Ladybirds Room

Babies are individuals with a unique profile of abilities which are encouraged through our home from home approach. We offer a wide variety of experiences that involve all the senses to encourage each child’s development and begin their love for learning. 

Our calm, nurturing baby room is designed for children from six weeks to approximately 14–18 months, with flexible spaces that respond to each baby’s individual routines, interests and stage of development.

The room provides a warm, homely environment where babies can feel secure, form close relationships with their key person and explore safely at their own pace.

Sleep and rest

A peaceful, temperature-monitored sleep area is separated from active play while remaining in the room for practitioners to supervise. Each baby has an individual cot or coracle appropriate for their age, size and mobility. We ensure that the baby's sleep routines are followed throughout the day, with white noise machine to ensure they aren't disturbed by the children playing.

Calm and comforting spaces

A cosy corner with soft floor mats, supportive cushions and gentle sensory materials provides a welcoming place for cuddles, quiet interaction and emotional regulation. Soft furnishings are confined to this supervised awake area.

Alongside it, a small book corner displays durable board, cloth and sensory books at floor level. Practitioners can share stories, songs and conversations while babies can independently see, reach and choose books.

Movement and development

Low-level, securely fixed mirrors encourage babies to study expressions, develop self-awareness and enjoy face-to-face interaction. Open floor space supports tummy time, rolling, crawling, pulling to stand and early cruising.

Low, stable storage makes a carefully selected range of toys visible and accessible. Resources can include:

• Grasping, posting and stacking toys

• Treasure baskets containing safe everyday objects

• Sensory and textured materials

• Cause-and-effect toys

• Musical resources

• Natural and open-ended objects

Resources are rotated thoughtfully to maintain interest without overwhelming the room.

Water and sensory exploration

An accessible water station provides fresh drinking water throughout the day. Individual, clearly identified cups or bottles are stored hygienically and offered with close adult support according to each baby’s age and feeding stage.

A separate messy-play area has an easily cleaned floor and nearby handwashing facilities. Babies can explore age-appropriate paint, water, foam, dough, food-based textures and natural materials through closely supervised sensory play. Materials are selected with allergies, mouthing and choking risks in mind.

Outdoor provision

The room opens onto a dedicated, secure outdoor area with a permanent or robust covered section, allowing babies to spend time outside throughout the year. The space offers:

• Safe areas for crawling and early walking

• Shade and protection from rain

• Sensory planting and natural materials

• Water and messy-play opportunities

• Push-along equipment and low-level physical challenges

• Comfortable places for stories and quiet observation

Direct access supports a free-flowing connection between indoor and outdoor learning whenever staffing, weather and individual care needs allow.

Walks and community experiences

A purpose-designed six-seat nursery pram enables babies to enjoy regular walks, fresh air and experiences in the local community. Each outing is supported by appropriate staffing, parental permissions, risk assessments, secure harnesses, attendance checks, emergency information and suitable weather protection.

Throughout the provision, babies are supported by responsive practitioners who follow their individual feeding, sleeping and care routines while encouraging communication, movement, curiosity and secure emotional development.