Age Groups
at Walmgate Day Nursery
Childcare in the Heart of York
Your Child’s Journey Through Nursery
Every stage of early childhood brings new discoveries, new skills and new ways of learning.
From first cuddles and sensory play to growing independence and school readiness, we support children from 3 months to 5 years in a safe, nurturing and creative environment in the heart of York. As a small, family-owned nursery, we take the time to understand each child as an individual, tailoring care and learning to their stage of development so they feel secure, confident and ready to explore.
Our nursery is organised into three age-appropriate rooms: Baby Room, Toddler Room and Pre-School – each designed to support children as they grow. Through a creative, play-based approach to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), our experienced team encourages curiosity, independence and a love of learning from the very beginning.
Our Nursery Rooms
Each room at Walmgate Day Nursery is designed around children’s ages, stages and interests, helping them grow in confidence, independence and curiosity as they progress through nursery life.
Baby Room
3 months - 2 years
Our Baby Room provides a calm and nurturing start for our youngest children. We follow each baby’s home routine closely, offering sensory play, gentle exploration and plenty of individual attention from their key person.
Toddler Room
2 - 3 years
Our Toddler Room is full of curiosity, movement and discovery. Children enjoy creative play, early communication activities and hands-on experiences that encourage independence and confidence.
Pre-School
3 - 5 years
In Pre-School, children build confidence, friendships and the skills they need for starting school. Activities support early literacy, creativity and problem-solving through fun, engaging learning experiences.
At Walmgate Day Nursery, every stage of early childhood is supported with care, creativity and individual attention. From our nurturing Baby Room to our curious and energetic Toddler Room and our confident Pre-School learners, we provide high-quality childcare for children aged 3 months to 5 years in the heart of York. Our experienced team creates a warm, engaging environment where children feel secure, develop independence and discover a love of learning. The nursery is open Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 6:00pm, offering flexible childcare for families across the city. To find out more, you can book a nursery visit, explore our free nursery places, or learn more about our approach to childcare in York.
A Creative Approach to Early Learning
As children grow, the way they learn develops quickly, but our approach remains the same: children learn best through play, secure relationships and meaningful everyday experiences.
At Walmgate Day Nursery, we follow the Early Years Foundation Stage through a creative, child-centred approach. Children learn through play, curiosity and interaction, supported by thoughtfully planned environments and experienced practitioners.
Our practitioners take time to observe each child, understand their interests and support their next steps in a way that feels engaging and achievable. This helps children build confidence, independence and a genuine love of learning – whether they are exploring textures in the Baby Room, developing communication in the Toddler Room, or preparing for school in Pre-School.
What families can expect
at every stage
From the moment your child joins us, we focus on creating a safe, supportive and engaging environment where they can grow in confidence and feel part of the nursery community.
These experiences are woven into daily life across all of our rooms, supporting every child as they grow and develop.
A Small Nursery with Personal Care at Its Heart
As a small, family-owned nursery, we take pride in getting to know every child and family as individuals. We believe children thrive when they feel safe, valued and understood, which is why personal care and strong relationships are at the heart of everything we do.
Our experienced team works closely with parents to create a positive nursery experience from the very beginning, building trust through communication, consistency and thoughtful support. By taking the time to understand each child’s needs, interests and stage of development, we can provide care that feels both nurturing and responsive.
Above all, we want children to feel happy, confident and excited to come to nursery each day. From babyhood through to pre-school, we support every child with warmth, encouragement and a genuine love of early years care.
Which Age Group Is Right for Your Child?
Every child develops at their own pace, and we are here to support each step of their journey.
Children move through our nursery rooms based on their age and stage of development, with thoughtful support from our team to ensure each transition feels smooth and reassuring. At Walmgate Day Nursery, we work closely with parents to understand every child’s individual needs, helping them settle confidently and thrive as they grow from babyhood through to pre-school.
If you’re unsure which room would be right for your child, we would be happy to guide you. You can book a nursery visit to see the environment for yourself, explore our free nursery places, or find out more about our approach to childcare in York.