Our little girl has been attending Child's Play Nursery for well over a year now. We really do believe this place is special, and that's all because of the long-serving staff that care for the children. I am now in my 30s, and I went there as a young child when it hadn't been open long. Melanie, the current nursery owner and manager, was there when I was little - I honestly still remember her warmth and kindness to this day. It's a feeling more than a clear memory, but it has really stuck with me. Needless to say, I was so happy to learn that Melanie was still running the nursery together with a group of like-minded, wonderful staff. Sending my daughter there under her care was a no brainer. Our daughter is thriving in the creative, empathetic, gentle environment they provide. SETTING: CP is run out of a large converted Victorian house which has been extended. It's a smaller setting than some other nurseries in the area (we actually liked this about it), yet beautifully thought-out and crafted in a way that inspires and engages the kids to play independently so well. The all-weather outside space is the star of the show, with two beautifully designed gardens. LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT: Learning is woven into free play and special activities. Staff seem to seamlessly follow each kid's lead with how/what/when they learn. If a child shows an interest in something, they follow it and create new activities around that interest. Our daughter loves music and dance, and they used this a lot to help her settle in during the early weeks. Each day has a simple familiar pattern and structure to it which helps regulate and reassure the kids, with tons of variety and special projects/events/activities thrown in. CARE & EMPATHY: This is the absolute foundation here and strongest selling point for us. It's not easy being a young child with so much newness to navigate all the time, especially away from your parents, but the staff here create a safe, comforting environment. They provide lots of cuddles when needed, and help to empower the kids with language or actions to deal with their emotions without judgement. FOOD: Tricia is the in-house chef, and also seems to be one of the kids' favourite members of staff! She is also a huge hit with the parents due to her magical powers in providing such a healthy, varied menu for the little ones, which seems to go down well even for the fussy eaters. Our daughter has food allergies, and the utmost care has been taken to accommodate these, for which we are incredibly grateful. Food is served in the beautiful new-build extension which is flooded with natural light and a very happy communal space. COMMUNICATION: There is plenty of opportunity for ad-hoc conversations with the carers at drop off or pick up, and you are never felt rushed or unwelcome to do this. Staff are also readily accessible on email or the mainline phone as needed. The team also use an online app where they upload videos, photos and written observations of your child (on average once or twice a week) available only to you. In addition, there are two "parents evenings" a year for more in depth, in person conversations with your child's key worker. OVERALL: The nursery care provided in this setting is done with passion and dedication, and it feels like so much more than a job/business. It really does feel like an extended family - which can be a cliched thing to say, but it's so true of Child's Play. Melanie knows how to put together the right team of carers to look after little people. Thank you guys for all you do. And any prospective nursery parents reading this - get on the waiting list ASAP!

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