We’re excited to announce that The Butterfly Patch Wallington will be opening its doors on 1st September 2026, bringing our unique approach to early years education to even more families across South London. Located within Wallington Primary Academy, our new nursery has been thoughtfully designed to provide a warm, welcoming and inspiring environment where children aged from 3 months to 3 years can learn, explore and grow. Whether your little one is taking their first steps i

Taking your child to the dentist is an important milestone for every child. Whether it's their very first visit or they're already familiar with the dentist's chair, helping them feel relaxed and confident can make all the difference. The good news? With a little preparation, dental appointments can become a positive experience that encourages healthy habits for life. When should children first visit the dentist? The NHS recommends taking your child to the dentist as soon as

This year, we're celebrating a milestone that's very special to us – 10 years of The Butterfly Patch. When we opened our very first nursery in 2016, our aim was simple: to create a place where children felt safe, happy and excited to learn. A place where childhood could be filled with curiosity, imagination and plenty of opportunities to play, explore and discover. Those values still guide everything we do today. Children's wellbeing and safeguarding remain at the heart of ou

When the sun is shining, summer can feel like pure magic for little ones. But for under 5s, hot weather also means thinking carefully about how we play, stay safe, and keep cool while still enjoying all the excitement of the season. The good news? You don’t need complicated set-ups or expensive resources. Some of the best summer learning moments come from simple, sensory-rich experiences that help children explore the world around them. Here are some easy, engaging summer act

Looking for fun and family-friendly things to do this summer in Surrey and South London? From outdoor theatre and nature trails to animal encounters, splash days, creative workshops and local festivals, there’s plenty happening during the school holidays in 2026. We’ve rounded up 20+ summer events for families in Surrey & South London to help you plan memorable days out with your little ones — whether you’re looking for a full adventure or a simple, low-cost activity close to

Looking for places where kids eat free this summer? We've rounded up some of the best restaurants, cafés, pubs and supermarkets across the UK offering free children's meals or £1 dining deals during Summer 2026. Whether you're planning a family day out, a shopping trip or simply want a break from cooking during the school holidays, these offers can help make eating out more affordable. Please note: Offers can change throughout the summer and may vary by location. We always re

Updated for Spring & Summer 2026 There’s something so special about reading stories that reflect the world children can see right outside their window — buzzing bees, colourful flowers, muddy walks, seaside trips, and sunny adventures. Spring and summer books help babies, toddlers, and preschoolers connect stories to real-life experiences, encouraging curiosity, imagination, communication, and a love for the natural world. Whether you’re planning a picnic, heading to the park

Learning to manage emotions, behaviour and reactions is a huge part of early childhood development. In the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), this is known as self-regulation and forms an important part of children’s personal, social and emotional development. Self-regulation doesn’t mean children should “always behave perfectly” or never become upset. Instead, it’s about gradually learning how to cope with big feelings, wait for things, recover from disappointment and ask

It might only be May, but for many families, the transition to primary school is already on the horizon. The final months before September can be a really helpful time to prepare your little one for the start of primary school —without pressure, and at their own pace. Starting school is a big milestone. It often brings a mix of excitement, curiosity, and sometimes a few worries (for both children and parents). That’s completely normal. So let's jump straight into Parent Guide