How we do things
Where children bloom and parents breathe easy
Choosing a nursery for your child is one of the most important decisions you will make as a parent. At Blooming Years, we want you to feel completely confident in that choice. That means being open about how we work, what your child's day looks like, and how we support the transition from home to nursery.
We believe children learn best through play, connection, and consistent relationships. Across all our nurseries, you will find the same warm approach: carefully planned enabling environments, freshly cooked meals every day, and a team that genuinely knows your child.
Our settling approach
Lee's Calm Start
We take a calm, thoughtful approach to settling in.
Over the first couple of weeks, we gently help your child feel comfortable, build trust with their key person, and settle into the rhythm of the day.
Our promise to you
If your child needs a little longer to settle, we simply add two extra settling sessions and adjust things together, at no extra cost.
Before day one
Our team calls you
A short call with the Leonie to get to know your child properly, their routines, what they enjoy, and anything that helps them feel settled. We use this to shape their first few days so everything feels familiar from the start.
Days 1-3
Short, independent visits
We begin with short sessions, often around an hour, with your child attending independently. Parents are always on standby if needed, but most children settle quickly once they begin exploring the space and building trust with their key person. We gently reassure them that “mummy or daddy always comes back”, helping them feel safe and secure.
Days 4-6
Building confidence and trust
Sessions gradually increase as your child becomes more comfortable. With familiar faces, a calm routine, and a consistent approach, children quickly start to feel at home. We keep things simple, predictable, and reassuring.
Days 7-10
Finding their rhythm
By now, your child is beginning to recognise the flow of the day. They know what to expect, who they’ll see, and where things happen. That familiarity helps them feel more settled, confident, and ready to join in.
After 10 days
Check-in with your key person
We’ll have a relaxed catch-up to share how your child is getting on, what we’ve noticed, and how they’re settling day to day. It’s also a chance to talk through anything you’ve seen at home, so we can keep things consistent together.
Ongoing
Supported every step of the way
Every child settles at their own pace. If at any point something doesn’t feel quite right, we’ll work closely with you to adjust our approach and support your child in the way they need. Our focus is simple, making sure your child feels happy, confident, and truly at home.
It's natural to worry. Here's how we help.
The questions we hear most often, answered honestly
From the moment you first visit to the day your child walks in confidently on their own, we are here for every question. Here are the ones we hear most.
“Will my child cry at drop-off?”
Most children do in the first few days. That is completely normal. What matters is what happens next. Our settling programme is designed to gently build confidence and familiarity. Within a couple of weeks, most children walk straight to their key person and get stuck into the day.
“Will my child be just another face in the room?”
Before your child starts, our team will get in touch to learn what helps them feel safe: their routine, favourite things, what comforts them, any concerns you have. We build their first sessions around what you share with us. You will always have a familiar face to speak to at drop-off and pick-up.
“What if they won't eat at nursery?”
Our cooks prepare fresh meals every day using quality ingredients. Fussy eating at nursery is very common at first and we never pressure children to eat. Once they see their friends enjoying food in a relaxed, sociable setting, most start to try new things naturally within a few weeks.
“What happens when my child is unwell?”
We follow UKHSA guidance closely so our decisions are always clear and consistent. We explain our illness policy from the start so you always know what to expect. You will never receive a confusing or unexpected call - we keep communication straightforward and honest.
“Will nursery disrupt their sleep routine?”
Before your child starts we talk through their sleep routine together. We put a simple sleep plan in place that works for them, including nap times and a calm, familiar wind-down routine. In the first few weeks we adjust things gently based on how your child is responding.
“How will I know they are okay?”
We send a daily update so you can see how your child's day has been: how they slept, what they ate, their activities, and how they were feeling. In the first week we also send a quick message after drop-off so you know they have settled happily.
How we keep children safe
Honest communication, consistently
You can see our Ofsted report, staff ratios and policies in full. If something goes wrong, we tell you the same day and explain exactly what happened and what we have done about it. Parents should never feel left guessing.
Experienced staff who stay
High staff turnover is one of the biggest hidden risks in childcare. We invest heavily in our team through training, supervision and professional development. Most of our staff have been with us for 10+ years. When children see the same trusted adults each day, they feel secure and confident.
Funding and fees, handled clearly
We manage your 15 or 30 hours funding directly with the local authority. We remind you when codes need renewing and explain exactly how funding works. Invoices are simple and transparent. No hidden extras and no unexpected charges.
Experienced staff who stay
Safety and trust are built through small decisions every day. We are always happy to talk through any questions when you visit.
Funding and fees, handled clearly
We manage your 15 or 30 hours funding directly with the local authority. We remind you when codes need renewing and explain how funding works in plain terms. Invoices are simple and transparent. No hidden extras, no unexpected charges.
We are always happy to talk through how things work at your local Blooming Years. Come for a visit and see it for yourself.
Book a tourWhat parents say
- ★★★★★
“The settling-in process at Little Lee's was handled so thoughtfully. The team took the time to understand our daughter's routine at home and matched it from day one. She barely looked back when we dropped her off by the second week, which honestly shocked us. We felt completely supported every step of the way.”
Sarah M.
- ★★★★★
“We had no idea what we were entitled to in terms of funded hours and the team at Little Lee's walked us through everything - the 15 hours, the 30-hour offer, how it applies across the year. They even helped us work out which option made most sense for our family. That kind of guidance is rare and we are genuinely grateful.”
Daniel O.
- ★★★★★
“What strikes you immediately at Little Lee's is how warm everyone is - not in a performative way, just genuinely caring. Our son comes home excited to tell us what he discovered that day. He has grown so much in confidence and his curiosity about the world is something the team clearly nurture every single day.”
Priya K.
Come and see us for yourself
A tour is the best way to know whether we are the right fit. Come and meet the team, see the rooms, and ask us anything.
Places are limited and we typically fill up several months in advance. The earlier you visit, the better your options.