Little steps,
big adventures.
A warm, family-run day nursery in West Hallam, where children feel at home, make friends and grow in confidence every day.
- Opening hoursMon–Fri, 7:45am – 6pm
- AgesFrom birth to school age
- OfstedRead our latest report
- Funded hoursAvailable from 9 months — how it works
Every child finds their own path.
We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage and shape each day around the children in front of us — their interests, their friendships and their next big step.
We want every child to feel safe, known and brave enough to try something new, whether that's a first painting, a first word or a first morning without a wobble.
- Safe & lovedSecure, caring relationships come first.
- Talking & listeningStories, songs and lots of conversation.
- Moving & exploringActive play, indoors and out.
- Curious & creativeRoom to wonder, make and imagine.
Over 30 years at the heart of West Hallam.
Since 1994, The Lanes has been part of everyday life for families in West Hallam and the villages along the Derbyshire–Nottinghamshire border.
We're a small, friendly setting, so every child is known by name by the whole team. Our close-knit staff genuinely enjoy working together, and it shows — children are greeted with a smile, settled with patience and cheered on every step of the way.
See our week at The Lanes.
Photos and stories from nursery life, from messy play to muddy adventures. Follow us to see the latest.
A day at The Lanes.
Good food, fresh air and people who know your child well — the everyday things that make a big difference.
Meals & snacks
Balanced meals and healthy snacks through the day, with water and milk always on offer.
Dietary needs
Allergies, intolerances and cultural or religious diets are all catered for. We'll agree a plan with you before your child starts.
Outdoor play
Children head outside every day to run, climb, dig and explore — wellies on whatever the weather.
Settling in
We take settling at your child's pace, with short visits together first so the room, the routine and the faces all feel familiar.
A key person
Your child will have their own key person who builds a close bond, tracks their progress and is your go-to for anything at all.
Staying in touch
A proper handover at drop-off and pick-up, regular updates on your child's day and progress reviews with their key person.
Rated Good by Ofsted.
Inspectors look at how well children learn, behave, develop and are cared for. Read the full report to see what they said about The Lanes.
Read our Ofsted reportOur prices, and help with funding.
Everything you need to know about costs, and the support you may be entitled to.
Our price list
Our price list sets out our session times and prices, what's included, and how funded hours work at The Lanes. Our day sessions include meals, snacks and extra-curricular activities.
Funded hours
We offer funded hours for eligible children from the term after they turn 9 months, stretched across our year so your costs stay steady.
- Working families: up to 30 funded hours a week for children from 9 months to school age, if you're eligible.
- All 3- and 4-year-olds: 15 funded hours a week.
- Some 2-year-olds: 15 hours if you get certain support.
On funded sessions, meals and extra-curricular activities are optional. Tax-Free Childcare can also help with costs.
How to apply
- Check what you're entitled to and apply at childcarechoices.gov.uk.
- You'll get an 11-digit code. Pass it to us with your child's date of birth and your National Insurance number.
- Reconfirm every 3 months to keep your hours.
Not sure what you can claim? Ask us and we'll help you get the most from your funded hours.
Handy info for families.
Sickness and diarrhoea: please keep your child at home until 48 hours after their last episode. It helps keep everyone at nursery well. Our Sickness & Illness policy covers other illnesses.
Our policies
- Safeguarding
- Sickness & illness
- Behaviour
- Wellbeing
- Complaints
Copies of all our policies are available from the nursery. Ask us for a copy.
Opening & closures
- Mon–Fri7:45am – 6pm
- Bank holidaysClosed
We're open 50 weeks a year. We close for the August bank holiday week, and from Christmas Eve until the day after New Year's Day. We'll always let you know about any other closure days well in advance.
News & reminders
We share news, reminders and photos from our week on Instagram and Facebook. Follow us so you never miss a dress-up day.
What parents say.
They treat your child like their own… My boy absolutely loves it… Lots of activities every day for the little ones and a lot of outdoor time.
They have created such a warm, welcoming and nurturing environment that truly feels like a second home. All the staff are incredibly kind, patient and attentive.
Our son started when he was 11 months old and the staff are brilliant, caring and understanding. He loves going to nursery and he has come on so much since starting at the Lanes.
Highly recommend this Nursery… The ladies there are absolutely amazing 👏. Brilliant set up for the children.
“Every child is an artist.”
Pablo Picasso
Life at The Lanes.
Join our friendly team
Looking for a warm, supportive workplace where you feel valued? We're a close-knit, family-run team with flexible shift patterns. Fill in a few details and we'll write your application email for you.
Your email app will open with everything filled in. Remember to attach your CV before sending.
Come and see us.
Have a look around, meet the team and ask us anything. Fill in the form and we'll be in touch to arrange a time that suits you.
“Request my visit” opens your email with everything filled in, ready to send to admin@thelanesnursery.com. We only use your details to arrange your visit.
- Address155 High Lane Central, West Hallam, Ilkeston, Derbyshire, DE7 6HU
- Opening hoursMonday – Friday, 7:45am – 6pm
- Phone0115 944 0810