Finding the right childcare solution is one of the most important decisions for working parents. For many, a workplace nursery offers the perfect blend of convenience, quality, and peace of mind. But how do you know what to look for? At Hatching Dragons, we combine bilingual immersion, multicultural values, and academic excellence, all within a workplace-friendly nursery model. This guide will walk you through the essential features, values, and questions to ask to help you choose the best fit for your family.
Why Parents Should Consider a Workplace Nursery
Workplace childcare provides parents with reliable care, just a short walk from their desks. Through the workplace nursery scheme UK, parents can benefit from tax savings and reduced stress, while employers benefit from increased retention and productivity. Some of the top reasons working parents choose a nursery near the office include:
- Shorter commutes for both child and parent
- Easier drop-off and pick-up during work hours
- Daily visibility and connection to your child’s routine
- Tax advantages via salary sacrifice under the workplace nursery benefit
Workplace nurseries like Hatching Dragons offer a unique added benefit: we don’t just care for children, we nurture future global citizens.
Key Features to Prioritize in a Workplace Nursery
Location & Convenience
A nursery at work or near your office eliminates long commutes and helps you stay involved in your child’s day. All Hatching Dragons nurseries are located in city-centre areas, ideal for working professionals in London.
Quality & Safety
Look for:
- Ofsted ratings and staff qualifications
- Child-to-staff ratios
- Safeguarding, emergency response, and hygiene policies
At Hatching Dragons, all staff are trained in early years safety and communication practices aligned with the EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage).
Bilingual & Multicultural Curriculum
Unlike traditional nurseries, a bilingual nursery like Hatching Dragons offers immersive language learning (Mandarin-English) and daily cultural activities. These are not just fun but critical to early years childcare for working parents who want to raise confident, open-minded children.
Nutrition & Wellbeing
Healthy children are happy children. Ensure the nursery:
- Has a chef or meal prep team
- Provides diverse, balanced menus
- Accommodates allergies and dietary needs
Our multicultural menus reflect seasonal ingredients and global cuisines, promoting both health and cultural awareness.
Understanding the Workplace Nursery Scheme (UK)
The workplace nursery scheme UK allows parents to pay nursery fees through salary sacrifice, resulting in significant tax and National Insurance savings. Employers also benefit from reduced National Insurance contributions.
Key facts:
- Available to any employer who partners with a registered nursery
- Can save parents up to 47% on childcare fees
- Unlike Tax-Free Childcare, it has no upper earnings limit
Many forward-thinking companies are now exploring or already offering this workplace nursery benefit as part of their employee wellbeing strategy.
Questions to Ask When Touring a Nursery
When visiting a prospective nursery, ask:
- What’s the daily routine?
- How do you integrate language and cultural education?
- What’s your approach to transitions and emotional wellbeing?
- How are meals planned and allergies handled?
- How do you keep parents updated throughout the day?
These questions help you understand whether the nursery aligns with your expectations and values.
Why Hatching Dragons Stands Out
Hatching Dragons is more than a workplace day nursery , we’re a movement to redefine early years education through:
- Multicultural nursery values: Celebrating global traditions, stories, and languages
- Mandarin-English bilingual immersion: Cognitive and cultural benefits for young learners
- EYFS-aligned academics: Supporting literacy, numeracy, STEM, and creative arts
- City-centre convenience: Located close to London’s major workplaces (Barbican, Canada Water, Westminster)
- In-house food and nutrition: Culturally diverse menus tailored to early childhood dietary needs
FAQs for Working Parents
Q: Can any company set up a workplace nursery benefit?
Yes, any UK employer can partner with a registered nursery like Hatching Dragons to offer this benefit.
Q: Is it only for infants and toddlers?
No. Hatching Dragons caters to children aged 6 months to 5 years, supporting key developmental stages.
Q: What happens if I change jobs?
Speak with your employer or nursery, we often help families manage transitions smoothly across locations.
Final Thoughts: Make the Right Choice for Career & Family
Choosing a workplace nursery is about more than convenience. It’s about finding a partner in your child’s development. With Hatching Dragons, you get:
- A nurturing, bilingual environment
- Qualified, caring staff
- Comprehensive curriculum rooted in global values
- Flexibility to support your work-life balance
If you're searching for the best nurseries in London that align with your career and parenting goals, schedule a visit to Hatching Dragons today.
