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What to Expect in Your First Week at Tiny Toes Nursery, Hertford — and How Our Settling-In Process Works Starting nursery is a huge milestone — for both children and parents. At Tiny Toes Nursery in Hertford, we understand how emotional and exciting those first few days can be. That’s why our team has designed a warm, gentle settling-in process that helps your child feel safe, happy, and ready to thrive from day one.   Below, we’ll walk you through what to expect during your first week and how we make the transition smooth and positive for every family. A Warm Welcome Before You Start Before your child’s official start date, we’ll invite you in for a settling-in session. This visit gives you and your child a chance to:   Explore the nursery environment and meet our friendly team Spend time together in your child’s dedicated room (Baby, Toddler, or Preschool) Share key information about routines, comfort items, and any special needs Ask questions about how we communicate, what to bring, and what a typical day looks like This initial visit helps build familiarity — a key step in ensuring your little one feels secure when they start attending independently. Your Child’s Key Person Every child at Tiny Toes Hertford is assigned a Key Person — a dedicated member of staff who will get to know them closely.Your child’s Key Person will:   Greet you at drop-off and offer daily updates at collection Provide comfort and reassurance during those first few sessions Observe your child’s interests, routines, and emotional cues Build a trusting bond that helps your child settle faster and flourish socially This personal connection is central to our home-from-home ethos. The First Week: Step-by-Step Day 1: A Gentle StartWe begin with a shorter session (usually 1–2 hours) so your child can explore at their own pace. Parents are welcome to stay for part of this session if needed.   Day 2–3: Building ConfidenceYour child stays a little longer, joins in small group play, and begins forming relationships with other children and staff. Our team shares updates and photos via our nursery app so you can see their progress.   Day 4–5: Settling Into RoutineBy the end of the week, most children are happily engaging in daily activities — from sensory play to outdoor exploration. We follow your child’s lead, extending their hours only when they’re ready. Supporting Parents, Too We know it’s not just the children who need reassurance! Our team is always available for a chat — whether it’s to discuss routines, sleep patterns, meals, or just to check in on how your child’s doing.You’ll also receive:   Regular updates through our Blossom app Photos and notes from your child’s Key Person Ongoing support from our management team Our goal is to make you feel as confident as your child does walking through our doors. Tips for a Smooth Start Bring something familiar — a comforter, blanket, or family photo can ease separation anxiety. Talk positively about nursery — share stories about friends, play, and fun activities. Keep goodbyes short and consistent — children adapt best when routines are predictable. Trust the process — every child settles at their own pace, and we’ll be there every step of the way. Why Families Choose Tiny Toes Hertford Dedicated rooms for babies (6–18 months), toddlers (18–24 months), and preschoolers (2–5 years) Highly qualified, caring staff with a strong focus on emotional wellbeing A free-flow approach that encourages independence and social development A genuine family ethos where every child feels valued Starting nursery should be a joyful new chapter — and at Tiny Toes Nursery in Hertford, we make sure it is.   Visit www.tinytoeshertford.co.uk to book a visit or speak to our friendly team about your child’s settling-in journey.   Tiny Toes Nursery Hertford — nurturing happy, confident, and curious learners from babies to preschoolers.

