Your guide to daily life at Lancaster Lodge

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Here you’ll find practical information about routines, mealtimes and how we work with you to support your child in our home-from-home environment.

Our daily timetable

Our days flow naturally around you child’s needs, balancing active play, quiet time, nutritious meals and rest.

Each room has its own age-appropriate routine, from our baby-led approach in Seedlings to the more independent rhythms of our Garden Room. Free-flow access to outdoor spaces means children can choose between indoor and outdoor play throughout most of the day.

Here’s a guide to a typical day:

  • 7.30am – Nursery opens

  • 8-8.30am – Breakfast (including cereals, porridge or toast)

  • 8.30-10am – Free-flow play indoors and outdoors

  • 9.30-10am – Morning snack

  • 10-11.30am – Optional structured activities

  • 11.30am – Lunch (our main hot meal of the day)

  • 12.15-2pm – Afternoon sleep or quiet time

  • 2-2.30pm – Afternoon snack

  • 2-3.30pm – Free-flow play indoors and outdoors

  • 3.30pm – Tea (a light meal)

  • 4-6.30pm – Collection time

You'll receive daily feedback about your child's day, including what they've eaten, any sleep they’ve had, and the activities they've enjoyed. Our key person system means someone who knows your child well is always there to support their individual routine and share those special moments with you at home time.

What’s coming up

We love bringing our nursery family together through special events and activities throughout the year. From stay and play sessions where you can join your child's learning to seasonal celebrations that create lasting memories, there's always something to look forward to at Lancaster Lodge.

Keep an eye on this space for upcoming events, and watch out for updates through Tapestry and our regular communications. We can't wait to see you there!

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Settling in with care

Starting nursery is a big step for both you and your child.

We take our time to make this transition a positive and gentle experience.

Before your child starts, we'll arrange an initial consultation where you'll meet their key person and have the chance to discuss your child's routines, preferences, and any questions you might have. We'll then plan around four settling-in visits spread over 2-4 weeks, giving your child time to get comfortable at their own pace.

The first visit includes you staying for about an hour, then we gradually build up from 2-hour sessions to full days, incorporating different parts of our daily routine like lunch and sleep times. Where possible, we space these visits out rather than having them on consecutive days, so your child can settle naturally without feeling overwhelmed.

Your key person will be there every step of the way, building that important bond and providing feedback at each stage. We'll only move to the next step when both you and your child feel ready - because every child is different, and we're here to support your family's journey.

Wholesome daily meals

Mealtimes are about much more than just eating.

We know that children who spend long days with us need energy to keep them going. But mealtimes are also sociable occasions where children learn, explore and enjoy food together in a relaxed, unhurried atmosphere.

All our meals are cooked freshly on-site each day, following a balanced 4-week menu that includes everything from hearty roast dinners to child-friendly curries and popular pasta dishes. We provide breakfast, morning snack, lunch with pudding, afternoon snack and a light tea, so you don't need to worry about packing anything.

As children grow with us, we encourage independence - from learning to use cutlery to serving themselves and helping prepare snacks. We’ll help your child develop social skills, try new flavours and build a positive relationship with food.

For our full menu and allergen information, contact our friendly team in the office.

Rest and sleep

Good sleep is important for busy, growing children.

We’ve created calm, comfortable spaces where your little ones can rest when they need to.
Our babies have their own dedicated sleep room - a quiet, peaceful space at the end of the building with specially designed bunk cots and soothing music. Our older children use cosy fold-out beds and mats as needed.

We always follow your lead when it comes to sleep routines. Whether your child needs one nap, two naps, or is ready to drop daytime sleeps altogether, we work with their natural rhythm and your family's choice.

All bedding is provided by us, but children are welcome to bring their own comforters or dummies to help them feel secure. We create the perfect sleep environment, so children can drift off peacefully and wake up refreshed and ready to play.

Your child's sleep times are always recorded and shared with you at collection, so you know exactly how their day has gone.

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Staying connected with Tapestry

Tapestry is our online learning journal that keeps you connected to your child's day.

It's our special way of sharing those wonderful ‘wow’ moments, achievements and discoveries that happen during their time with us.

Through Tapestry, you'll receive photos and observations of your child's activities. Your child's key person will document their learning and development, giving you a clear picture of how they're growing and what captures their interest.

But Tapestry isn't all one-way - we love to hear from you too!

You can share photos and updates from home, tell us about weekend adventures, or let us know about new interests. This helps us build a complete picture of your child and plan activities that truly capture their attention.

We also use Tapestry for practical communications about menu changes, upcoming events or important updates. Everything is secure and private. You'll only see your own child's journal, and we have strict guidelines about keeping all images and information confidential.

You'll receive your unique login details once your child starts with us, and we're always happy to help if you need support using the system.

See Lancaster Lodge through your child’s eyes

Take the first step and book a personal tour