Our Nursery Approach
We believe children grow best when they are known properly, not just minded
That belief shapes the detail. Each child's dietary needs, allergies and preferences are held by both the kitchen and their room team, not just noted on a form. The resources and activities on offer change as a child's interests develop, so each day reflects the child in front of us.
This is the thread running through everything at My Sunshine, from a first settling-in session to a daily lunch menu. Read on to see what it looks like across the nursery, from our rooms to the people who run them.
9.8/10 from 94 parent reviews on daynurseries.co.uk · Ofsted Rated Good
Settling In at My Sunshine Day Nursery & Pre-School
Settling in, at your child's pace
Settling in starts with short visits together, you and your child exploring the room before any separation is asked of them. From there, sessions build gradually, a little longer each time, until your child is comfortable staying without you.
There is no fixed schedule for this. We agree the pace with each family beforehand, and adjust it as we go if your child needs longer. Your Key Person uses those early sessions to get to know your child properly, and passes what they learn on to the rest of the room.
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.
Food at My Sunshine
Cooked fresh, every day
Every meal is freshly prepared on site by our own chefs, following the Eat Better, Start Better guidelines, in kitchens with a 5-star food hygiene rating. Breakfast, snacks, lunch and tea are all included, and we cater for every dietary need, allergy, religious requirement and family preference, so mealtimes are something your child looks forward to.
The little things that matter
Thoughtful touches, no hidden extras
Every room is air conditioned, so children stay comfortable on the hottest days, and our resources are continuously updated to keep curious minds busy and growing in independence. Our fees are all-inclusive: milk, nappies, wipes, meals and activities are covered, so there are no surprises. And with double-door security and coded keypad entry, you have peace of mind every day.
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 My Sunshine Day Nursery & Pre-School.
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
- ★★★★★
“My Sunshine Day has been absolutely life-changing for our children. From day one, the level of care and attention they received exceeded all our expectations. The staff are incredibly warm, attentive, and genuinely invested in each child’s well-being. What stood out to us immediately was the one-on-one support provided not just by their room teachers, but by the entire management team.”
Jessica A.
- ★★★★★
“My partner's and my experience of My Sunshine Day Nursery has always been exceptional. I now have my second daughter at the Mortlake Nursery and could not have chosen a better environment for her. The team is dedicated, caring, and always has the welfare of my child and all the other children at the heart of all that they do daily.”
Graeme M.
- ★★★★★
“I can't tell you how delighted my husband and I are with My Sunshine. There are so many excellent things about the nursery but the thing we like most is that they really care about all the children. As a result our son is happy and confident and genuinely looks forward to going to nursery. When we are at work it's incredibly comforting to know that he's being well looked after. Another thing that really stands out is the huge range of activities the children are involved in.”
Emily R.
Visit us
Come and see My Sunshine for yourself
Walk the rooms, meet the team and get a feel for the day to day at Mortlake or Barnes. It is the simplest way to know whether we are the right fit for your family.