The Importance of Outdoor Play at Tiny Toes Nursery, Hertford – best Childcare in Hertford At Tiny Toes Nursery in Hertford, we believe that the best learning doesn’t just happen indoors — it happens in nature, in fresh air, and through active exploration. Outdoor play is a vital part of how children grow, discover, and build confidence.   Whether it’s our two garden spaces, sensory areas, or outdoor learning activities, every day at Tiny Toes includes meaningful time outside. Here’s why outdoor play matters so much — and how we make it a core part of your child’s nursery experience. Why Outdoor Play Is Essential for Early Years Development Outdoor play supports every area of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) — from physical development to communication, creativity, and emotional wellbeing. Here’s how: The Benefits for Your Child 1. Physical Health and Motor Skills Running, climbing, jumping, and balancing help strengthen muscles, improve coordination, and promote overall fitness. Our outdoor space encourages natural movement and builds confidence in what children’s bodies can do.   2. Emotional Wellbeing Spending time outside reduces stress and supports mental health. Children have space to breathe, move freely, and express themselves — boosting self-esteem and emotional regulation.   3. Imagination and Curiosity Nature sparks curiosity like nothing else. Whether it’s watching insects, exploring textures, or building dens, outdoor learning ignites creativity and problem-solving skills.   4. Social and Communication Skills Outdoor play naturally involves teamwork — sharing, negotiating, and role-playing. It’s a wonderful setting for developing friendships and practicing language in a real-world context. Outdoor Learning at Tiny Toes Hertford Our nursery’s outdoor environment is designed to be safe, stimulating, and flexible — reflecting our “home-from-home” approach.Children can explore: Gardening and nature areas to learn about plants and seasons Messy play zones for water, sand, and sensory discovery Outdoor construction play for teamwork and creativity Role-play corners to bring their imagination to life Quiet spaces for reading or reflection under shaded spots We also encourage a free-flow approach, allowing children to move between indoors and outdoors throughout the day — following their curiosity and energy levels. Learning Through Real Experiences At Tiny Toes, we turn outdoor play into real learning moments. For example: Counting petals or leaves becomes an early maths activity Mixing mud pies introduces basic science concepts Talking about the weather or seasons enhances language development Every outdoor experience is an opportunity to learn — naturally and joyfully. All Seasons, All Weather We believe there’s no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothing!Our children enjoy outdoor play year-round, with suitable coats, boots, and sun hats depending on the season. Exploring puddles, watching raindrops, or crunching autumn leaves helps children connect deeply with the world around them. Why Parents Love Our Outdoor Ethos Families at Tiny Toes Nursery Hertford often tell us how much their children look forward to outdoor time. It’s where friendships blossom, confidence grows, and creativity shines. Our approach blends play and learning seamlessly — ensuring every child enjoys a rich, balanced day. Visit Us and See It in Action Come and see how outdoor play shapes the day at Tiny Toes Nursery, Hertford. Book a visit via www.tinytoeshertford.co.uk and explore our outdoor learning spaces, meet our team, and discover how we help children flourish — inside and out.   Tiny Toes Nursery Hertford — nurturing curiosity, confidence, and joy through outdoor exploration.

The Curiosity Approach at Tiny Toes Hertford — Inspiring a Lifelong Love of Learning At Tiny Toes Nursery in Hertford, we’re proud to be the only nursery in the area inspired by The Curiosity Approach — a modern, mindful approach to early years education that encourages children to think, explore, and wonder.   Rooted in the principles of Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Steiner education, The Curiosity Approach helps children become independent thinkers and confident learners through open-ended play and real-world experiences.   Here’s what it means for your child — and why we’ve chosen to embed it at the heart of everything we do at Tiny Toes. What Is The Curiosity Approach? The Curiosity Approach is a modern educational philosophy that moves away from plastic, overstimulating toys and structured routines.Instead, it creates calm, homely environments filled with: Natural materials like wood, fabric, and metal Real-life objects that encourage exploration and imagination Warm, neutral colours that promote calm focus Loose parts that allow children to decide how to play It’s about empowering children to think for themselves, use their imagination, and develop critical skills through play. Why We Chose The Curiosity Approach at Tiny Toes Hertford As the only nursery in Hertford to follow this approach, we wanted to create something truly special — a setting where every child feels inspired, respected, and free to explore at their own pace.   We chose The Curiosity Approach because it aligns perfectly with our home-from-home ethos and our belief that children learn best when they feel relaxed, confident, and curious.   Our educators act as guides — not instructors — supporting children as they investigate, problem-solve, and make sense of the world around them. The Benefits for Your Child 1. Independence and Confidence By using real-world objects and open-ended materials, children learn to make choices, take responsibility, and develop pride in their achievements.   2. Critical Thinking and Creativity Without “right or wrong” ways to play, children are encouraged to experiment, question, and innovate — building the foundations for lifelong learning.   