Merging of Two Nurseries Based in Lincoln

Two Lincoln childcare facilities are joining forces as part of The Old Station Nursery's growth strategy, promising exciting prospects for the local community

Expanding Horizons for Childcare in Lincoln

Between 50 and 60 children and 16 staff from Lincoln College and Waterside will form one large nursery on Monks Road, just a stone’s throw from the current college location, in early November.

The move to the four-storey building will safeguard jobs from both nurseries after the lease at Lincoln College ended and it was decided that the Waterside setting, based at LA Fitness, would benefit from being merged with a larger nursery.

Expanding Capacity for Childcare

Managing Director of The Old Station Nursery, Sarah Steel, is enthusiastic about the increased capacity this merger brings. The Lincoln College location previously cared for a maximum of 25 children, while the Waterside nursery could accommodate 30 youngsters. This consolidation will enable them to offer childcare for up to 70 children.

“This merger is a chance for us to continue to offer top-quality city centre childcare provided by experienced staff who have been working with children from Lincoln for many years,” 

She continued with “We knew there would be lots of questions from parents and staff so we’ve made sure that they have been kept in the loop about the change, which we see as very positive for the group. The main concern we had from parents at the Waterside setting was about the drop-off and pick-up times at the new site as many of the parents work at Waterside South. We’ve addressed this by opening the new setting earlier and shutting later to give mums and dads more flexible access. The children and staff will soon have a luxurious setting to work and play in and one I’ll be very proud to have in our group.”

Elm House: A Space for Learning and Play

The basement area will cater to children aged two to five, with a spacious garden offering a dedicated play area. Infants under two years old will have their own area on the ground floor, conveniently accessible from Monks Road. Parents will have access to about eight parking spaces on Rosemary Lane, streamlining drop-offs and pickups.

A budget of £50,000 will be allocated for refurbishments. Local builders, landscapers, and signmakers will be engaged for these improvements, emphasizing The Old Station Nursery’s commitment to the local community. The nursery aims to create a nurturing, vibrant space for children to learn and play, fostering their development in a secure and spacious environment.

Sarah Steel added “We pick up the keys on 12^th October and then we’re going to have builders in for a few weeks to bring the facilities up to scratch. We’ll be putting in a new kitchen and toilets and completely redecorating the inside as well as landscaping the garden.”

She continued with  “There will be lots of space to expand and a huge garden for the children to play in, which is a great benefit as the current outside space at both nurseries is quite small. It will mean we can expand as well.”