From Baby Nursery to Pre-School: Rosedene's Complete Childcare Journey

As parents, we all want to help our children grow and learn in the best way possible. One of the easiest and most effective ways to support their development is through play! It’s not just fun; play helps children reach important milestones.

At the heart of Rosedene’s unique learning curriculum is the Curiosity Approach to learning — a philosophy that invites children to explore, ask questions, and interact with their surroundings in ways that spark wonder. This modern-day, natural approach to learning we follow is a powerhouse for supporting children’s emotional, social, and physical growth. It’s scientifically backed, and trust us, it works! Over 10 years ago, Rosedene Nurseries removed all plastic, bright colours and toys from our nurseries. Instead, we have developed enriching learning opportunities, within a calm and natural space, filled with sensory areas, large outdoor gardens, intriguing provocations, which ensure quality interactions every single day.

So, let’s dive in and explore how we can embrace curiosity and play to help your child reach those important developmental milestones.

Babies: Learning Through Exploration

From early stages, babies may not be able to communicate verbally, but through play, they’re constantly learning by exploring their surroundings. At this age, sensory experiences and basic motor skills are key!

Loose Parts Play: Our babies love to explore a range of loose parts, such as sensory resources and soft fabrics, to help develop fine motor skills. Whether it’s picking up small blocks or feeling the texture of different materials, these activities are perfect for little hands.

Sensory Play: Babies at Rosedene are encouraged to explore the world through their senses. We offer activities like water play, textured materials, and simple sensory trays filled with rice or fabric to promote sensory awareness and development. These experiences help our babies discover different textures, smells, and sounds in a safe, engaging environment.

Toddlers: Independence & Social Skills

At this age, toddlers begin to seek independence and develop social skills. Play continues to play a big role in their growth, helping them refine physical skills while interacting with others.

Promoting Independence: At Rosedene, we encourage our toddlers to take on little challenges that build their confidence. Whether it’s dressing themselves, feeding themselves, or cleaning up after play, we provide opportunities for them to practice independence, which strengthens their problem-solving abilities.

Social Play: Toddlers at our nurseries are learning to interact with their peers and gradually move from parallel play (playing alongside others) to collaborative play. We create play opportunities that promote sharing, taking turns, and teamwork — whether it’s building a tower together or playing with shared toys. These social interactions help toddlers build key communication skills.

Physical Play: Our toddlers are always on the go! At Rosedene, we encourage physical activity by setting up obstacle courses and providing plenty of space for running, jumping, and climbing. These activities help to improve strength, coordination, and balance.

Pre-Schoolers: Preparing for School and Risky Play

By ages 3 - 5, children are ready to explore more complex play and begin preparing for school.

Risky Play: Pre-schoolers at Rosedene benefit from safe, manageable risks such as climbing or jumping from low heights. We provide opportunities for children to test their limits in a safe and controlled environment, helping them gain confidence in their physical abilities.

Messy Play: Pre-schoolers love to get creative with messy play! Whether it’s painting, making collages, or playing with mud kitchens, messy play offers endless opportunities for self-expression and fine motor skill development. At Rosedene, we embrace these messy activities as a fun and valuable part of the learning process.

School Readiness: At Rosedene, school readiness is not just about academics — it’s about developing key life skills that will support children in their next stages of learning. We focus on promoting independence, supporting emotional and social development, and encouraging hygiene and care routines that give children the foundation they need for their future learning.

Rosedene Northallerton’s Manager, Helen reflects on the nursery environment -

“Our environments offer a calm, tranquil space where children can explore, be curious and ignite their imagination through child-led learning opportunities. Through our environments and the power of play, we see our children thrive, grow and reach their full potential.”

Join us on Facebook for more home learning ideas!

Supporting your child’s development through play doesn’t have to be complicated. For more fun and easy ideas, join us on Facebook! Our nurseries share plenty of activities to try at home, from sensory play for babies to school-readiness fun for pre-schoolers.

Play is a powerful tool - let’s make it fun and educational for your child every step of the way!