Home / Our Nursery / Toddler Room

Toddler nursery in Tilehurst, Reading

Where “I can do it” starts to mean everything.

Busy bodies, new words, big feelings and growing independence — supported through patient relationships, purposeful play and space to explore.

Check Toddler Room Availability Book a Visit

AgePrimarily around ages 2–3

RoomsOrange Room and Green Room

Learning focusCommunication, movement, friendships and independence

Everyday skillsSelf-care, routines, toileting and learning to do more for themselves

A day in Toddler Room

A familiar rhythm, with room to follow the child.

Early years days are not rigid timetables. The sequence below shows the kinds of experiences that create continuity while leaving space for children’s interests, needs and energy.

Arrive & reconnect

Children settle into familiar people, spaces and open-ended play at their own pace.

Talk, stories & play

Conversation, songs, stories and imaginative play create constant reasons to use and understand language.

Move & explore

Indoor and outdoor experiences invite climbing, carrying, building, balancing and energetic investigation.

Meals & self-care

Handwashing, mealtimes, tidying, dressing and toileting become meaningful opportunities to practise independence.

Create & reflect

Messy play, music, small-world play and quieter experiences help children follow interests and regulate after busy activity.

Learning through play

What learning looks like at this stage.

Our practice is rooted in the EYFS and brought to life through observation, warm relationships and play that means something to the child.

Language-rich practice

Practitioners get down to children’s level, follow their interests and extend vocabulary through genuine back-and-forth exchange.

Movement & physical confidence

Toddlers need repeated opportunities to climb, carry, push, pull, pour, stack and coordinate their bodies.

Independence without pressure

Children are encouraged to try everyday tasks for themselves, with help close by when they need it.

Friendships & feelings

Sharing space, waiting, taking turns and recovering from frustration all become part of learning how to be with other people.

DDiscoverFollow curiosity.

OOracyGrow language.

CConnectionFeel secure.

KKindnessBuild character.

SSteady StepsGrow independence.

Explore the DOCKS Approach

Parents & key person

Big changes are easier when nursery and home work together.

Between two and three, language, emotions, sleep, food, toileting and independence can all change quickly. We keep talking with parents so that the support around a child feels joined up rather than contradictory.

Talk to the Nursery

Key-person relationship

One practitioner knows the child especially well and helps connect observations, family knowledge and next steps.

Daily communication

Practical care information and meaningful observations help parents understand the day rather than receiving only a generic summary.

Tapestry

Where used, learning observations and milestones can be shared digitally so families stay connected to development over time.

Settling & transitions

Confidence grows through familiarity.

Transitions work best when adults share information, children meet new people and spaces gradually, and expectations stay realistic.

Step 1

Transition conversation

We talk about current language, routines, comfort, toileting and any changes happening at home.

Step 2

Familiar adults

Children need to know who will help them when they are tired, frustrated, excited or unsure.

Step 3

Growing independence

We agree where a child is ready to try more for themselves and where they still need close support.

Step 4

Move to pre-school

Transitions are based on development and discussion, not simply a birthday appearing on the calendar.

Environment & care

Designed for the whole child.

Good nursery provision is not just what appears on a planning sheet. It is also the room layout, the quality of conversation, access to outdoor play, how adults respond when a child is tired, and whether everyday routines are treated with dignity and patience.

Freshly prepared meals and snacks, with dietary needs considered
Outdoor play and movement as part of the nursery experience
Quiet spaces and rest appropriate to the age group
Safer recruitment, DBS checks and ongoing professional development
Accessible communication and inclusive practice

Toddler room activity area with safety gate

Toddler Room FAQs

Questions parents commonly ask.

What ages are the toddler rooms for?

The toddler rooms are primarily for children around ages 2 to 3, with transitions based on development and discussion with parents.

How do you support toilet training?

Practitioners support children as they become more independent with self-care and toileting, working with parents so the approach is as consistent as possible.

What do toddlers learn?

Toddler learning is play-led, with a strong focus on communication, physical development, social confidence, independence, problem-solving and early friendships.

Is there outdoor play?

The toddler experience includes opportunities for indoor and outdoor movement, exploration and free-flow play.

How do you handle big feelings and conflict?

Practitioners help children name feelings, recover from frustration, take turns and learn the social skills needed to play alongside and with others.

Keep exploring

The next useful page.

The website is intentionally connected, so parents can move from age-stage information to curriculum, practical costs and a visit without starting again.

Next step

Come and experience Toddler Room at Dickory Docks.

A visit lets you see the room, meet the team and talk through the routine that matters to your family.

Check Availability Book a Visit