3. Communication and Social Skills Collaborative, imaginative play naturally fosters teamwork and empathy. Children learn to listen, share ideas, and resolve challenges together.   4. Calm and Focused Learning Our natural, uncluttered spaces support emotional regulation and concentration — especially important in today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world.   5. Love of Nature and Sustainability Through upcycled materials and outdoor exploration, children learn to value their environment and think sustainably from an early age. A Glimpse Inside Our Curiosity Rooms Each room at Tiny Toes Hertford — from our Baby Unit (6–18 months) to Preschool (2–5 years) — has been carefully designed to reflect the Curiosity ethos: Wooden and wicker resources instead of bright plastic toys Cosy reading corners with soft lighting and natural fabrics Sensory-rich areas for exploration and discovery Authentic items like kitchen scales, mirrors, and real cups to build life skills Children are encouraged to explore freely, follow their interests, and take the lead in their own learning journey. The Only Curiosity Approach Nursery in Hertford Choosing Tiny Toes Nursery Hertford means choosing a unique early years experience — one that stands apart in our community.As the only setting locally inspired by The Curiosity Approach, we’re proud to offer:   A calm, nurturing environment that feels like home A curriculum focused on independence, imagination, and wonder Educators passionate about inspiring curiosity every day Discover the Difference for Yourself We’d love for you to visit and experience the Curiosity Approach in action. See how our children explore, question, and create in a beautiful, calm environment designed to spark imagination and confidence.   Book your visit today at www.tinytoeshertford.co.uk   Tiny Toes Nursery Hertford — where curiosity leads the way, and every child is inspired to discover, learn, and grow.

Why Keeping Your Child at Nursery Longer Can Be the Best Start for School At Tiny Toes Nursery in Hertford, we often meet parents who wonder whether their child is ready to move on to “big school.” It’s a natural question — every parent wants to give their little one the best possible start.   But sometimes, the best preparation for school isn’t about starting sooner — it’s about giving children more time to develop the skills, confidence, and emotional maturity they’ll need to thrive once they get there.   Here’s why keeping your child at nursery that little bit longer can make a big difference. 1. Emotional Readiness Matters as Much as Academic Skills While children may know their numbers and letters, starting school is a big emotional leap.Nursery provides a smaller, nurturing environment where children build:   Confidence in being away from parents Emotional regulation (sharing, patience, turn-taking) Trusting relationships with familiar adults The ability to manage routines and transitions These “soft skills” are often what teachers say make the biggest difference when children move to Reception. 2. Time to Build Confidence and Independence In our Preschool Room at Tiny Toes Hertford, children learn to dress themselves, serve their own meals, tidy up, and follow group routines.By mastering these everyday skills in a familiar, supportive setting, children gain the independence and self-belief they need for school life — without feeling rushed. A confident, self-assured child finds it far easier to settle into a new environment and embrace learning. 3. Stronger Social and Communication Skills Staying at nursery longer gives children more time to practise:   Making and maintaining friendships Expressing their needs and feelings Working together and problem-solving These are the building blocks for happy, successful school relationships — and they develop best in play-based, smaller group settings like nursery. 4. Continued Learning Through Play At Tiny Toes Nursery Hertford, our curriculum blends the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) with The Curiosity Approach, ensuring children learn through exploration, discovery, and imagination.   Play-based learning builds essential early skills in literacy, numeracy, and critical thinking — all while keeping curiosity and creativity alive.Children who stay longer often make smoother transitions to formal schooling because they’ve built a strong foundation through meaningful, hands-on experiences. 5. Avoiding the “Too Soon” Trap Research shows that some children who start school too early may struggle emotionally or academically later on — not because they’re less intelligent, but because their social and emotional maturity hasn’t fully developed yet.   Giving your child an extra term or even an extra year at nursery allows them to grow in confidence and enjoy childhood at their own pace — without the pressure of sitting still or meeting classroom expectations before they’re ready. 6. The Gift of Time Every child develops differently.At Tiny Toes Hertford, we celebrate each child’s individual journey — not by rushing milestones, but by giving them the time, space, and support to reach them naturally.   Our team works closely with parents to assess readiness, share observations, and ensure the move to “big school” happens when your child is truly ready — emotionally, socially, and developmentally. When They’re Ready, They’ll Shine Children who leave nursery feeling confident, secure, and curious are far more likely to love learning when they start school.And that’s the foundation that lasts a lifetime. Visit Tiny Toes Nursery Hertford If you’re unsure whether your child is ready for the next step, we’re here to help.Come and visit us, meet our experienced team, and see how we nurture happy, independent learners who move on to school when the time is right for them.   Book a visit today at www.tinytoeshertford.co.uk   Tiny Toes Nursery Hertford — giving children the time, confidence, and curiosity to thrive in school and beyond.

