6 to 18 monthsWrens
- Ratio
- 1:3
Babies explore through their senses and develop their movement, supported by close relationships with familiar adults who help them feel safe.
← All rooms
Ages 18 months to 3 years
Sparrows, Our Toddler Room
Sparrows is for toddlers from 18 months to 3 years. It begins upstairs in Treetops and moves downstairs to Woodlands at around 2 years, so the step into a more exploratory space happens gently.
- Ages18 months to 3 years
- Ratio1:4
Overview
Sparrows is for toddlers from 18 months to 3 years, across Treetops upstairs and Woodlands downstairs. The group bridges two environments, beginning with sensory exploration and gradually opening up more opportunities for free-flow play. Throughout this stage, our approach centres on helping children grow in confidence, understand their feelings and discover what they can do for themselves.
A Typical Day
Play starts with what interests your child. Our team arranges resources that children can use in different ways, leaving room for their own ideas to develop. Staff join in to guide their learning and build on what they already know, while also stepping back to give them time to try things for themselves. We value play as part of childhood and as a way for children to learn, explore and develop relationships.
Care & Development
Downstairs, children can move between indoors and the garden, with staff following to support them. We give the outdoor environment the same importance as the spaces inside. The garden offers opportunities to explore nature and take on challenges, with a mud kitchen and climbing frame among the things children enjoy. Mealtimes are when we pause play. Otherwise, their interests help shape how they spend their time.
Come and see it for yourself
Book a tourWhy Families Choose Us
Learning to understand feelings is also part of life in Sparrows. Children have support as they develop the confidence to manage more for themselves. Each child has a primary and secondary key person, and we build close relationships with families too. That connection helps us support your toddler as they get to know nursery and explore the opportunities around them.
Book a tour of The Manor House
Come and see the rooms and the garden for yourself, meet the team, and get a feel for how your child would spend their day with us.
Come and visit usThings parents ask us
Common questions
Your child has a two-week settling-in period before they start. You stay for the first hour-long session to complete paperwork while they play and get used to nursery. This is followed by an hour on their own, then longer visits that give them a chance to eat and sleep here. If your child needs more sessions, we’ll arrange them with you. There's more about settling in on our About page.
Our team helps your toddler understand their feelings and gradually learn to manage them with more independence. If they feel overwhelmed or there’s too much going on around them, they can use our Wellbeing Cabin. This space is available to children across the nursery and is influenced by Thrive.
Children move from Treetops upstairs to Woodlands downstairs at around 2 years, staying within Sparrows. The transition is gradual, from a sensory-focused environment to a more exploratory space where they can move between indoors and the garden. All staff support these transitions, helping children get to know the team as they explore different areas.
We use WellComm, a speech and language toolkit, to support children’s communication. If your toddler needs additional support, we have a qualified SENDCo on site, use individual support plans and work with external agencies. We also share daily feedback with families and review children’s progress every six months.
Children in Sparrows choose their own activities and which area of the room or garden they want to be in, and adults set out resources that can be used in lots of different ways. At snack time they choose their fruit or crackers and are encouraged to serve themselves. Mealtimes are the only point in the day when play pauses for everyone at once.
In your child's bag each day, please bring labelled spare clothes, including pants and socks, their comforter, and any specific cream we don't already provide. Outdoor clothing, including an all-in-one waterproof and wellies, can be left at nursery or brought in each day, whichever suits you.
We provide nappies, biodegradable wipes, factor 50+ children's suncream, bibs and bedding. Our paid day rates include meals and extras. For fully funded sessions, families can bring their own consumables or pay for these to be provided. Our fees page explains the options.
Ofsted registered, inspected, and rated Good
The Manor House Nursery is rated Good by Ofsted.
"Children thrive in the nursery environment, which is tailored to their interests and developmental needs."