- by Admin
What to Expect at Each Stage: From Baby Room to Pre-School
Choosing a nursery can feel exciting and overwhelming at the same time. As a parent, you want to know exactly what your child will experience at each stage and how they will be supported as they grow.
In this blog, we will know what to expect at every nursery stage, from the baby room right through to pre-school, so you can feel confident and reassured.
How Nursery Ages and Stages Support Early Childhood Development
Nursery ages and stages are designed around how children naturally grow, learn, and develop. In the UK, nurseries follow the Early Years Foundation Stage, which supports children from birth to five years across emotional, physical, social, and cognitive development.
By grouping children by developmental stage rather than just age, nurseries can offer the right balance of care, routine, and learning. This approach helps children feel secure, supported, and ready for their next step.
Baby Room: Development and Daily Care (3 to 18 Months)
The baby room is all about nurturing, bonding, and gentle exploration. Here is what this stage focuses on.
Baby Room Development Milestones
Babies begin to build early communication skills, engage in sensory play, and develop physical strength through movement. Songs, stories, soft play, and tummy time all support early learning in a calm, loving environment.
Care, Routine, and Emotional Security
Each baby has a Key Worker who follows their home routine closely. Feeding, sleeping, and comfort needs are handled with care, helping babies feel safe, settled, and emotionally secure throughout the day.
Toddler Stage: Building Independence and Confidence
The toddler stage is a time of rapid growth, curiosity, and growing independence, supported through routine, reassurance, and play. This stage gently builds confidence at each child’s pace.
Learning Through Play and Exploration
Toddler One supports children from 18 months to two and a half years in small, nurturing groups. Play is guided by children’s interests, with sensory play, role play, outdoor exploration, and a Key Worker providing security, routine, and individual care.
Understanding the Nursery Class Age Group for Toddlers
Toddler Two supports children from two and a half to three and a half years with more structured routines and project-based learning. Children gain confidence, take responsibility for simple tasks, and enjoy outdoor play.
Pre-School Stage: Preparing Children for School and Beyond
Pre-school helps children become confident, capable, and ready for school. Here is how learning develops further.
Project-Based Learning and School Readiness
Children lead projects based on their interests. This builds problem-solving skills, early literacy, numeracy, and a love of learning through play.
Social Skills, Responsibility, and Structured Activities
Pre-schoolers take responsibility for their environment, work as a team, and enjoy activities that build coordination, communication, and confidence.
Experience a Nursery That Grows With Your Child at Wimbledon Day Nursery.
Choosing the right nursery schools in Wimbledon matters. At Wimbledon Day Nursery, every child is supported to grow at their own pace. We support your child with care, consistency, and confidence at every stage. Get in touch to arrange a visit and see our rooms, routines, and learning in action.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How do I know which nursery room my child should be in?
Your child is placed based on their age and development, not just their birthdate, so they feel confident, supported, and ready for the activities and routine offered.
Q2. What if my child develops at a different pace from others?
That’s completely normal. Nurseries follow each child’s individual development, adapting care and learning so children can progress comfortably without pressure.
Q3. Will my child have the same carer throughout the day?
Yes. Your child is assigned a Key Worker who supports their daily care and emotional well-being, helping them feel secure, understood, and settled at nursery.
Q4. How does nursery help prepare children for school?
Nursery builds independence, confidence, social skills, and early learning through play, helping children transition to school feeling capable and emotionally ready.
Q5. Can the nursery support things like potty training and routines from home?
Yes. Potty training and daily routines are supported in partnership with parents, creating consistency between home and nursery for a smoother, less stressful transition.