge sand play areas ✔️
💦 A paddling pool
🚂 A little train to climb and explore
🌳 A magical woodland story walk…

Safe to say, the children absolutely loved every minute! 💚

I’m always on the lookout for the best local places to explore, and this one is definitely a new favourite. It offers so many opportunities for imaginative play, physical development and making wonderful memories together.

📍Want to know where it is? Pop me a message or comment “WHERE?” below and I’ll send you the location! 👇

Don’t forget to save this post for the school holidays and share it with someone who’s always looking for free family days out! ☀️

Derby City Council Families Information Service 🥰

✨ Limited Childcare Spaces Available at Cotton Socks Child Care! ✨

Providing high-quality, home-from-home childcare in Alvaston, Derby, with over 13 years of professional childcare experience.
🌿 OFSTED Registered
🌳 Forest School Qualified
💙 SEND Experienced
🏡 Purpose-built playroom, large secure garden & quiet cul-de-sac location

Now taking bookings for:
📅 School Holiday Childcare
Monday–Friday throughout the summer holidays and all other school holidays for children aged 3–8 years.
🧸 September 2026 Availability

A funded childcare place is available for children aged 1+ years on Monday, Wednesday & Thursday, with both term-time only and all-year-round options.
Choosing childcare is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make. At Cotton Socks Child Care, every child is nurtured, encouraged and supported to learn through play in a safe, caring and enriching environment.

📞 To arrange a visit or discuss your childcare needs, contact Rachel on 07951 180980, or send a message via Cotton Socks Child Care on Facebook or Instagram.

🌿 What’s on offer in the Cotton Socks garden today? 🌿

Swipe through to see just some of the exciting invitations to play, explore, create, and discover that are waiting for our little learners today. ➡️

At Cotton Socks, our garden is an extension of our learning environment, where children can enjoy open-ended play, build confidence, develop their curiosity, and make wonderful memories outdoors every day.

Every day is different, with activities inspired by the children’s interests, the seasons, and the joy of learning through play.

✨ Limited Childcare Spaces Available at Cotton Socks Child Care ✨

Providing high-quality, home-from-home childcare in Alvaston, Derby, with over 13 years of professional childcare experience.

🌿 OFSTED Registered
🌳 Forest School Qualified
💙 SEND Experienced
🏡 Purpose-built playroom, large secure garden & quiet cul-de-sac location

Now taking bookings for:
📅 School Holiday Childcare
Monday–Friday throughout the summer holidays and all other school holidays for children aged 3–8 years.
🧸 September 2026 Availability
A funded childcare place is available for children aged 1+ years on Monday, Wednesday & Thursday, with both term-time only and all-year-round options.

Choosing childcare is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make. At Cotton Socks Child Care, every child is nurtured, encouraged and supported to learn through play in a safe, caring and enriching environment.

📞 To arrange a visit or discuss your childcare needs, contact Rachel on 07951 180980, or send a message via Cotton Socks Child Care on Facebook or Instagram.

I look forward to welcoming your family.

Our “Cotton Socks Ice Cream Station” has been a big hit! 💛🍦🍨

The children have been busy serving up delicious imaginary ice creams while developing so many important skills through their play.

It’s been lovely to watch the children’s ideas grow and see where their imaginations have taken them! 💕 Learning really does happen best through play.

An invitation to play is just that—an invitation, not an expectation.

By thoughtfully setting out resources and activities, we give children the opportunity to explore, discover, and learn in their own way. There is no right or wrong outcome, no pressure to create something specific, and no expectation to participate.