Toddlers

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At Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Crouch End, children aged 2 to 3 years are welcomed into our dynamic Toddlers room, a space thoughtfully designed to match their curiosity and energy. The room is equipped with carefully selected furnishings and a wide range of learning resources, all easily accessible to support independence and hands-on exploration.

Nurturing Independence at Our Crouch End Nursery

At Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Crouch End, we recognise that as your child grows, so does their desire to explore and assert their independence. That’s why we maintain a low child-to-educator ratio, no more than four toddlers per team member, ensuring each child receives the individual attention, guidance, and encouragement they need to flourish.

In our Toddler Room, children continue to develop across the three prime areas of learning, while also being gently introduced to the four specific areas that deepen their understanding of the world around them:

Literacy
Mathematics
Understanding the World
Expressive Arts and Design

This balanced approach helps foster confident, curious learners who are eager to play, grow and thrive.

Toddlers at Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Crouch End are immersed in a rich and stimulating learning environment, where books, sounds, letters, and numbers are thoughtfully integrated into their everyday play. This nurturing approach sparks curiosity, builds confidence, and lays the foundation for a lifelong love of learning.

We also offer countless opportunities for creative expression. Whether it’s painting, building, storytelling, or imaginative play, children are encouraged to think independently, explore freely, and express themselves with confidence, all while drawing inspiration from the world around them.

If you’re seeking a warm, engaging, and developmentally focused nursery in Crouch End, Monkey Puzzle is here to support your child’s growth and learning journey every step of the way.

What Makes Us Special

Play, Rest & Mealtimes for Happy Toddlers

Outdoor Play and Exploration

Outdoors, toddlers have access to our unique discovery garden, a safe, exciting space with an impact-absorbing surface and a wide variety of equipment designed to support balance, coordination, and physical development. At our Crouch End daycare, we believe in the importance of outdoor play as a vital part of every child’s learning journey.

Cosy Sleep and Rest Time

We know rest is vital for toddlers. Each child has a sleep mat and blanket, creating a cosy, familiar space to relax and recharge. Our calm, comforting environment helps children feel secure and well-rested, ready to enjoy the rest of their day at our nurturing nursery and daycare.

Mealtimes and Social Development

Mealtimes at our nursery are special moments where toddlers enjoy healthy, balanced meals around child-sized tables. Partnering an early years nutritionist, we provide nutrition-filled dishes that support growth and wellbeing. This shared experience fosters social skills, independence, and routine, with children helping set the table and developing positive eating habits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is nursery compulsory?Head Office2025-05-29T10:57:55+00:00

Is nursery compulsory?

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?Head Office2025-05-29T10:57:05+00:00

What age do children start nursery?

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?Head Office2025-05-29T10:56:11+00:00

What should my child wear to nursery?

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 do I choose a nursery?Head Office2025-05-29T10:47:55+00:00

How do I choose a nursery?

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 Crouch End, 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?Head Office2025-05-29T10:34:37+00:00

What do I need to bring with me on the first day at nursery?

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?Head Office2025-05-29T09:58:41+00:00

Do the children play outside every day at nursery?

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?Head Office2025-05-29T09:57:29+00:00

What sorts of activities will my child be doing at nursery?

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?Head Office2025-05-29T09:56:15+00:00

Who will care for my child when they are at nursery?

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.

My child still has naps during the day. How does the nursery accommodate this?Head Office2025-05-29T09:36:03+00:00

My child still has naps during the day. How does the nursery accommodate this?

At Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery & Preschool Crouch End, we understand the importance of a consistent and comforting sleep routine for young children. We will follow your child’s individual sleep schedule as closely as possible. However, please note that this routine may naturally adjust over time due to the structure of the nursery day and your child’s ongoing developmental needs.

We provide cots for children under the age of one and sleep mats for older children to ensure a safe and restful sleep environment. Clean sheets and blankets are provided by the nursery, but you are very welcome to supply your own bedding if you prefer something familiar for your child.

Supporting your child’s rest and wellbeing is a key part of their day at Monkey Puzzle Crouch End, and we are always happy to discuss any changes to their sleep needs with you.

How does the nursery give feedback about my child and their progress?Head Office2025-05-29T09:30:18+00:00

How does the nursery give feedback about my child and their progress?

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.

How does your nursery support early child development and learning?Head Office2025-05-28T10:52:54+00:00

How does your nursery support early child development and learning?

We support early child development through a rich, play-based curriculum rooted in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Our experienced and passionate team creates engaging, age-appropriate activities that help babies and toddlers grow across all key areas of development, communication and language, physical development, and personal, social, and emotional development.

We believe in the power of play as the foundation for learning. From sensory exploration and messy play to music, stories, and mark-making, every experience is designed to encourage curiosity, confidence, and essential early skills. Our key person approach ensures each child receives individual attention, with learning tailored to their unique interests and developmental needs.

In a safe, nurturing environment, your child will be supported to explore, discover, and thrive, giving them the very best start on their early learning journey.