Our Montessori and Reggio nursery approach
We believe every child learns differently, so we teach accordingly
There is no single way we do things here. Some children learn best through touch, others by watching, listening or talking things through, so our practitioners draw on Montessori and Reggio Emilia thinking and adjust to how each child actually takes things in, not a fixed method applied to everyone alike.
Roopal, our director, keeps an open door for exactly this reason, because knowing a child properly means staying open to what each one needs. Read on to see what that looks like day to day.
4.7 from 30 parent reviews · Ofsted Rated Good
Settling In at Tinky's Day
Settling in, at your child's pace
Before your child starts, we build in settling-in sessions together, so they can explore their new room and get to know their key person with you close by. From there, we go at whatever pace your child needs, gradually building up time apart until they feel at home.
Some children settle within days, others need a few weeks, and that's fine either way. Our director keeps an open door throughout, so you're never left wondering how things are going.
Our commitment
If settling is taking longer than expected, we slow down and give it more time. There is no pressure to rush. We keep you in the loop throughout and adjust the approach based on what we observe.
Before day one
Your key person calls you
A short call before your child starts. We want to understand their sleep routine, what comforts them, what they love. We build the first week around what you tell us.
Days 1 to 3
Short visits with you present
You stay close while your child begins to explore. No pressure to leave until everyone feels ready. We watch carefully and get to know what your child needs.
Days 4 to 6
First short separations
Brief, calm goodbyes. We work with you on a simple and consistent farewell so your child begins to understand that you always come back.
Days 7 to 10
Building the routine
Sessions get longer. Your child starts to have a familiar face, a familiar sequence, and a familiar place. We share what we are noticing and stay in close contact.
End of week 2
Check-in with your key person
A conversation to share what we have observed and hear how things feel at home. If we feel your child needs more time, we take it. Settling cannot be rushed.
Day 30
How is it going
A sit-down to talk through how your child is doing, what they are enjoying, and what is coming next. An honest conversation, not a sign-off.
Questions Parents Ask Us
The questions every parent asks, answered honestly
These are not hypothetical worries. They come up on every single tour. Here is exactly how we address each one.
“Will my child cry every morning?”
Most children do in the first few days. That is completely normal. What matters is what happens next. Our 10-day Calm Start programme is designed to gently turn those early nerves into confidence. Within a couple of weeks, most children walk in happily and head straight to their key person.
“Will anyone really know my child?”
Before your child starts, their key person will call you for a short chat. We learn everything that helps them feel safe and settled: favourite games, comfort objects, sleep routines, little quirks. Your key person is the familiar face at drop-off and the person who keeps you updated at pick-up.
“What if they refuse to eat anything?”
Fussy eating at nursery is very common at first. We never force children to eat. Instead we offer the same nutritious meals in a relaxed, social setting each day. Once children see their friends enjoying food, most naturally start to try new things within a few weeks.
“How do you handle illness?”
We follow UKHSA guidance closely so our decisions are always clear and consistent. You will never receive a confusing or unexpected call. We explain our illness policy from the start so you know exactly what to expect. It helps keep everyone safe and avoids unnecessary worry.
“Will nursery ruin their sleep routine?”
Before your child starts we talk through their sleep routine together. We create a simple sleep plan that works for them, including nap times, calming wind-down routines and a quiet sleep space aligned with NHS safe sleep guidance. In the first few weeks we adjust things gently based on how your child responds.
“I will spend the whole day wondering if they are okay”
We send a daily update so you know how your child's day has been. You will see how they slept, what they ate, their activities and how they were feeling. In the first week we also send a quick reassurance update after drop-off, so you know they have settled happily.
Safety & Safeguarding
What keeping children safe looks like in practice
Every nursery says children come first. Here is how we make that real every day at Tinky's Day Nursery.
The things that quietly keep children safe
Paediatric first aiders are on site at all times. Every sleeping child has regular sleep checks. Our illness policy follows NHS guidance so decisions are always clear and consistent. Allergy action plans are agreed with parents before a child starts and reviewed together regularly. If a safeguarding concern ever arises, it is referred immediately. No exceptions.
Honest communication, not brochure language
You can see our Ofsted report, meal menus, staff ratios and policies in full. If something goes wrong, we tell you the same day and explain exactly what happened and what we have done about it. Parents should never feel left guessing.
Experienced staff who stay
High staff turnover is one of the biggest hidden risks in childcare. We invest heavily in our team through training, supervision and professional development. Many of our staff have been here for years. When children see the same trusted adults each day, they feel secure and confident.
Funding and fees, handled clearly
We manage your 15 or 30 hours funding directly with the local authority. We remind you when codes need renewing and explain exactly how funding works. Invoices are simple and transparent. No hidden extras and no unexpected charges.
Safety and trust are built through small decisions every day. We are always happy to talk through any questions when you visit.
Book a tourWhat parents say
- ★★★★★
“Where do I begin, both my son and daughter attended Tinky’s my son first attended the nursery they had only been open for a few months and since then I had said to myself if I had another child they would only attend here. I then had a daughter whose last day will be this week Wednesday after an amazing 2 years at Tinky’s as she is going to reception in September.”
Mariam G.
- ★★★★★
“In just three weeks, my daughter has truly blossomed at this nursery. She settled in so quickly and absolutely loves the staff and looks forward to going to nursery. She’s talking more, learning new skills, and is noticeably calmer and better at following instructions at home. The activities like creative arts, sensory play, and outdoor exploration are fun and engaging, keeping her excited every day.”
R
- ★★★★★
“We have had a wonderful experience with Tinky’s Day nursery and couldn’t be happier with the care our son receives. The staff are warm, attentive, and genuinely caring, which made his settling-in period smooth and reassuring for us as parents. The environment is safe, nurturing, and well-organised, with engaging activities that support both learning and social development.”
Mohamed M.
Come and see us
Visit Tinky's and see where your child would learn
Meet Roopal and the team, walk through the rooms and garden, and get a feel for whether Tinky's is right for your family. In-person and virtual tours can both be arranged.