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Not just financially but emotionally 2020 has affected a lot of us. From furlough to redundancy unfortunately 2020 hasn’t been the bright year we may have suspected. COVID-19 has completely taken over normality! Sadly it can be difficult to save for events like Christmas when you have been negatively affected financially. 

But Christmas should be filled with family time and joy, not a financial burden. At Blossom Lodge we’re offering a few ways to keep Christmas at a low cost this year:

Don’t waste

It’s easy to go a bit over the top during the Christmas period, from food shopping to excessive stocking fillers… we’ve all been guilty for this.

Here at Blossom Lodge we try to waste as little as possible, here are some tips hopefully saving you some money and overall reducing waste:

Try not to go crazy on stocking fillers! It’s easy to get carried away and buy unnecessary stocking fillers thinking they will give someone a laugh but really will they actually use this present? Or will it be another expensive dust gatherer…. rather than an actually appreciated and useful gift.

Reusing old gift bags is a cheaper alternative, rather than buying £20 worth of wrapping paper that could potentially equate to Nana Anne’s present.

Brown paper: it’s cheaper, recyclable and you can even write who it’s for on the paper. Not only saving on the paper but the gift tags too. Maybe only saving you a few coins, but they all add up!

Lastly, being realistic with food is hard at Christmas, don’t we all love a feast! However, do your family of 4 or 5 really need all of that food? Perhaps avoid buying boxing day food and eat the leftovers, after all it’s always nicer the next day!

Handmaking

Here at Blossom lodge we love recycling, creating and crafts and so do your little ones. Something handmade is so much more meaningful. Especially among parents and grandparents. We believe that giving new life to old things is more financially sufficient and they can be kept as keepsakes! Jazz up and old bauble; bake some festive treats… there’s a never ending list!

It’s definitely easy to fall into the habit of buying brand new Christmas decorations every year, but think of the amount of decorations you have shoved in the loft. On the other hand if you desperately need new decorations, why not have a go at making some?  It saves money and the decorations will be unique to your family’s home, that can be re-used year after year.

 

children celebratingShopping

This should help with both food shopping and present shopping. Plan it: whether that’s shopping online or entering the chaos of the shopping mall, take 5 minutes at home creating a list of who you’re spending money on and how much. Online especially it’s common to over indulge in the mass amount of products and click after click you’re £100 over your budget!

Using discounted gift cards. How would you like £100 worth of gifts for £80? You can purchase discounted gift cards for hundreds of online/offline retailers.

Before you even begin shopping, start following your favourite retailers on Instagram and Facebook. Many companies offer discounts exclusively to their social media platform followers. A quick search of their recent posts may reveal cost-effective discount codes.

No need for tech

As technology is growing tremendously we know that children want the latest tech at younger ages every year. But there are other alternatives. It’s really not necessary for them to have new iPads and phones galore. It is proven that computers can potentially hinder your child’s development. Choosing less expensive, techy Christmas gifts will unquestionably save you a few pennies!

Give group gifts

When exchanging presents within large groups of people, even small gifts can quickly add up. Try a Secret Santa strategy, or for example going in with co-workers on a gift for your boss. Rather than buying everyone an individual gift, having a maximum spend Secret Santa should really help you save money this Christmas.

We hope you put these tips into practice and that they are helpful. It often seems like Christmas is about money, although it’s really about spending quality time with your loved ones. Which is more important this challenging year.

Your children will remember what you did and who they see at Christmas, not the newest iPad or how many presents Santa delivered.

 

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Blossom Lodge Day Nursery FAQs

How do I arrange a viewing of the nursery?

It’s straightforward to book a visit at Blossom Lodge Day Nursery in Cheltenham. Our team is more than happy to show you around each of the rooms and our facilities whilst answering any questions. Book a visit here, directly through the nursery website, call us on 01242 525374 or even just pop in.

Do you offer any extended hours?

Our day nursery aims to provide the very best in care whilst working around your childcare needs. With this in mind, the answer is yes, we provide extended hours. We offer an early start at 7.30am and a late collection of 6.30pm. Extended hours can be booked as part of your weekly sessions or on an ad hoc basis.

How many staff will look after my child?

In line with statutory requirements the following staff to child ratios apply:

  • 0-1 years is 1 member of staff for every 3 children
  • 1-2 years is 1 member of staff for every 3 children
  • 2-3 years is 1 member of staff for every 4 children
  • 3-5 years is 1 member of staff for every 8 children

Do you offer settling in sessions?

Yes absolutely. Every child is offered a settling in session that takes place two weeks before their actual start date. Children usually attend between 2-4 settling in sessions depending upon age. During the initial session you will stay with your child and spend time together meeting staff and discussing specific needs and routines. Settling in sessions after the first depends on age, booking pattern and how your child adapts to nursery. This will of course be discussed with you prior to arranging suitable dates together.

Can I use Government funded hours at Blossom Lodge?

Yes, every 3 and 4 year old child can claim 15 hours of funded nursery education. This increases to 30 hours based upon eligibility and begins from the term after their third birthday. Some 2 year old children may also qualify for the funded 15 hours and this is based upon meeting certain criteria. For further information parents can call and we will be happy to discuss how funded childcare is applied at our Cheltenham based nursery.

Do you allow payments through the Tax Free Childcare Scheme?

Yes, we are registered to accept payments through the Tax Free Childcare Scheme. To learn more about how the Tax Free Childcare Scheme supports families visit Childcare Choices.

Do I need to pay extra for meals and snacks?

Meals and snacks are included within fees so you are not required to pay extra. Our menus are healthy, consisting of breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack and tea. If your child has specific dietary requirements or is a 'fussy' eater, our team will work with you ensuring your child's needs are met. Unfortunately due to allergies within the nursery we are unable to accept food or packed lunches brought in to replace our menu.

What else is included in your nursery fees?

Included in our day nursery fees are nappies, wet wipes and nappy creams. Cow's milk is provided for children over the age of 1 but we do ask parents to provide any formula milk required throughout the day.

Do you have a car park and pushchair storage?

You will find our car park to the rear of the day nursery building. This is for parents to access alongside a pushchair storage cupboard if required. Here you can leave pushchairs and car seats whilst your child is in nursery.

Do you offer any discounts on your nursery fees?

At Blossom Lodge Day Nursery we offer the following discounts:

  • 10% NHS employee discount
  • Discounted daily rate for full time places
  • 10% Sibling discount for the youngest child*

*Please note this will not apply if the older child is in receipt of Government Funded Hours.

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