Our settings
Underwood Lane Nursery, Crewe
Our term-time preschool setting for 2 to 4 year olds. Underwood Lane has its very own inbuilt soft play frame for physical development, access to an outdoor play area, and an indoor sand pit and messy room where children create masterpieces of art and design. Children bring their own packed lunch and snacks, and we do not charge any top-up fees on funded hours — free childcare is really free here.
Why families choose Underwood Lane
Underwood Lane is our term-time preschool nursery in Crewe, built around families who want genuinely free funded childcare. We follow the Cheshire East school terms, so your child's nursery year runs in step with older brothers and sisters. Days are busy and physical: an inbuilt soft play frame for climbing and balancing, an outdoor play area, an indoor sand pit, and a dedicated messy room for painting, printing, dough and junk modelling. Because we never charge top-up fees on funded hours, a 15 or 30 hour place at Underwood Lane really does cost nothing.
- Term time only – follows Cheshire East school terms
- Funded 15 and 30 hour places available with no top-up fees
- Inbuilt soft play frame for physical development
- Access to outdoor play area
- Indoor sand pit and messy room for art and design
Where to find Underwood Lane
Smart Start Nursery and Childminding — Underwood Lane1 Underwood Lane
Crewe, Cheshire East
CW1 3JX
01270 421451
Opening hours
Monday – Thursday 8.00am – 4.00pm, Friday 8.00am – 3.00pm · Term time only (38 weeks per year)
Looking for different hours? Stewart Street is our 48 week a year setting for babies to preschoolers — read about Stewart Street nursery in Crewe.
Our rooms
Toddlers
2 – 3 years
Messy play, early mark making, songs and stories, with a gentle focus on independence, self-care and toilet training.
Preschool
3 – 4 years
Phonics, early number, outdoor sessions and a structured school readiness programme in the summer term.
What to bring
A quick checklist to help your child feel comfortable and ready for the day.
Packed lunch and snacks
We do not provide meals or snacks, so please send a healthy packed lunch and morning/afternoon snacks.
Water bottle
A named, refillable water bottle for throughout the day.
Change of clothes
At least one full spare set, including underwear and socks.
Wellies and a coat
We play outside in all weathers, so waterproofs and warm layers are essential.
Nappies, wipes and cream
If your child is in nappies, please bring a labelled supply. We do not provide these.
Sun cream and hat
Please apply sun cream before arrival and send a named bottle and hat for sunny days.
Safe, happy and healthy at Underwood Lane
At the heart of everything we do is our commitment to ensuring every child is safe, happy and healthy. These core values underpin all aspects of our curriculum, our daily practice, and the relationships we build with children and their families.
Safe
A nurturing, secure environment where children feel protected and confident to explore.
Happy
Warmth, laughter and belonging — because happy children are confident learners.
Healthy
Nutritious food, daily outdoor play and strong support for wellbeing and independence.
A day with us
- 8.00 – 9.00Breakfast and free play
- 9.00 – 9.20Welcome circle, songs and plan for the day
- 9.20 – 10.00Outdoor play
- 10.00 – 11.00Adult-led activity
- 11.00 – 11.30Hand washing and story time
- 11.30 – 12.30Lunch and quiet time activities
- 12.30 – 13.30Adult-led activity and learning
- 13.30 – 15.00Free play, soft play and outdoor play
- 15.00 – 16.00Child-led learning indoors
Session fees
Correct as of August 2026. Children bring their own packed lunch and snacks.