Ages 0–23 months
Calm, warm and always close
The Nest is our dedicated baby room for children from birth to 23 months — a calm, unhurried space designed entirely around the rhythms and needs of very young children.
About The Nest
The Nest
Calm, warm and always close
The Nest is our dedicated baby room for children from birth to 23 months. Every child has a named Key Person who builds a genuine relationship with your whole family. We follow your child’s home routine as closely as possible — mealtimes, nap times, wake windows — so the transition from home to nursery feels as gentle as possible.
Our baby room is calm by design: softer lighting, quieter spaces, and a rhythm that matches very young children rather than asking them to match us.
0–23 mo
Age range
1:3
Staff ratio
Level 3+
All qualifications
What you’ll find
Inside The Nest
Every corner of The Nest is designed with babies and young toddlers in mind — safe, sensory-rich and always supervised.
The daily rhythm
A typical day in The Nest
Every day follows a warm, predictable rhythm — enough structure to feel safe, enough freedom to feel joyful. HighScope’s Plan-Do-Review runs through everything.
Warm arrival
Breakfast Club opens. Each child is welcomed individually by their Key Person. We follow your baby’s home routine from the very first moment — no two babies are the same.
Morning session
Settling-in time, sensory play, floor exploration. Babies choose freely — the light table, the mirror area, the soft play corner. Adults narrate, observe and follow their lead.
Snack & singing
A small gathering where even the youngest babies join in — songs, simple rhythms, bubbles. Older babies and toddlers begin to sign and respond to familiar words.
Plan-Do-Review
Adapted for babies — children plan by pointing, reaching and moving towards what interests them. Adults support their intentions and narrate their choices throughout.
Lunch & rest
Children eat together at the horseshoe table — real food, at their own pace. Naps happen whenever your child needs them, in our safe, always-visible sleeping area.
Afternoon session
Outdoor time (weather permitting), sensory activities, stories and quiet play before collection — or the session continues for families who need the full day.
The environment
What you’ll find in The Nest
Every corner of The Nest is intentional — designed to invite curiosity, support independence, and make children feel at home from the very first day.
Safe sleeping area
Cots and sleep surfaces are always visible from the main room. We follow safe sleep guidelines and your home routine exactly. Every sleep is logged and parents kept informed.
Light table & sensory station
A softly glowing light table with translucent shapes, pebbles and discs. Even the youngest babies are fascinated by light and shadow — it invites long, calm exploration.
Natural materials & soft textures
Wooden rattles, wool balls, natural sponges, real pebbles in cloth bags — everything chosen for texture, weight and sensory richness rather than plastic brightness.
Horseshoe feeding table
Our specially designed horseshoe table puts practitioners face-to-face with babies at mealtimes — supporting communication, eye contact, and the social joy of eating together.
Cosy quiet corner
A curtained nook with cushions, board books and soft lighting — a place to retreat, self-regulate and decompress when the world feels like a lot.
Secure & always supervised
Secure entry, CCTV, and a room layout designed so babies are always visible. The sleeping area is never out of sight. Key Person ratios are maintained at all times.
Our team
The people who look after your child
Every practitioner in The Nest holds a Level 3 qualification or above and has completed enhanced DBS checks. They bring genuine warmth, expertise and deep commitment to every child in their care.
Katie T
Lead Practitioner & Under 2’s Co-ordinator
- Level 3 NVQ in Childcare & Education
- Paediatric First Aid Qualified
Chantelle H
Practitioner
- Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Workforce (Early Years Educator)
- Working towards Foundation Degree in Children & Young People (Early Years) Level 5
- Paediatric First Aid Qualified
Our Baby Room Team
All Level 3 qualified
Every practitioner holds Level 3 qualifications and an enhanced DBS certificate. Each child has a consistent, named Key Person who truly knows them and their family.
Fees & funding
The Nest fees
We accept all government funded hours and keep our fees as straightforward as possible. As a charity, every penny goes back into the setting.
A voluntary 50p per session covers healthy snacks the children help prepare. We accept all government funded hours — universal 15 hours (age 3+), 30-hour working parent entitlement (from 9 months), stretched over 48 weeks. Full fees & funding info →
Our other rooms
The full Hawthorn Tree journey
Children can move through our rooms as they grow — from The Nest right through to school age. One setting, one ethos, all the way through.
The Burrow
Ages 2–4 years
The Den
Ages 2–4 years
Come and see The Nest for yourself
The best way to know whether The Nest is right for your child is to come and spend a little time here. We offer relaxed, no-pressure show-arounds at a time that suits you.
Or call 01205 362255 · Mon–Fri 7:30am–6:00pm