Babies

Babies
Babies2026-01-14T11:58:37+00:00

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At Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Lightwater, our youngest children are cared for in a dedicated Babies’ room, thoughtfully designed for little ones aged 3 to 15 months. Every element of the space has been created with their development and comfort in mind, providing a safe, nurturing environment where they can begin to explore and make sense of the world around them.

Exceptional Baby Care at Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery, Lightwater

At Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery in Lightwater, we provide outstanding care to support your baby’s early development in a safe, nurturing environment. Our experienced team, specially trained in infant care and early years education, offers personalised attention tailored to each baby’s individual needs, routines, and stage of development.

With a staff-to-child ratio of 1:3, we build strong, trusting relationships with both babies and families, ensuring a smooth and reassuring transition between home and nursery.

Our baby care programme is carefully designed around the three prime areas of early learning: physical development, communication and language, and personal, social, and emotional development. Babies enjoy a wide range of stimulating activities throughout the day to support both fine and gross motor skills, alongside open-floor play that encourages natural movement, exploration, and physical confidence.

We also place a strong emphasis on well-being through outdoor education, giving babies regular opportunities for outdoor play, nature exploration, outings, and early forest school experiences. Rest and relaxation are equally important, with a dedicated sleep and sensory room providing a separate, dark, and calming space that supports early sensory development and promotes restful sleep.

What Makes Us Special

A Safe, Stimulating, and Purpose-Built Space for Babies

Outdoor Play and Exploration

Babies enjoy safe, supervised outdoor play in our secure garden, where outdoor education supports their well-being and love of nature. They take part in age-appropriate activities such as ride-on toys, mark-making, ball games, and parachute play, alongside outings and early forest school experiences. These outdoor experiences help develop gross motor skills, coordination, confidence, and early social skills, all while enjoying fresh air and exploration.

Cosy Sleep and Rest Time

Our dedicated sleep and sensory pods provides a calm, dark, and peaceful space for babies to rest and recharge. Designed to support early sensory development, the separate pod features cots for younger babies and beds for older babies, supporting gentle transitions as they grow.

The carefully controlled environment helps promote comfort, relaxation, and restful sleep throughout the day.

Mealtimes and Social Development

Mealtimes are a valuable part of the day, offering opportunities for learning, connection, and independence. Babies and toddlers come together to sit at the table, encouraging social interaction. Helping them build confidence as they prepare for the transition to the next room. All meals are created by an early years nutritionist to support healthy growth and development.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is nursery compulsory?2025-05-29T10:57:55+00:00

No, nursery education is not compulsory in the UK. Your child is required to start full-time education once they reach the compulsory school age.

What age do children start nursery?2025-05-29T10:57:05+00:00

There is no set age to start nursery, but we welcome children from as young as 3 months up to 5 years old.

What should my child wear to nursery?2025-05-29T10:56:11+00:00

Please dress your child in clothes that you don’t mind getting messy. Despite our efforts to keep children’s clothes protected with bibs and aprons, accidents do happen. We recommend bringing a set of spare clothes, as well as weather-appropriate items like coats and wellies, which can be left at the nursery for convenience.

How will the nursery support me whilst my child is weaning?2025-05-29T10:50:46+00:00

Our setting and baby room team work closely with parents at every stage of the weaning process to ensure it is a positive and enjoyable experience for both babies and parents.

We always recommend that new foods are first introduced at home to monitor for any allergies or intolerances before they are offered at nursery.

How do I settle my child into the nursery?2025-05-29T10:48:59+00:00

Sending your child to nursery doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. By understanding your child’s unique needs and working closely with nursery staff, you can help make the transition smooth and positive for both of you.

At Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery & Preschool Lightwater, we’re here to support every step of the way. Discover helpful tips and guidance on how to help your child feel safe, happy, and confident in their new nursery environment.

Read more here

How do I choose a nursery?2025-05-29T10:47:55+00:00

Choosing the right nursery for your child can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s the first time you’re leaving them in the care of someone outside your family or close friends. It’s a big decision, and getting it right matters not only for your peace of mind but also for your child’s early development and future readiness for school.

Our first piece of advice: shop around. Even if the first day nursery you visit seems perfect, it’s worth exploring a few more to truly understand what’s available in your area.

At Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery & Preschool Lightwater, we’re confident that once you visit and experience our nurturing environment, high-quality facilities, and dedicated approach to early years education, you’ll feel reassured about registering your child with us. Still, we fully encourage you to make an informed choice because finding the right fit for you and your child is what matters most.

What do I need to bring with me on the first day at nursery?2025-05-29T10:35:16+00:00

The day your child starts nursery might feel like it’s come around sooner than expected — and it’s completely normal to feel a little unprepared. While planning ahead is helpful, we’re here to support you and make this transition as smooth as possible.

To help you get started, we’ve put together a simple checklist of everything your child may need to feel comfortable and settled in those early days:
What to Pack for Nursery – A Parent’s Checklist

Do the children play outside every day at nursery?2025-05-29T09:58:41+00:00

All children have access to the outdoor area(s) every day. Therefore, we ask that you provide weather-appropriate outdoor clothing throughout the year.

What sorts of activities will my child be doing at nursery?2025-05-29T09:57:29+00:00

Young children learn best through play, so their activities are planned around their individual interests and needs. This approach ensures they continue to learn and develop while engaging with their favourite toys, games, and experiences.

Who will care for my child when they are at nursery?2025-05-29T09:56:45+00:00

While your child will be cared for within their age group, it is important that we also meet their individual needs. Each child is assigned a Key Person whose role is to take special responsibility for their care and education during their time at the nursery.

How does the nursery give feedback about my child and their progress?2025-05-29T09:30:18+00:00

You will receive verbal feedback in person each time you collect your child from Nursery. In addition, we will arrange meetings with you, typically every three months, to discuss your child’s progress. However, you are welcome to request more frequent meetings if you wish.

We also use the Famly app, where we regularly upload observations and information about your child’s daily routines.

We encourage you to share any new developments or milestones you’ve observed at home so we can work together to consistently support your child’s growth and development at Nursery.

What age can my child start at Monkey Puzzle Lightwater nursery?2025-05-28T10:52:05+00:00

At Monkey Puzzle Lightwater we accept babies from the age of three months to two years old.