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 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 works for them.
Since those early days, 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.
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.
Meet Sophie
Proud mum of two, big believer in doing things differently and the creative spark behind Practically Family.
Sophie’s journey into childcare began with paint-splattered overalls and a part-time babysitting job while studying 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 often didn’t fit the realities of modern family life. So in 2015, she set out to change that, building Practically Family around one powerful idea: childcare should work for everyone.
At it’s heart, Sophie believes in letting kids be kids; exploring, experimenting, getting muddy, trying again and discovering what lights them up. Everything Practically Family does is shaped by that belief: children thriving in their own way, and parents feeling confident in the care they choose.
Its a philosophy that still guides every Practically Family adventure today.
Sophie’s journey into childcare began with paint-splattered overalls and a part-time babysitting job while studying 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 often didn’t fit the realities of modern family life. So in 2015, she set out to change that, building Practically Family around one powerful idea: childcare should work for everyone.
At it’s heart, Sophie believes in letting kids be kids; exploring, experimenting, getting muddy, trying again and discovering what lights them up. Everything Practically Family does is shaped by that belief: children thriving in their own way, and parents feeling confident in the care they choose.
Its a philosophy that still guides every Practically Family adventure today.
The story continues
Today, the core Practically Family team works from a gorgeous space Handforth, with our wider team of Captains, Crew Leaders, Crew Mates and Cadets coming together to bring each Holiday Club to life. Meet the Crew here
With three thriving Holiday Club venues across Cheadle Hulme and Bramhall already under our belt, and an ever-growing community of families, we’re more excited than ever about what’s ahead.
Because this story isn’t finished.
It’s only just getting started.
With three thriving Holiday Club venues across Cheadle Hulme and Bramhall already under our belt, and an ever-growing community of families, we’re more excited than ever about what’s ahead.
Because this story isn’t finished.
It’s only just getting started.
Practically Family
07939 942334 (during Holiday Club weeks only)
