Little Dreamers (6 Months – 2 Years)
Baby Nursery in Peterborough
Our baby room provides a calm, nurturing environment where the youngest children feel safe and secure as they begin their nursery journey.
We understand this stage is all about attachment, comfort and early development. Staff work closely with families to follow each child’s individual routines and help babies settle gently into nursery life.
In this room we focus on:
- Building strong attachments with key staff
- Following individual sleep, feeding and care routines
- Supporting early communication through songs, stories and interaction
- Encouraging sensory exploration using textures, sounds and movement
- Supporting physical development such as crawling, cruising and walking
This secure start helps babies develop confidence, curiosity and a sense of belonging.
Little Explorers & Little Adventurers (2–3 Years)
Toddler Childcare in Peterborough
Our two toddler rooms support children as they begin to develop independence, language and social skills.
At this stage, children are naturally curious and active, so our environment encourages exploration, creativity and communication while still providing reassuring routines.
In our toddler rooms, we focus on:
- Expanding vocabulary and encouraging conversation
- Supporting friendships and social interaction
- Building physical confidence through active play
- Encouraging creativity through messy play, role play and art
- Developing independence in self-care and daily routines
Children are supported to try new things while still feeling secure and understood.
Little Learners (3–4 Years)
Preschool in Peterborough
Our preschool room prepares children for the transition to school in a calm, supportive and play-based way.
We focus on building confidence, independence and early learning skills while keeping experiences engaging and meaningful.
In this room we support:
- Communication and confidence in speaking and listening
- Early literacy and interest in books and mark making
- Early mathematical thinking through counting, sorting and patterns
- Independence in self-care and routines
- Group participation, friendships and turn-taking
Children develop the skills they need for school while still enjoying a nurturing nursery environment.
Garden & Outdoor Learning
Outdoor play is a daily part of nursery life at Zig Zag Day Nursery Peterborough.
Our garden provides children with space to explore, move and learn in a natural environment. Outdoor experiences support physical development, confidence and curiosity while offering a different way to learn.
In our outdoor space, children can:
- Develop physical skills through climbing, balancing and active play
- Explore nature and seasonal changes
- Take part in sensory and messy play outdoors
- Build confidence, resilience and independence
- Enjoy fresh air and movement as part of their daily routine
We believe outdoor learning is just as important as indoor activities and helps children develop in a well-rounded way.
DAILY ROUTINE
A Typical Day at Our Nursery
Children feel most secure when they understand what to expect. Our day follows a consistent routine while still allowing flexibility to meet individual needs, especially for younger children.
A typical nursery day may include:
- Free play and exploration in the room
- Small-group activities such as stories, songs or communication time
- Outdoor play in the garden every day
- Creative activities, messy play or role play
- Snack and mealtime routines that support independence
- Quiet times for rest, reading or calming activities
Younger children follow their own sleep and care routines, while older children gradually develop awareness of the nursery day structure.
KEY PERSON APPROACH
Your Child’s Key Person
Every child at Zig Zag Day Nursery Peterborough is supported by a dedicated key person.
Your child’s key person will:
- Help your child settle into nursery
- Build a strong, trusting relationship with them
- Monitor their learning and development
- Share updates and observations with you
- Provide emotional reassurance and support
This approach helps children feel secure and understood while giving parents a familiar member of staff to speak to.
SETTLING IN
We understand starting nursery is a big step for both children and parents.
We offer settling-in sessions so children can gradually become familiar with the environment, build relationships with staff and feel confident in their new routine. Our team works closely with families to make this transition calm, supportive and tailored to each child.
SEND & INCLUSION
We are committed to inclusive childcare in Peterborough and supporting every child to reach their full potential.
We support children by:
- Observing development closely and responding to individual needs
- Adapting activities and environments where needed
- Using visual supports and communication strategies
- Working with families and outside professionals
- Supporting transitions to school
Every child is valued, respected and supported as an individual.
FOOD & NUTRITION
Healthy Meals & Positive Mealtime Experiences
At Zig Zag Day Nursery Peterborough, we believe healthy eating plays an important role in children’s wellbeing, development and daily energy levels.
We partner with GI Healthy Kitchen, a specialist children’s catering company providing fresh, nutritious meals prepared daily.
Their meals:
- Follow a rotating menu introducing children to a wide variety of foods
- Contain no added sugar, preservatives or artificial additives
- Include dishes from different cultures to broaden children’s experiences
- Are designed to support growth, immune health and stable energy levels
Mealtimes are also important social moments. Staff support children to sit together, try new foods, develop independence and enjoy eating with friends.
Parents can also choose to provide a packed lunch if they prefer.
COMMUNICATION WITH PARENTS
Working in Partnership with Families
We believe strong relationships with parents are essential to children’s development.
We use the Famly app to keep parents informed about their child’s nursery day and learning. Through the app, parents can:
- Receive updates about activities and experiences
- View observations and progress information
- See photos of their child’s day
- Message staff directly
- Receive nursery announcements and reminders
This helps parents feel connected to their child’s nursery experience and supports clear, consistent communication.
TRANSITION TO SCHOOL
Preparing Children for Their Next Step
We work closely with families to help children feel confident and ready for their move to school.
In the preschool room we gradually introduce experiences that support this transition, including:
- Developing independence in dressing and self-care
- Building confidence speaking in groups
- Encouraging early literacy and number skills through play
- Supporting friendships and cooperation
- Talking positively about school and new experiences
Where needed, we also work with schools and families to ensure a smooth and supportive transition.