At Practically Family, we’ve never followed the rulebook - because parenting doesn’t, either.
We began back in 2015 with a simple belief: no two families are the same, and we’ve always believed childcare should reflect that. Our mission was to support the parents doing life differently - the shift workers, the freelancers, the ones without nearby grandparents on speed dial - by offering flexible, thoughtful childcare that actually worked for them.
What started as bespoke wraparound care quickly became something more. Our approach struck a chord, and before long, we were expanding into full-time care, launching our much-loved nursery and preschool, The POD, and growing our Holiday Clubs into something truly special.
After an amazing journey with The POD - now thriving under new ownership- we turned our full attention to crafting school holiday adventures as unique as the children who join us.
Over the years, we've supported families through first steps and first days, highs and lows, big changes and little moments. We’re still here for the modern parent. Still doing things differently. Still Practically Family.
About Us
Behind the Magic
About us
Meet Sophie
Proud mum of two, big believer in doing things differently, and the creative spark behind Practically Family.
Sophie’s journey into childcare started with paint-splattered overalls and a part-time babysitting gig while she studied at art school. What she quickly discovered was a lifelong passion for working with children - and a drive to reimagine what childcare could be.
After qualifying as a teacher, and later becoming a parent herself, Sophie saw first-hand how traditional childcare didn’t fit the realities of modern family life. So, in 2015, she set out to change that - creating Practically Family - born from a simple but powerful idea: to create a childcare solution that works for everyone - children and their parents. A place where kids jump out of bed excited for the day ahead, and parents feel reassured knowing their child isn’t just being looked after, but making memories, building confidence, and having amazing days.
From its roots as a wraparound childcare service to the success of The POD nursery and preschool, Sophie has always designed childcare that meets real needs with warmth, imagination and practicality. She's now turning her full focus to Practically Family’s Holiday Clubs: offering more than just childcare!
Sophie loves to let kids be kids - exploring, experimenting, getting muddy, and discovering what lights them up. And it’s all shaped by her deep belief in creating space for children to be themselves, and support for parents to feel good about the care they choose.
Sophie’s journey into childcare started with paint-splattered overalls and a part-time babysitting gig while she studied at art school. What she quickly discovered was a lifelong passion for working with children - and a drive to reimagine what childcare could be.
After qualifying as a teacher, and later becoming a parent herself, Sophie saw first-hand how traditional childcare didn’t fit the realities of modern family life. So, in 2015, she set out to change that - creating Practically Family - born from a simple but powerful idea: to create a childcare solution that works for everyone - children and their parents. A place where kids jump out of bed excited for the day ahead, and parents feel reassured knowing their child isn’t just being looked after, but making memories, building confidence, and having amazing days.
From its roots as a wraparound childcare service to the success of The POD nursery and preschool, Sophie has always designed childcare that meets real needs with warmth, imagination and practicality. She's now turning her full focus to Practically Family’s Holiday Clubs: offering more than just childcare!
Sophie loves to let kids be kids - exploring, experimenting, getting muddy, and discovering what lights them up. And it’s all shaped by her deep belief in creating space for children to be themselves, and support for parents to feel good about the care they choose.
About us
Our Talented Team of Magic-Makers
It takes a village to raise a child, or so the saying goes! Which is why Practically Family invests so much in our team members, doing everything we can to support them, train them and encourage them. Their commitment in return means that you’ll see the same familiar and trusted faces as your children grow, and the bond between your children and our team will go way beyond those in traditional childcare settings.
Each member of our team has their own super skill! From baking boss to outdoor adventurer, junk model maestro to hero hair braider. Just like the children we care for, we encourage our team members to be individuals, to pursue their passions and to use their imagination in everything they do. So, no matter what interests your kids have, we have the perfect person to keep them entertained.
Each member of our team has their own super skill! From baking boss to outdoor adventurer, junk model maestro to hero hair braider. Just like the children we care for, we encourage our team members to be individuals, to pursue their passions and to use their imagination in everything they do. So, no matter what interests your kids have, we have the perfect person to keep them entertained.
Want to know more about who we are and what we do? Follow us on Instagram and Facebook or get in touch.
Practically Family
07939 942334 (during Holiday Club weeks only)
