Many families find us when they’re looking for something different for their child — something gentler, more connected, and more attuned to who they are.
You don’t need a diagnosis or the perfect words.
Just a sense that your child might need a place where they are truly seen, understood, and supported to grow in their own way.
We’ll explore that together.
“My child shows me things they can do — but other people don’t always see it.”
“I want people around them who notice the small details and understand their potential.”
Support that helps their child:
- cope and stay connected even when environments are busy or unfamiliar,
- carry their skills into everyday life,
- balance movement, interaction and learning so everything doesn’t feel like an either/or choice.
“I want to stay calm so my child can feel calm too.”
“I want to understand what’s really happening for them so I can help in ways that work.”
Parents often want to:
- feel more confident during challenging moments,
- understand their child’s patterns, needs and stress responses,
- learn practical ways to help their child feel safe and ready to learn.
“I want my child to be somewhere they can just be themselves — and actually thrive.”
“I want them to feel like they belong and have real friendships.”
Parents look for:
- a safe, attuned environment where their child doesn’t have to mask or fit in,
- gentle opportunities for friendship and shared experiences
- a day that supports regulation, curiosity and developmental learning
“I need somewhere that meets my child exactly where they are — and sees what’s possible from there.”
“I want my child to be supported and stretched in the right ways, by people who really see them.”
Families often want:
- a personalised, relational approach,
- a balance of support and challenge,
- staff who understand complex neurodevelopmental needs,
- a place where their child feels safe enough to develop areas of challenge, without needing to over‑rely on what is already a strength.
“I want my child to feel safe, understood and gently guided through their day.”
“I want them cared for by people who really notice them — not just supervise them.”
Parents often want:
- a small, nurturing mixed-age environment where children feel part of something,
- adults who understand how young children express themselves and what helps them settle,
- gentle rhythms, relationships and open-ended exploration,
- childminding shaped by practitioners who bring years of experience in early care and child development, offering support that feels both intuitive and grounded.
If you’re feeling unsure or have concerns about your child’s development, we’re here to listen. Get in touch, and we’ll follow up to learn a little more about your child and what you’re noticing.
You don’t need to know which service is the “right” one — that’s what we’re here for. During your assessment, we’ll take time to understand your child’s strengths, needs, and your priorities. Together, we’ll explore what support will help them thrive.
After the assessment, we’ll create a personalised plan shaped around your child and your family.
How we hold sustainability and compassion at Firefly
At Firefly, fees help us keep the space safe, regulated and well-staffed so every child can feel settled, supported and part of the community.
Because we are a small, mixed-age, therapeutic setting, staffing, preparation and ratios are planned in advance — so once a day is booked, it is held for your child.
Firefly’s fees cover the things that make our environment unique:
• experienced practitioners who know your child well
• small groups and strong ratios
• a regulated, therapeutic environment
• planning, preparation and reflective practice
• holistic support for your child’s day
Therapeutic support is arranged individually for each child and delivered by the therapist(s) working with them. If more than one therapist supports your child on a particular day, the fee is shared between them.
Because staffing and therapy support are arranged in advance:
• Booked days are still payable if your child is absent (including illness).
• Therapy support booked for the day is also payable, as therapists reserve this time specifically for your child.
This protects the stability of the team and the environment, which is essential for all children — especially those with complex needs.
We understand that many of our children have fluctuating health needs.
To support families fairly and gently, Firefly offers:
Illness Grace Window
Each child has a small number of “compassion days” each term where fees for absence due to illness can be waived.
Medical Appointment Flexibility
If your child has a planned medical or hospital appointment and you let us know in advance:
• the day place is still held for your child,
• but the therapeutic support fee for that day can be waived.
Long-Term Health Needs Clause
If your child has ongoing or unpredictable medical needs, we will always review the situation compassionately with you.
We know illness is not a choice. We hold each family with understanding and care.
If we ever need to cancel a day due to staff illness, building issues, or safety concerns:
• families will not be charged,
• and we will offer an alternative or refund.
We ask for a short notice period for permanent changes.
This helps keep the group steady and supports staffing and planning.
Firefly’s approach to fees is built on:
We hold the balance between supporting families and keeping the space steady for all children.
Learn how our relational, developmental methods help children grow.
Discover Our Approach