Why Independent Nurseries Like Tiny Toes Hertford Offer a More Personal Experience Than Big Chains Choosing the right nursery for your child is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a parent. With so many options available — from national nursery chains to small, family-run settings — it can be difficult to know which is best. At Tiny Toes Nursery in Hertford, we believe that independent nurseries offer something truly special: a personal, family-centred approach that larger corporate chains simply can’t replicate. Here’s why more and more parents are choosing independent nurseries for their children’s early years. 1. A Genuine “Home-from-Home” Environment Independent nurseries like Tiny Toes Hertford are designed to feel warm, calm, and personal — not like a franchise or a classroom.Our setting has a cosy, homely atmosphere, where every child is known by name and every family feels part of a community. In contrast, large chains often have standardised layouts, identical décor, and corporate policies that can make the environment feel less personal and more institutional. 2. Decisions Made with Children — Not Shareholders — in Mind As an independent nursery, our focus is solely on what’s best for the children, not profit targets or head office policies.We have the flexibility to: Adapt quickly to individual children’s needs Introduce new ideas, experiences, and activities that inspire learning Invest directly in our rooms, resources, and staff development At Tiny Toes, every decision — from the meals we serve to the toys we choose — is made with love and intention, not spreadsheets. 3. Consistency and Strong Relationships One of the biggest advantages of an independent nursery is stability. Our team is small, close-knit, and dedicated — which means your child will see the same friendly faces every day. This consistency builds trust, security, and genuine attachment, helping children settle quickly and flourish emotionally. In larger corporate chains, high staff turnover or rotation between sites can make it harder for children to form those deep, reassuring relationships. 4. A Personal Connection with Parents At Tiny Toes Hertford, parents are partners — not just numbers in a database.We take time to build meaningful relationships, offering open communication and tailored updates about your child’s day, progress, and personality. Families know they can speak directly to the nursery owner or manager, not a regional operations team. It’s this personal touch that makes all the difference. 5. Freedom to Be Creative and Individual Unlike big nursery groups that follow strict corporate curriculums, independent nurseries have the freedom to innovate. At Tiny Toes, for example, we’re the only nursery in Hertford inspired by The Curiosity Approach, creating a beautiful, calm, and imaginative space where children learn through exploration and play. Our flexibility means we can evolve with our children — not the other way around. 6. Community Roots and Local Values Being locally owned and operated means we’re deeply connected to the Hertford community.We work with local suppliers, support nearby schools, and get involved in community events. Parents often tell us it feels like an extended family — a place where everyone genuinely cares. In contrast, national chains are often managed from afar, with decisions made by head offices who may never have visited your nursery in person. 7. Every Child Truly Matters For us, your child isn’t just “one of many.”Each child at Tiny Toes has their own story, interests, and pace — and we celebrate that individuality every day. Our small group sizes, flexible routines, and personalised approach mean your child gets the attention, encouragement, and nurturing they deserve. Choosing Independent Means Choosing Heart At the end of the day, the difference between independent and corporate nurseries comes down to one thing: heart.Independent nurseries like Tiny Toes Hertford are run by people who love what they do — not by corporations managing hundreds of sites. We care deeply about every child, every family, and every moment of your little one’s journey. Visit Tiny Toes Nursery Hertford Come and experience the warmth, care, and individuality that make independent nurseries so special.Visit www.tinytoeshertford.co.uk to book a tour and see why so many local families choose Tiny Toes Nursery Hertford — where every child is nurtured to flourish. Tiny Toes Nursery Hertford — independent, family-run, and proudly different.