Our belief
Children thrive when they feel safe. Parents relax when they trust.
Choosing a nursery is one of the hardest decisions a parent will make. We want to show you exactly how things work, so that you can decide if it is the right fit.
We don’t try to be everything to everyone. We focus on what matters most, and we do it exceptionally well. A calm, consistent environment where children feel at home. One shared space where younger and older children learn together. Time for real play, not rushed routines. And familiar faces who truly know each child. It’s a more natural, nurturing way to grow and it’s why children don’t just attend, they thrive.
5.0 from 18 parent reviews · Ofsted Rated Good
A settled, happy start
The 10-day calm start
Most nurseries offer settling sessions. We take a calmer, more thoughtful approach.
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 Principal calls you
A short call with Lisa 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.
Starting nursery can feel like a big step
The questions every parent asks, answered honestly
Starting nursery is a big step, for you and your child. These are some of the questions we’re most often asked, and how we gently support families through them.
“Will my child cry at drop-off?”
Lots of children do in the first few days. That is completely normal. What matters is what happens next. Our 10-day Calm Start programme is designed to gently turn those early nerves into confidence. With a little time, children walk in happily and head straight to their key person.
“Will someone really get to know my child?”
Of course, and that starts before they even join us. Our team will speak with you to understand their routines, preferences, and what helps them feel settled. From day one, they’re greeted by familiar faces who take the time to really know them.
“What if they don’t eat much?”
It’s quite common for children to eat less at first. We keep mealtimes relaxed and social, with no pressure. As children settle in and see others enjoying food, they usually begin to eat more confidently in their own time.
“What happens if my child is unwell?”
We follow clear guidance to keep all children safe and well. We’ll always explain things clearly and let you know what to expect, so there are no surprises. Our aim is to keep things consistent and straightforward for families.
“Will nursery affect their sleep?”
We work closely with you to understand your child’s sleep routine. We create a calm, familiar approach that supports how they usually rest, and gently adjust things as they settle in. The aim is to keep everything feeling consistent for them.
“How will I know they’re okay?”
We know how big that first step can feel. You’ll receive regular updates on your child’s day, including how they’ve eaten, slept and what they’ve been enjoying. In the early days, we also send a quick reassurance message after drop-off so you know they’ve settled.
How we build trust
What keeping children safe looks like in practice
Every nursery says children come first. Here is how we make that real every day at Little Starlings.
The things that quietly keep children safe
Paediatric first aiders are on site at all times. Our illness policy follows NHS guidance so decisions are always clear and consistent. Allergy action plans are agreed with parents before a child starts and reviewed together regularly. If a safeguarding concern ever arises, it is referred immediately. No exceptions.
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.
Safety and trust are built through small decisions every day. We are always happy to talk through any questions when you visit.
Book a tourWhat parents say
- ★★★★★
“I have sent all three of my children to Little Starlings and couldn't have asked for a better start to nursery life. Lisa and the team could not be more loving and comforting to the children. My children became more confident and independent through their time there. I couldn't recommend the nursery more.”
Caroline Perez
- ★★★★★
“The most wonderful nursery - we couldn't be happier with it! Lisa and her team are everything you would want for your child: incredibly nurturing, creative and fun, all in a large indoor and outdoor space that is run with such professionalism and love.”
Emma Copestake
- ★★★★★
“My daughter absolutely loved her sessions at Little Starlings! The teachers are all fab, so caring and fun — and she always came home with some gorgeous artwork and raving about what a great time she'd had in the garden. Couldn't recommend Little Starlings more!”
Liz Peacock
Take the next step
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 spaces, and ask us anything.