Business Details
35 Years
experience
Trusted Child Care & Early Education in Morecambe
At Sandcastles Private Children's Day Nursery, we believe that young children thrive through play and hands-on experiences shared with supportive adults. Established in 1991, our nurturing team of qualified professionals offers a safe, stimulating environment where children develop socially, emotionally, and cognitively. With over 200 years of combined parenting and early education experience, our staff prioritises individualised care, collaborating closely with families to meet each child's unique needs.Our curriculum integrates outdoor learning through initiatives like Beach School, led by specialists in marine biology and early years education. Recognised as 'GOOD' by Ofsted in 2025, we maintain rigorous safeguarding standards and partner with local universities and community organisations to enhance our practices. We work transparently with parents to ensure seamless transitions, offering flexible funding options and comprehensive induction processes tailored to each family's requirements.
Services
Early Years Education
Beach School Programme
Government-Funded Childcare
Parent Partnership
Personalised Induction
Details
- Year established: 1991
Highlights and features
- We have over 200 years of combined parenting and early education experience
- All staff are qualified to Level 3 or above in early years education
- Personalised induction processes tailored to each child's needs
- Specialist Beach School programme led by marine biology experts
- Established partnerships with local universities and community organisations
Associations and certifications
- Ofsted
What people say
Nurturing environment
Experienced staff
Effective induction process
Strong parent partnerships
Innovative Beach School
Services
Early Years Education
Our play-based curriculum fosters holistic development for children aged 2-5. Qualified staff create tailored learning experiences that integrate social, emotional, and cognitive growth. We follow Ofsted guidelines to ensure quality education while maintaining flexibility for individual needs. Sessions include structured activities and free play in both indoor and outdoor environments.
Beach School Programme
Led by marine biology specialists, this unique programme builds confidence through coastal exploration. Children engage in nature hunts, environmental art, and team challenges while developing critical thinking skills. Sessions occur weekly throughout the year with priority access for preschool attendees.
Government-Funded Childcare
We offer Universal, Working Parent, and Golden Ticket funded hours for eligible families. Our team assists with funding applications and code verification. Funding covers core attendance but excludes meals and additional activities, which can be added through our 'Full Service' package.
Parent Partnership
We prioritise open communication through daily interactions and scheduled meetings. Parents receive regular updates via online learning journals and are encouraged to participate in policy development. Our team provides guidance for home learning and collaborates on individualised care plans.
Personalised Induction
New children receive tailored induction schedules with flexible visitation options. We conduct pre-start consultations and provide photo introductions to staff. The process adapts to each child's needs, with no fees charged for initial adjustment sessions.
People
Margaret Coates
Director & Founder
Founder of Sandcastles Private Children's Day Nursery in 1991, Margaret established the nursery's foundational philosophy of play-based learning. Though now retired, her legacy continues through the team's commitment to child-centred care and community partnerships.
Helen O'Hagan
Director & Early Years Professional
With a BSc in Biology and postgraduate qualifications since 2010, Helen leads curriculum development and safeguarding. She collaborates with universities on research projects and oversees Beach School initiatives, bringing 34 years of early education expertise to her role.
Judith Stewart
Manager & SENDco
As Manager and Special Educational Needs Coordinator, Judith ensures inclusive practices for all children. With qualifications since 1992 and additional leadership training, she focuses on continuous improvement and positive behaviour strategies across the nursery.
Nicky Lupton
Senior Practitioner
Nicky coordinates care for looked-after children and supports early language development. Holding qualifications since 1992, she serves as a first aider and safeguarding officer, bringing over 30 years of hands-on experience in early years education.
Helen Baines
Beach School Leader
As a Marine Biology graduate and Level 6 Early Years Teacher, Helen specialises in outdoor learning. She leads Beach School sessions and holds advanced first aid qualifications, combining environmental education with early childhood development expertise since 2019.
Questions
What age groups do you accept?
We accept children from age 2, with most starting at 2 years old. Government-funded places become available the term after their 3rd birthday.
How do I apply for funding?
Apply online at childcarechoices.gov.uk for working parent funding, or contact Lancashire County Council for Golden Ticket eligibility. Send us your funding code before term starts.
What outdoor activities are available?
Our Beach School programme offers weekly coastal learning sessions. All children enjoy minimum 2 hours daily outdoor play with structured activities and free exploration.
How do you support child transitions?
We offer free personalised induction visits with flexible scheduling. Parents receive staff photo introductions and can accompany children during initial sessions to ease adjustment.
What safety measures are in place?
All staff are first aid trained with safeguarding certifications. We maintain strict ratios, secure premises, and regular Ofsted inspections. Detailed policies cover illness exclusion, medication administration, and emergency procedures.
Can parents get involved?
We encourage active parental participation through daily communication, policy consultations, and home-learning partnerships. Parents receive online access to their child's learning journal for ongoing collaboration.
