We offer full and half-day sessions between 8am–6pm, designed to give families flexibility around busy working days. We also run Afterschool Club care and a Holiday Club for older children, so siblings can enjoy The Lookout too. You’ll find a full breakdown of our times and fees on our Join Us page, and we’re always happy to chat about what might work best for your family.

Yes.  Fees secure your child’s place at nursery, even if they’re not attending due to illness or family holidays. This helps us maintain the small, consistent team that makes The Lookout feel like home, and ensures we can continue providing high-quality care and learning for every child. We completely understand that life doesn’t always go to plan though, and sometimes families find themselves in unexpected situations. Please always reach out to us if you need support, we’re here to help and will do what we can to make things a little easier.

Yes, absolutely, we know flexibility matters. If we have space, you can book extra sessions.  This can be done through Famly or by speaking with one of the team. We’ll always do what we can to make nursery life fit smoothly around family life.

Yes!  We offer both 15 and 30 funded hours for eligible families, and we accept Tax-Free Childcare and Childcare vouchers too. We’re always happy to sit down with you and explain how funding works at The Lookout, and how you can blend funded hours with paid sessions to suit your needs.

We believe settling is a journey for the whole family, and every child’s start should go at their pace. Before your first visit, we’ll send you a short form so we can learn all about your little one, their routines, likes and dislikes, comforters, and what makes them truly special. You’ll then be invited in for settling sessions, increasing in length and independence, where you can spend time together in the nursery, meet the team, and explore our garden and play spaces. Your child’s key person will lead the settling process, supported closely by our management team, to make sure everything feels calm, consistent, and right for your family. We’ll always move at your child’s pace,  adding extra sessions if needed, until everyone feels confident and happy.

It’s perfectly normal for little ones to feel wobbly when saying goodbye. Our team are warm and experienced, and we’ll comfort your child, distract them with play, and keep you updated so you know how they’re getting on. Most children settle quickly once the fun begins!  There is always plenty of cuddles and calm time if needed.

Starting nursery can be emotional for parents too, and we know every child, and every family, is different (even between siblings!). Some children need lots of short, gentle sessions to build confidence, while others are happily running in after one or two, and both are completely normal. We’ll move entirely at your family’s pace, keeping communication open and honest throughout. You can expect regular updates, and we’ll always call you if we feel your child needs you. Above all, be kind to yourself, this is a big transition, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. You’re always welcome to stay for a little while, have a chat, or join us in the garden while your child finds their feet.

Yes!  Comforters are always welcome, especially during those early settling-in days, for children who nap, or simply on days when children just need a little extra TLC. A familiar item from home can bring great comfort and help children feel safe and connected. Our team will keep it close by and offer it whenever your child needs reassurance or a quiet moment of calm.  We do ask that toys stay at home, though, so nothing special gets lost or mixed up on any of our big adventures.

You’ll get your very own Lookout bag at your first settling session, please us this bag to bring in your little one’s things each day. Feel free to decorate it and make it uniquely yours!

Every day at The Lookout is full of adventure - from muddy puddles and forest walks to paint, baking, and big creative play! We ask that all children come dressed for the weather and with plenty of spare clothes so they can stay comfortable and happy throughout the day. Nursery clothes are just that - nursery clothes! We don’t mind if they’re stained, well-loved, or second-hand. In fact, we encourage it, it means children can throw themselves fully into play and creativity without worrying about keeping things clean.

Good-quality waterproofs are essential for all children, as we spend time outdoors in every season. Brands like Didriksons, Polarn O. Pyret, and Muddy Puddles are brilliant (and often found second-hand on Vinted as they are more expensive).  

Babies

For our littlest Lookout explorers, we provide nappies, wipes, creams, and formula, so you don’t need to bring those with you. Please pack:

• Several changes of clothes (we do lots of sensory and messy play!)

• Bottles if your baby prefers their own

• Comforters or sleep items (if used)

• A wide-brimmed sun hat and light layers in summer

• Wellies or waterproof foot coverings such as Playshoes for outdoor play

• A fully waterproof and warm rain suit for cooler months

• A warm hat, gloves, and snowsuit for winter

Two’s and Up

For our older adventurers, please pack:

• At least two full changes of clothes for fun, messy, creative, and muddy play

• Good-quality waterproofs and wellies for wet or wintery days

• Lots of warm layers, hat, and gloves in winter

• A wide-brimmed sun hat, light clothing, and swimsuit/cossie in summer

• A comforter if needed

Whatever the season, please label everything clearly. And don’t worry if things come home muddy, sandy, or covered in paint — it’s all part of a happy day of learning, play, and exploration at The Lookout.