Shawlands is a nursery where children are genuinely listened to, understood, and supported as individuals.
From the moment they arrive, children are welcomed into an environment that feels steady, familiar, and reassuring. The focus is on creating a space where children can settle emotionally as well as physically, building confidence through relationships that are consistent, responsive, and calm.
Rather than rushing through the day, time is given for children to process, explore, and return to experiences, helping them feel secure and in control of their surroundings.
What defines Shawlands is its focus on emotional awareness and the way children experience their environment.
Children are supported to express themselves in a range of ways, not just through words, but through behaviour, play, and interaction. Practitioners take time to notice and respond to these cues, shaping experiences around what children are communicating.
The environment reflects this approach. Spaces are intentionally calm, sensory-aware, and thoughtfully arranged to reduce overwhelm and support regulation. Children have access to quiet areas where they can pause, reset, and feel secure when they need to.
There is also a strong connection to the local community. Regular visits beyond the nursery help children build confidence in familiar surroundings and develop a natural sense of belonging.
Each day follows a gentle and reassuring rhythm, designed to support both wellbeing and learning.
Children are welcomed into the nursery and settle into their day with breakfast and free play. Throughout the day, they move between play, outdoor experiences, group moments, and mealtimes, supported by familiar adults who understand their needs.
There is a strong balance between child-led exploration and carefully guided experiences. Children are encouraged to make choices, follow their interests, and engage deeply in their play.
Time is built in for quieter moments, rest, and reflection, helping children feel calm, settled, and confident as they move through their day.
At Wildflower Shawlands Day Nursery and Pre-school, children's development is supported through meaningful interactions, responsive planning, and environments that reflect how children learn best.
Practitioners take time to understand each child as an individual. Through observation, conversation, and partnership with families, learning experiences are shaped around children's interests, helping them stay engaged and motivated.
Children are supported to develop independence, curiosity, and confidence through play-based experiences that feel purposeful and enjoyable.
At Shawlands, emotional development is not separate from the day, it is part of everything that happens.
Practitioners pay close attention to how children are feeling, offering reassurance, guidance, or space where needed. Children are supported to recognise their emotions, understand others, and build positive relationships over time.
This consistent, responsive approach helps children feel settled, understood, and confident in expressing themselves.
Food plays an important role in the nursery day.
Meals and snacks are carefully planned in line with Setting the Table guidance, ensuring they are balanced, nutritious, and varied. Children are introduced to a wide range of foods, supporting healthy habits and a positive relationship with eating.
Mealtimes are calm, social experiences where children can sit together, take their time, and build confidence around food in a relaxed environment.
Lesley Bennett
Nursery Manager
Wildflower Shawlands Day Nursery and Pre-school is led by Lesley Bennett, an experienced early years professional with over 25 years in the sector.
Lesley began her career at 16 and has worked across a wide range of roles, including local authority provision, childminding, and delivering sensory-based learning experiences. She has also worked extensively with children with complex needs, developing strong expertise in inclusive practice.
Her leadership experience includes managing nursery settings and leading quality improvement work as an Equity and Excellence Lead within a local authority, supporting better outcomes for children and families.
Lesley joined the nursery in June 2025 as Nursery Manager. She holds a BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Practice, along with NC and HNC qualifications in Early Education.
She is passionate about creating nurturing environments where children feel safe, valued, and able to thrive, and about building strong partnerships with families.
Starting nursery is an important step, and we take time to support each child through that transition.
Our settling process is gradual, flexible, and guided by your child's individual needs, helping them build confidence at a pace that feels right.
Fees vary depending on sessions and availability.
You can view the full fee structure for Wildflower Shawlands Day Nursery and Pre-school below. We also offer funded childcare options and can support you in understanding what you may be eligible for.
7:30am – 6:30pm, Monday to Friday
12 weeks to 5 years
Good
Wildflower Shawlands
25 Hector Road
Shawlands
Glasgow G41 3RJ
The best way to understand how the nursery feels is to visit. You will have the opportunity to meet the team, see the environment in action, and ask any questions about your child's routine or availability.
