Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Child Care Services in Newcastle-under-Lyme
Established in 1943, The Lyme Nursery has built a reputation as a trusted provider of early years education and childcare. Our mission to 'Invest in the Best' is reflected in our Ofsted-recognised standards, Investors in People accreditation, and commitment to nurturing children's development in a secure, stimulating environment. Led by proprietor Richard Vernon, a retired school teacher with 25 years' experience, our team of fully qualified practitioners delivers tailored care across age-specific rooms, supported by apprentices working towards childcare qualifications.We prioritise nutritional home-cooked meals, outdoor learning in our 600m garden, and robust safeguarding policies, including restricted photography and manned-door access. With staff tenure spanning decades, we offer continuity that fosters strong child-carer bonds, complemented by regular EYFS training updates and parental communication through our Parent Link app.
Services
Full-time childcare
Part-time placements
Government-funded care
Dance lessons
Nutritious meals
Details
- Year established: 1943
Highlights and features
- Established 1943 with decades of childcare expertise
- Government-funded places for 2, 3 & 4-year-olds
- NHS Healthy Eating Award-winning nutritious meals
- Secure environment with restricted child photography
- Low staff turnover ensuring consistent caregiver relationships
Associations and certifications
- Ofsted
- Investors in People
What people say
Nurturing environment
Dedicated staff
Excellent care
Confident children
Healthy meals
Services
Full-time childcare
We provide comprehensive full-time childcare for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years, offering structured routines and flexible booking options. Our daily fee includes all meals and snacks, with a 10% discount available for full-time placements. Parents benefit from government-funded hours eligibility and secure, monitored care environments.
Government-funded care
Eligible families can access free government-funded childcare for 2, 3 and 4-year-olds, subject to current criteria. This service includes all core activities and meals, with no additional charges for educational resources or outdoor play sessions. Funding applications are supported by our experienced administrative team.
Nutritious meals
Our in-house catering team prepares balanced meals using seasonal produce, achieving NHS Healthy Eating Award recognition. Menus accommodate dietary requirements while educating children about nutrition. All meals, including breakfast, lunch and snacks, are included in standard fees without extra charges.
Dance lessons
Professional dance instructors deliver weekly classes included in standard fees. These sessions develop motor skills and creative expression for children aged 2-5 years. Lessons align with EYFS physical development goals and are integrated into our broader arts and movement curriculum.
Parent communication
We maintain daily parent communication through our Parent Link app, providing real-time updates on meals, activities and milestones. Secure two-way messaging allows instant feedback, while physical visits are encouraged during designated hours to observe children's progress in learning environments.
People
Richard Vernon
Proprietor
Retired school teacher with 25 years' experience, including Head of Department roles at Staffordshire secondary schools. Established The Lyme Nursery's educational philosophy combining formal pedagogy with practical childcare expertise since assuming proprietorship.
Sabrina
Nursery Manager
Qualified to NVQ4 and Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Studies, Sabrina has led the nursery since 2000. She specialises in EYFS training and safeguarding, combining academic expertise with hands-on childcare experience as a mother of two.
Lorraine
Deputy Manager
Progressed from apprentice to deputy manager since 2018, holding Level 3 Early Years qualification. Recognised for creative teaching methods and classroom management, Lorraine specialises in child artwork development and team leadership training.
Questions
What age range do you accept?
We care for children from 6 weeks to 5 years across our age-specific rooms, with tailored programmes for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers.
Do you offer government-funded places?
Yes, we provide free childcare for 2, 3 and 4-year-olds through government funding schemes, subject to current eligibility criteria.
What meals are provided?
We serve home-cooked meals using seasonal produce, including breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and snacks, all included in standard fees.
How do you ensure child safety?
We implement strict safeguarding policies including no child photography without consent, manned-door access control, and DBS-checked staff.
Can parents visit anytime?
Visits are welcome mid-morning or mid-afternoon to avoid disruption during meal and sleep times, with appointments available on request.
What qualifications do staff hold?
All practitioners hold NVQ/BTEC childcare qualifications, with additional paediatric first aid and safeguarding certifications. Team leaders receive specialist training.
Reviews (5)
Stacey Skerratt
Apr 12, 2018
Report
I love this nursery, my son had really bad reflux and dairy intolerant when he first started and all the staff were brilliant,put my mind a rest knowing he was being looked after so well. My son loves it and is thriving in development since attending. Very cosy and welcoming feel.
Becky Lawson
Dec 11, 2017
Report
My little girl loves nursery, she's come on so much since starting and is now full of confidence. The girls are fantastic and are always helpful and full of smiles. As a first time mum they put me at ease and I can go to work knowing lilly is going to have a brilliant day
Danny Butters
Sep 05, 2017
Report
I have just dropped off my son for the last time at The Lyme and I must admit to having a tear in my eye. From 9 months old until ready for reception year at age 4, Reuben has attended the Lyme. The nursery has had a huge influence on his development into becoming a well liked, polite and bright young boy. Our children are obviously very special… to us as parents and I always felt that the staff at the nursery completely understood this. The staff to child ratio was great meaning that you could have a chat to someone about your child's day when picking them up, complete with an in depth
Liz Parkes
Mar 03, 2015
Report
My son loves his days at Lyme nursery. He often finds it difficult wen he first arrives in the morning, but all the staff are brilliant at welcoming him and helping him settle. He always comes out chatting ten to the dozen about his day and all the things he has been doing. The pre-school staff are doing a great job teaching phonics too!!
Danielle Louise Wood
Sep 09, 2014
Report
I studied my NVQ 2 at the lymes nursery, in 2009. Ive worked within many day nurseries and schools since, but this nursery by far is defiantly one of a kind!! All the ingredients that make the best are here! Professional/ friendly staff that can enable and guide children/families though New experiences and learning.
