A day at Hollyhock
Busy mornings, slow lunches and a lot of fresh air.
Little ones feel safe when they know what comes next, so every day has the same shape. Inside that shape there’s plenty of room for puddles, surprises and following what they’re into this week.
Doors open
A cuddle and a hello at the door. Breakfast is served until 8:30am: porridge, cereal, toast and fruit.
Morning circle
Hello song, who’s here today, the weather and what we’re going to do.
Play, inside and out
Paint, sand, water, building and role play, with the garden door open whatever the weather.
Snack
Fruit or vegetables with milk or water, sitting together at the little tables.
Garden or forest school
The garden, a walk to the orchard, or forest school in Pell Wood on Tuesday and Thursday.
Lunch
A hot lunch cooked in our kitchen that morning. Older children help lay the tables.
Quiet time
Naps for those who need them, stories and puzzles for those who don’t.
Afternoon projects
Music, baking, planting, phonics games for pre-schoolers and more time outside.
Tea
A light tea, such as soup and bread or crumpets with fruit.
Home time
Garden and quiet play until you arrive, then a proper chat about their day. Last pick-up is 6pm.
Meals and menu
Everything is cooked here, most of it from scratch.
Our cook plans a four-week menu with plenty of vegetables, not much sugar and a pudding on Fridays. Some of the tomatoes, beans and courgettes come from our own beds.
Every meal has a vegetarian version
We cook for allergies and intolerances, with a care plan for each child
Water and milk all day, never squash or juice
Monday
Lunch
Chicken and vegetable casserole with mash
Tea
Cheese scones, cucumber and grapes
Tuesday
Lunch
Lentil and sweet potato dahl with rice
Tea
Tuna pasta salad and cherry tomatoes
Wednesday
Lunch
Fish pie with peas and broccoli
Tea
Crumpets, hummus and pepper sticks
Thursday
Lunch
Beef bolognese with wholemeal pasta
Tea
Vegetable soup and warm bread
Friday
Lunch
Homemade pizza with salad
Tea
Jacket potatoes with beans, then yoghurt
Settling in
No rush. We go at your child’s pace.
Most children settle within two or three weeks. Some take longer, and that’s fine. The settling sessions are free and you can add more if you need them.
1
Look round together
Come for a visit, meet the room leader and ask all your questions. Bring your little one if you can.
2
Meet the key person
Your child’s key person rings you or pops round to learn their routines, favourite songs and how they like to be comforted.
3
Two or three settling sessions
Free short visits in the week before they start. You stay for the first, then pop out for an hour.
4
The first few weeks
We send a photo at lunchtime on day one, and talk to you properly at every pick-up until it feels normal.
Come and see us
The best way to choose a nursery is to visit one.
Look round with your little one, meet the room leaders and ask anything you like. Visits take about 45 minutes, any weekday.