Business Details
32 Years
experience
Trusted Childcare Services in Market Harborough
At Castle Lane Day Nursery, we have dedicated ourselves to providing exceptional childcare in Market Harborough since 1994. Our team of experienced professionals creates a nurturing environment where children from birth to 11 years develop through structured learning, outdoor exploration, and individualised attention. With purpose-built facilities including age-specific rooms and a Forest School, we combine 30 years of operational expertise with continuous staff training to maintain high standards.Our staff, many of whom have remained with us for over a decade, hold qualifications ranging from Level 3 Early Years to Early Years Teacher Status, ensuring expert care aligned with the Early Years Foundation Stage. We demonstrate authoritativeness through our Ofsted registration and commitment to safeguarding, while our transparent communication and parent partnership approach reinforce our trustworthiness in supporting every child's developmental journey.
Services
Baby Room
Toddler Room
Tweenies Room
Pre-School Room
Breakfast Club
After School Club
Holiday Club
Forest School
Safeguarding
Parent Partnerships
Details
- Year established: 1994
Highlights and features
- We offer 30 years of childcare expertise with staff trained to Level 4 Early Years standards
- Our Forest School promotes outdoor learning in a natural woodland environment
- We maintain continuity of care with long-serving, qualified staff members
- Our safeguarding-certified team ensures child safety with regular training updates
- We provide structured transition programs preparing children for primary school
Associations and certifications
- Ofsted
Services
Baby Room
Our Baby Room provides tailored care for infants with qualified staff maintaining low child-to-carer ratios. Each baby follows an individual routine documented daily, including feeding, sleeping and developmental activities. The room features sensory-stimulating resources and direct outdoor access for fresh air experiences.
Forest School
Forest School sessions develop children's personal and social skills through nature-based exploration. Qualified leaders facilitate learner-led activities in woodland settings for ages three and above. The program includes seasonal outdoor experiences and holiday club activities promoting physical development and environmental awareness.
Pre-School Room
Our Pre-School Room prepares children for primary education through play-based learning activities. Staff create developmentally appropriate experiences covering literacy, numeracy and social skills. Each child receives individual progress reports aligned with Early Learning Goals, with transition support to receiving schools.
After School Club
After School Club offers supervised care with structured activities and homework assistance. Staff collect children from local primary schools and provide a safe environment for educational play. The service includes nutritious snacks and flexible pick-up arrangements for working parents.
Holiday Club
Holiday Club operates during school breaks with themed activities and local excursions. The program accommodates children's varying ages and abilities through differentiated activities. Staff implement special projects and outdoor adventures while maintaining continuity with regular nursery routines.
People
Harriet Gray
Co-Owner/Manager
With Early Years Teacher Status and Forest School qualifications, Harriet oversees staff development and EYFS implementation. She has managed the nursery since acquiring it in 2011, bringing extensive early childhood education expertise.
Vikki Gamble
Co-Owner/Manager
As Designated Safeguarding Lead since 2008, Vikki manages parent relations and ensures compliance with childcare regulations. She has held management responsibilities since co-owning the nursery from 2011.
Hayley Sharman
Manager and Funding Co-coordinator
Hayley manages daily operations and funding arrangements with Level 5 Early Years and SENCO qualifications. She has implemented inclusive practices since joining in 2017, supporting children with diverse needs.
Loretta Osborne
Forest School Leader
As Level 3 Forest School qualified leader, Loretta develops outdoor learning programs. She has specialised in nature-based education since joining the nursery in 2022, enhancing the woodland learning environment.
Sue Storey
Cook
Sue prepares nutritious meals meeting allergy requirements with her catering qualifications. She has managed nursery food provision since 2022, ensuring balanced menus aligned with children's dietary needs.
Questions
What age groups do you cater for?
We provide care for children from birth to 11 years across our Baby Room, Toddler Room, Tweenies Room, Pre-School Room and After School Club.
How do you ensure child safety?
We maintain safeguarding compliance with trained staff, secure entry systems, and strict pick-up procedures. All staff hold current first aid and child protection qualifications.
Do you offer holiday care?
Our Holiday Club operates during school breaks with organised activities and local trips, excluding one week at Christmas and bank holidays.
What qualifications do your staff hold?
Staff possess qualifications from Level 2 Early Years to Early Years Teacher Status, with regular training updates in safeguarding and first aid.
How do you support school transition?
We provide structured pre-school programs, individual learning reports, and graduation events to prepare children for primary school environments.
Can you administer medication?
We can administer prescribed and non-prescribed medicines with parental consent, following strict documentation and storage procedures.
Reviews (6)
Ram Sridhar
Dec 31, 2020
Report
Safe haven and a great place for my daughter to mingle and mature. She feels at home whilst in the nursery. Strongly recommend.
- Ram
- Ram
Lucy Scallan
Dec 20, 2020
Report
Absolutely love Castle Lane Day Nursery. My four year old has been going since she was 11 months old and just loved it from day one! The staff really care and get to know every child. The rooms are lovely environments and the teams come up with creative and innovative ways for children to explore their world and develop their skills and emotions. Forest school was a brilliant addition a year or so ago. I really can’t recommend them enough! My son will be joining the Baby Room when he turns 11 months in April too
Lucie Sterland
Dec 19, 2020
Report
My little girl started Castle Lane at about 10 months old, she settled in so well into the baby room. This was all down to the staff being amazing, so caring and helping Skye settle in. Skye loves attending nursery and gives all the staff a wave when she goes into nursery! I’m so happy we chose Castle Lane and would highly recommend Castle Lane to anyone.
Fiona Campion
May 10, 2018
Report
I love this nursery as does my son. The staff are friendly and approachable and the management always has time for you. The ideas generated to entertain the kids are so creative and my son loves coming. The outside area is fantastic with so much for kids to do and the security is extremely good with video door entry so you know your child is safe. I can’t think of what more you could ask of a nursery with very reasonable fees too!! Well done Vicki and Harriet and the rest of the team x
Teresa Horner
Jun 25, 2017
Report
What can I say. Absolutely outstanding. The staff are 100% dedicated and the facilities are second to none. Well done Castle Lane for all your hard work and efforts to make your nursery such an amazing place for children ⛤⛤⛤⛤⛤
Emma Keightley
Aug 25, 2016
Report
Our son has flourished at Castle Lane, the staff are supportive, caring and knowledgable. Highly recommended. Flexible and responsive team.
