Business Details
Trusted Child Care Services in Gloucester
Established by Managing Director Karen Perry-Gardiner and Line Manager Sally Ward, who have collaborated for 23 years, IntoPlay delivers high-quality childcare across two nurseries in Barnwood and The Quays. Our approach prioritises structured settling-in sessions, fostering trust between families and our team of experienced professionals. We adhere to the Early Years Foundation Stage framework, exceeding minimum qualification standards to ensure exceptional care for children aged 6 weeks to 4 years 11 months.With Ofsted registration and a commitment to ongoing staff development, we provide a nurturing environment where children thrive. Our key person system ensures consistent support, while partnerships with local educational institutions strengthen our training programs. By accepting childcare vouchers and government funding, we aim to make our services accessible to all families.
Services
Childcare for babies
Preschool programs
Key person system
Nutritional meal plans
School readiness support
Highlights and features
- We offer 23 years of combined leadership experience in childcare
- Our key person system ensures consistent, personalised care for every child
- We accept multiple childcare vouchers and government funding options
- Our staff exceed minimum qualification requirements for early years education
- We provide school readiness programs with annual parent workshops
Associations and certifications
- Ofsted
What people say
Lovely and professional staff
Child in very safe hands
Staff really care about children
Excellent settling-in support
High-quality educational activities
Services
Childcare for babies
Our nurseries provide specialised care for infants aged 6 weeks to 2 years. With a robust key person system, each baby receives consistent attention from trained caregivers. We create secure environments that support early development through sensory activities and nurturing routines, ensuring parents feel confident in our professional care.
Preschool programs
For children aged 2-4 years, we deliver structured learning aligned with the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. Our curriculum combines child-initiated play with adult-led activities, focusing on language development, social skills, and school readiness. Regular observational assessments track individual progress and inform tailored learning plans.
Key person system
Each child is assigned a dedicated key person who builds strong relationships with both the child and their family. This system ensures consistent communication, individualised attention, and emotional security, often creating lasting connections that continue beyond the nursery years through our experienced childcare practitioners.
Nutritional meal plans
Our on-site cooks prepare fresh, homemade meals meeting the highest 5-star Food Standards Agency rating. We accommodate all dietary requirements and allergies, involving children in food preparation activities. Parents receive recipes upon request, and our menu includes hot lunches, high tea, and nutritious snacks designed to support children's growth and development.
School readiness support
We help children develop essential skills for school through language development, social interaction activities, and curiosity-based learning. Our annual School Readiness evening provides parents with practical tips for home preparation, ensuring children leave as confident learners ready to transition successfully to formal education environments.
People
Karen Perry-Gardiner
Managing Director
With 23 years of leadership experience in childcare, Karen Perry-Gardiner established IntoPlay's reputation for excellence. She oversees operations across both nurseries, ensuring high standards of care and compliance with early years regulations while mentoring staff and supporting continuous professional development.
Sally Ward
Line Manager
As Line Manager with 23 years of experience alongside Karen, Sally ensures consistent quality across both sites. She focuses on staff development, safeguarding compliance, and maintaining the nurturing environment that has become central to IntoPlay's approach to childcare provision.
Jade Artus
Nursery Manager
Jade Artus manages the Quays nursery location, maintaining its reputation for excellence. She coordinates daily operations, supports staff development, and ensures the implementation of IntoPlay's key person system while maintaining open communication with parents and families.
Claire Neuschwander
Nursery Manager
Claire Neuschwander co-manages the Quays nursery, focusing on creating a welcoming environment for children and families. She works closely with staff to implement educational programs and ensure compliance with all childcare regulations and standards.
Laura Walby
Nursery Manager
Laura Walby oversees operations at the Barnwood nursery, ensuring consistent application of IntoPlay's childcare philosophy. She manages staff, coordinates parent communications, and maintains the nursery's commitment to providing a safe, nurturing environment for all children.
Questions
What age range do you cater for?
We care for children from 6 weeks up to 4 years 11 months at both our Barnwood and The Quays nurseries.
How do you help children settle in?
We offer free structured intro sessions over four weeks, with flexible parent participation to ensure smooth transitions for both children and families.
Do you accept government childcare funding?
Yes, we accept the 15-hour government funding for all 3-4 year olds and the A2YO funding for eligible 2-year-olds.
How do you train your staff?
Our team exceeds statutory training requirements, with dedicated SENCo, Safeguarding Lead, and Behaviour Management Co-ordinators at each site.
What food standards do you maintain?
We provide homemade nutritious meals with a 5-star Food Standards Agency rating, catering to all dietary requirements with on-site cooks.
