The Pod

Childcare Reimagined.

The POD is the first ever childcare setting that flexes around you. We provide the same Ofsted regulated, teacher led provision you would get in a nursery, with all the flexibility of a crèche, including evenings and weekends. We’re the friend who’s there at a moment’s notice. The family you can call on as often as you like. And the teacher you can trust to nurture your child.

POD is all grown up! Our brand-new, expanded and purpose-built premises offers something for every child, from soft play to science, art to adventure. Based in Total Fitness Wilmslow, we’re reimagining childcare for families used to spinning plates. Fancy a showround? Get in touch!

Meet Jade

Our resident storyteller, song-singer and POD Manager, Jade has been a big part of our POD journey since day one. If you’re new to the POD, we understand you’ll have lots of questions and there’s no woman better for the job. No query is too silly or neurotic, just ask away!

jade@practicallyfamily.co.uk

0161 439 5000

We help parents and carers to navigate the unpredictability of life with creative childcare support. Traditional settings can be very restrictive with set days and times, holiday fees and late charges. This doesn’t work if you have irregular hours or last-minute plans. The POD is here to change childcare for good.

Whether you want a block booking or single session, your hours can be flexible, fixed or full-time. No contracts, no commitments, no worries.

Bookings for the POD are open now and right up until September 2022! Whether you’re a last-minute Larry or an organised Olive, click here to see all our term dates for the coming year.
How can the POD work for you?
POD & PLAY
Great for part-time podders!
If you don’t know whether you’re coming or going from one week to the next, this one’s for you. Maybe you work shifts, have flexible workdays or just need to run a few last-minute errands. With POD & PLAY you still get all the magic, love and support from our qualified team, but you can dip in and out whenever you want.
POD & PLAN
Great for practical podders!
No more dashing home from work to avoid the nursery late fees! POD & PLAN lets you pick days and hours completely on your own terms. They don’t have to be the same each week, but you’ll have the reassurance of regular childcare support whenever you need it. Plus a dedicated POD Pal, individualised targets and updates on Tapestry if this is more than 10 hours each week.
POD & PREPARE
Great for preschool podders!
POD & PREPARE is our magical preschool run by one of our qualified primary school teachers and assistants, to get your little sparks, aged 3 to 5 years, ready for big school and a bright future. If you need a full week of childcare, with the option of wraparound care in the early morning or after school hours, then this is for you!
Email usGot a question?
RegisterNew to POD & ready to book?
LoginAlready one of our POD People?

  • Provision for children from birth to age 11

  • Teacher led, qualified, First Aid Trained, DBS checked team members. Ofsted Registered

  • Open 7 days a week - Monday – Friday 8am-7pm, Saturday – Sunday 8am-2.30pm

  • Flexible sessions – book from as little as 1hr 15 min to full day sessions, to anything in-between

  • £7.50 per session with payment accepted from Childcare Choices / Tax Credits / Childcare Vouchers

  • No commitment required – book online, as and when needed, cancel within 24hr notice for a full refund

Thank you POD team I would be lost without you.
Emma Curran
We really couldn’t ask for a better, more convenient and flexible service…thank you!!
Jane Roome
Sophie and The POD team, are amazing! They are very flexible, accommodating, and caring.
Jenny Godfrey
Practically Family
The Pod