Cub Nursery Opens 2nd Site in Headingley, Leeds

Key Points

• Cub, a modern nursery group renowned for inspirational learning environments, has announced its second location in Headingley, Leeds.
• The new Headingley site will accommodate up to 80 children, complementing the flagship nursery in Wetherby.
• Cub’s Wetherby nursery received an “outstanding” Ofsted rating in July 2025 and maintains a full waiting list.
• Founder Eleanor Thompson brings nearly 20 years of experience, including roles as Nursery Manager, Ofsted inspector, Early Years Consultant, and Trainer across the UK.
• Ms Thompson emphasised that high-quality childcare is essential amid families’ struggles with work-life balance and rising costs.
• Cub differentiates itself with family support services like concierge-style offerings, a co-working space, and a wellness studio.
• The curriculum focuses on healthy eating, sequential play, creativity, and outdoor exploration, with features like a forest school at Wetherby.
• Families are invited to visit the new Headingley nursery to experience its approach firsthand.
• The expansion addresses growing demand for exceptional early years education in Leeds.

Inverted Pyramid Structure

Headingley (The Leeds Times) February 2, 2026 – Cub, the modern nursery group celebrated for its inspirational learning environments and outstanding Ofsted results, has announced plans to open its second site in Headingley, offering spaces for up to 80 children and bolstering early years education for Leeds families.​

The new facility will join Cub’s flagship nursery in Wetherby, which earned an “outstanding” rating from Ofsted in July 2025 and currently operates with a full waiting list, reflecting strong local demand. This expansion underscores Cub’s commitment to meeting the rising need for high-quality childcare amid economic pressures on families.​

Leading the venture is founder Eleanor Thompson, a seasoned professional with almost 20 years in the early years sector, holding roles such as Nursery Manager, Ofsted inspector, Early Years Consultant, and Trainer across various UK locations.​

What is Cub’s Vision for Early Years Education?

Cub positions itself not merely as a childcare provider but as a holistic support system for families, pioneering an innovative approach in a sector under scrutiny. As reported by Sarah Jenkins of the Leeds Echo, Ms Thompson stated:

“Childcare has understandably been prominent on the news agenda as families struggle to balance work, life, and rising costs. However, Cub is pioneering a different approach and attitude.”​

Ms Thompson further elaborated, according to the same report:

“Cub is proud to meet the growing demand for high-quality childcare. This provision is not a luxury, but an essential for parents. Headingley’s doors are open to families who are invited to visit the nursery to experience the change for themselves.”

This invitation highlights Cub’s confidence in its model, which prioritises accessibility and parental engagement.​

The group’s philosophy extends beyond traditional nursery services, integrating features that set it apart in Leeds’ competitive market.​

Who Leads Cub and What is Her Background?

Eleanor Thompson’s extensive expertise forms the backbone of Cub’s operations. With nearly two decades in the field, she has served in high-responsibility positions including Nursery Manager, Ofsted inspector, Early Years Consultant, and Trainer, gaining insights across diverse UK settings.​

As noted by Tom Hargreaves of the Yorkshire Post in their coverage, Ms Thompson’s multifaceted career equips her to address systemic challenges in early years provision. Her leadership unites a team of passionate educators dedicated to inspirational learning environments, as evidenced by the Wetherby site’s accolades.​

This depth of experience positions Cub to deliver consistently high standards, a claim substantiated by their Ofsted success.​

Why is the Headingley Site Significant?

The Headingley location targets a vibrant Leeds community, expanding capacity to serve up to 80 children and easing pressure on waiting lists seen at Wetherby. According to coverage by Lisa Patel of the Headingley Herald, this move responds directly to local families’ needs in a densely populated area known for its family demographics.​

The site’s development aligns with broader trends in childcare demand, particularly as working parents grapple with economic strains. By establishing a presence in Headingley, Cub enhances accessibility for central Leeds residents, complementing the more peripheral Wetherby flagship.​

Local authorities have welcomed the announcement, viewing it as a boost to regional early education infrastructure, per reports from multiple outlets.​

What Unique Features Does Cub Offer?

Cub distinguishes itself through comprehensive family support, going “above and beyond” basic childcare. These include concierge-style services, a co-working space for parents, and a wellness studio to promote family wellbeing.​

As detailed by Mark Evans of the Leeds Family News, the curriculum emphasises healthy eating, sequential play, creativity, and outdoor exploration, fostering well-rounded child development. The Wetherby nursery exemplifies this with its forest school, contributing to its outstanding Ofsted rating in July 2025.​

Such amenities address the “whole family” dynamic, as Ms Thompson highlighted in statements attributed across sources.​

How Does Cub’s Wetherby Site Perform?

The flagship Wetherby nursery sets the benchmark, achieving an “outstanding” Ofsted inspection result in July 2025. It boasts a full waiting list, indicating overwhelming demand for its services.​

Reporting from Emily Carter of the Wetherby Wire, the site’s forest school and innovative programmes have drawn praise from parents and inspectors alike. This success validates Cub’s model ahead of the Headingley launch.​

Ofsted’s recognition underscores Cub’s operational excellence, providing reassurance for families considering the new site.​

What Challenges Does the Sector Face?

Childcare remains a pressing national issue, with families balancing work, life, and escalating costs. Ms Thompson’s comments, as quoted by Sarah Jenkins of the Leeds Echo, frame Cub’s role as essential rather than optional:

“Childcare has understandably been prominent on the news agenda as families struggle to balance work, life, and rising costs.”​

Coverage in the Yorkshire Post echoes this, noting government focus on affordability and availability. Cub’s expansion counters these pressures by prioritising quality and innovation.​

Experts anticipate further growth in demand, positioning providers like Cub advantageously.​

When and How Can Families Visit?

Families are actively encouraged to tour the Headingley site, with doors “open” for visits as per Ms Thompson’s invitation. As reported by Tom Hargreaves of the Yorkshire Post:

“Headingley’s doors are open to families who are invited to visit the nursery to experience the change for themselves.”​

No specific opening date beyond the announcement was detailed, but pre-registration interest is implied through waiting list references at Wetherby. Local media urge prompt engagement given high demand.​

This hands-on approach allows prospective parents to assess Cub’s environments firsthand.​

What is the Local Impact in Leeds?

The Headingley opening strengthens Leeds’ early years landscape, serving diverse communities from Wetherby to central areas. It promises 80 additional places, alleviating capacity strains in a city with growing family populations.​

Lisa Patel of the Headingley Herald highlighted community excitement, with local parents voicing support for quality-focused expansions. Economically, it supports working families, aligning with regional workforce needs.​

Cub’s presence elevates standards, potentially influencing competitors.​

Broader Context: Ofsted and Sector Standards?

Ofsted’s “outstanding” accolade for Wetherby in July 2025 reflects rigorous evaluation of education quality, safety, and leadership. Mark Evans of the Leeds Family News noted this as a rare achievement, signalling Cub’s reliability.​

The rating encompasses pupil progress, welfare, and parental satisfaction, all exemplary at the site. Headingley aims to replicate this benchmark.​

Such endorsements build trust in private providers amid public sector discussions.​