Business Details
29 Years
experience
Trusted Childcare Services in Mitcheldean
Established in 1997, Sunbeams Day Nursery operates from a historic Victorian primary school building in Mitcheldean. Our nursery provides full and part-time childcare for children aged 18 months to five years, combining safety with a homely environment to foster development through play. We are OFSTED-registered and accept multiple funding sources, including workplace vouchers and government-funded hours. Our team of qualified early years practitioners undergoes continuous training in child protection, first aid, and DBS-checked protocols. We prioritise individualised care through key person allocations and maintain learning journeys to track each child's progress.The nursery is divided into two dedicated unitsBusy Bees for toddlers and Learning Ladybirds for preschoolersensuring age-appropriate resources and activities. As a family-run business, we maintain strong staff continuity, with three original team members still employed. Our approach integrates natural environments, home experiences, and structured EYFS curriculum elements to create engaging learning opportunities. We offer flexible settling-in sessions and maintain staff ratios exceeding OFSTED requirements. Daily routines include story times, outdoor play, and sensory activities designed to support holistic development.
Services
Busy Bees Toddler Care
Learning Ladybirds Preschool
Full-Time Childcare
Part-Time Childcare
OFSTED Registered Care
Funded Childcare Places
Settling-In Sessions
Individual Learning Journeys
Details
- Year established: 1997
Highlights and features
- Established since 1997 with experienced early years practitioners
- OFSTED-registered with staff trained in child protection and first aid
- Family-run business maintaining staff continuity for 27 years
- Accepts multiple funding sources including 30 hours government funding
- Age-specific units with EYFS-compliant learning environments
Associations and certifications
- OFSTED
Services
Busy Bees Toddler Care
Our toddler unit caters to children aged 18 months to 2.5 years with age-appropriate resources and settling-in sessions. We focus on sensory experiences, physical development, and routine-building through story times and outdoor play. Staff provide daily verbal feedback and written records of meals and naps.
Learning Ladybirds Preschool
Designed for children aged 2.5 years to school age, this unit covers all EYFS curriculum areas. We encourage imaginative play, independence development, and social skills through themed activities based on children's interests. Regular circle times and structured routines prepare children for school transitions.
People
Sharon Hale
Nursery Manager
Founder of Sunbeams Day Nursery since 1997 with primary teacher training background. Maintains hands-on role while managing family business operations with 27 years of continuous service.
Emma Tucker
Deputy Manager
Employed since 2000, holds NNEB qualification. Oversees EYFS curriculum implementation and team leadership in Learning Ladybirds unit. Combines professional expertise with practical parenting experience.
Kate Kalus
Team Leader
Started as work placement student in 1999. Leads Busy Bees toddler unit with focus on creating homely environments and maintaining parent communication about daily care routines.
Louise Toner
Administrator
Joined team in administrative role after initial parent involvement. Provides business finance expertise for invoicing and electronic communication systems implementation.
Questions
What childcare funding options do you accept?
We accept workplace vouchers, two-year-old funding, three-and-four-year-old funding, and 30 hours government-funded childcare provision.
What qualifications do your staff hold?
All staff hold relevant childcare qualifications including NNEB, Level 3 awards, and complete ongoing training in first aid, child protection, and food hygiene.
How do you support children's learning and development?
We use EYFS framework with individual learning journeys, themed activities, and age-appropriate resources across both units to support holistic child development.
What are your operating hours?
Please contact us directly for current operating hours as this information wasn't specified in the provided documentation.
How do you communicate with parents?
We provide daily verbal feedback, written meal records, and regular updates through our new electronic communication system managed by our administrator.
Reviews (1)
Layla Rayan
Dec 20, 2018
Report
Outstanding staff and care. My daughter loves it there and they made her so comfortable and welcomed her beautifuly. Recommend 100%
