Business Details
Trusted Child Care Services in Gloucester
Established to provide exceptional childcare, IntoPlay operates two nurseries in Barnwood and The Quays, offering a safe and nurturing environment for children aged 6 weeks to 4 years 11 months. Our structured settling-in process includes free introductory sessions over four weeks, allowing families to build confidence in our care. With a team led by Managing Director Karen Perry-Gardiner and Line Manager Sally Ward, who have collaborated for 23 years, we prioritise high-quality care through our key person system, ensuring continuity and strong relationships.We accept various childcare vouchers and government funding schemes, including the 15-hour entitlement for preschoolers. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our Ofsted registration and ongoing staff training, exceeding statutory qualification requirements. Each nursery is equipped with trained SENCo, Safeguarding Leads, and Behaviour Management Co-ordinators to address individual needs. Our homemade, nutritious meals, prepared on-site, have consistently earned a 5-star rating from the Food Standards Agency since our inception.
Services
Childcare Services
Nursery Programs
School Readiness Preparation
Dietary Accommodations
Staff Training
Highlights and features
- 23 years of collaborative leadership experience in childcare
- Structured 4-week settling-in process with free introductory sessions
- Accepts childcare vouchers and government funding schemes
- Ofsted-registered with 5-star food hygiene ratings since opening
- Trained SENCo and Safeguarding Leads at each nursery
Associations and certifications
- Ofsted
What people say
Lovely and professional
Safe hands
Caring staff
Happy baby
Plenty of space
Services
Childcare Services
Our childcare services cater to children aged 6 weeks to 4 years 11 months, providing a safe, stimulating environment. We use a key person system to build trust and continuity, ensuring each child's emotional and developmental needs are met through tailored activities.
School Readiness
Our school readiness program develops language, social, and cognitive skills essential for formal education. Through observational assessments and interactive learning, we foster curiosity, communication, and confidence, preparing children for a smooth transition to primary school environments.
Dietary Accommodations
We provide nutritious, homemade meals tailored to individual dietary needs. Our nursery cooks collaborate with parents to address allergies, intolerances, and cultural preferences, ensuring all children enjoy balanced meals that meet Food Standards Agency requirements.
Staff Training
Our staff training programs exceed statutory requirements, including SENCo and Safeguarding certifications. We mentor students from local educational institutions, offering work placements that bridge academic learning with practical childcare experience.
Settling-In Support
We offer a 4-week settling-in period with free introductory sessions to ease transitions. Parents can spend time with staff to build confidence, ensuring both child and family feel secure in our care before regular attendance begins.
People
Karen Perry-Gardiner
Managing Director
With 23 years of leadership experience, Karen oversees IntoPlay's strategic direction, ensuring high standards of care and compliance with early years regulations across both nurseries.
Sally Ward
Line Manager
Sally collaborates with Karen to maintain quality childcare services, focusing on staff development and operational excellence across IntoPlay's Barnwood and The Quays locations.
Jade Artus
Nursery Manager
Jade manages daily operations at The Quays nursery, ensuring a nurturing environment while coordinating staff and maintaining Ofsted compliance standards.
Claire Neuschwander
Nursery Manager
Claire co-manages The Quays nursery, focusing on child safety, curriculum implementation, and fostering strong relationships with families in the Gloucester community.
Laura Walby
Nursery Manager
Laura leads the Barnwood nursery team, prioritising individualised care and educational activities that align with IntoPlay's commitment to early childhood development excellence.
Questions
What age range do you cater for?
We care for children aged 6 weeks to 4 years 11 months across both our Gloucester nurseries.
Do you accept government funding?
Yes, we accept the 15-hour government funding for 3-4-year-olds and A2YO funding for 2-year-olds.
How do you support children with dietary needs?
Our nursery cooks create tailored meal plans in consultation with parents to accommodate allergies, intolerances, and cultural preferences.
What qualifications do your staff hold?
All staff exceed statutory requirements, with trained SENCo, Safeguarding Leads, and Behaviour Management Co-ordinators at each site.
How do you help children settle in?
We offer a 4-week settling-in period with free introductory sessions and a dedicated key person to support each child's transition.
Are your nurseries Ofsted registered?
Yes, both our Barnwood and The Quays nurseries are Ofsted-registered and maintain high compliance standards.
Reviews (4)
Beatrice Weager
Dec 14, 2020
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Critical:Professionalism,Reliability
Very hard to bok in to do a viewing always cancelled or never avalbile
Very hard to bok in to do a viewing always cancelled or never avalbile
Christelle Busset
Jan 24, 2017
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My daughter started nursery age 5m and 1w, from day 1 the staff has been taking great care of her. She loves going to nursery and gets loads of cuddles! She's now 17 months and is doing constant progress. The staff is even trying their best to speak a bit of french to her! Even though she's young, she already has some good friends. I would definitly recommend the nursery to anyone!
Sonia Edwards
Nov 16, 2016
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My son and daughter have been going to into play since they were 9months old. Both loved it! They have always loved going and enjoy all the fun they have there. The staff are amazing and love to tell you all about the day they have had.. My daughter goes to school in September and will miss them all terribly. Thank you into play for making both of their experiences fun!
Rubina Alvi
Aug 12, 2016
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My Little girl loves her nursery. The team is lovely and always happy to help. They have been marvelous in helping my little one to have a smooth transition from under 2's to over 2's. The atmosphere is happy and children look cheerful. My older daughter who is nearly 8 went to into-play Longlevens when she was just 8 months old. I will recommend into-play Longlevens to parents who are looking for a good nursery. Thanks, Rubina
