Children move through the nursery in a way that feels steady and considered. Each room is shaped around their stage of development, with learning experiences that build naturally as they grow. From the youngest babies through to pre-school, the focus is on giving children the right care, challenge and encouragement at the right time, so they feel secure in each stage before taking the next step.
A trusted nursery in the heart of
Crookes and Crosspool
Our Benty Lane nursery has been part of local family life for generations, offering a warm, settled environment where children are known well and supported with care from their earliest days through to school.
Rooms / Age Groups
Rainbow Room
3 months – 14 months
Rainbow Room is a gentle first step into nursery life for our youngest babies. Days are shaped around close relationships with familiar adults, giving children the security they need to begin exploring the world around them. Babies are supported through calm care routines, sensory play, songs, stories, tummy time and early movement, with every interaction helping them feel settled and understood. As they grow in confidence, they begin to notice new sounds, textures and faces, building the early foundations for curiosity and trust
Garden Room
15 months – 18 months
Garden Room is where children begin to find their feet in nursery life. With gentle support from familiar adults, they start to move with more confidence, make simple choices and show more of their own personality each day. The room gives children time to explore at their own pace, whether they are joining in with a favourite song, investigating something new outdoors or using early words to share what they need. It is a steady space that helps children feel capable as they become more independent.
Nursery Classes
18 months – 2 ½ years
Our Nursery Classes are for children who are starting to take up more space in the world. At this stage, they are using more language, showing stronger preferences and becoming more involved in the rhythm of the nursery day. The team supports this growing confidence through playful learning that follows children’s interests, with enough structure to help them feel secure. It is a lively stage of nursery life, full of small discoveries that help children understand what they can do for themselves.
Pre School -Blue, Yellow, Red & Green Rooms
2 ½ years to 4 years
Pre-School at Benty Lane is thoughtfully structured across our Blue, Yellow, Red and Green Rooms, giving children a steady journey towards school rather than a sudden jump. Each room builds on the stage before it, with children taking on more independence as their confidence grows. The team supports early language, problem-solving, physical development and social understanding through practical experiences that feel meaningful to children. As they move through pre-school, they begin to manage more for themselves, take part in richer conversations and approach new challenges with greater confidence, so the transition to school feels like a natural next step.
Meet the Team
Stacey Darby
Operations Manager
Stacey has been part of the Old School House family since 1999. She holds a BA (Hons) in History with QTS, Early Years Professional Status, and advanced training in safeguarding, quality assurance and mental health first aid. "I love knowing that I make a difference in the care and education of our children," she says, "and in supporting their families."
Stacey Hudson
Deputy Manager of Operations
Stacey joined OSH in 2001 and is a Level 3 qualified Nursery Nurse with playwork and safeguarding qualifications, currently training as an assessor and internal quality assurer. "Working in early years offers the opportunity to support each child in their learning journey," she says. "No two days are the same, and I love learning new things about our children and families."
Anna Roebuck
Deputy Manager
Anna has been with Old School House for 16 years and holds a Foundation Degree in Early Years alongside her NVQ Level 3, assessing and SENCo qualifications. "I'm passionate about supporting children's individual needs, helping them learn and grow, and making a positive impact on their development," she says.
Sam Spooner
Deputy Manager
Sam has worked in childcare since leaving college, spending 21 of those years at Old School House, and holds Level 2 and 3 qualifications in Childcare and Education alongside an assessor qualification. "I find it truly rewarding to support children's learning, growth and development," she says.
Carly Holmes
Senior Nursery Nurse
Carly joined Old School House in 2005 and is a Level 3 qualified Nursery Nurse. She works predominantly in the Rainbow Room, where she loves helping both children and parents settle into their nursery journey together.
Lily Statham
Senior Nursery Nurse
Lily has spent 12 years working and training at Old School House, gaining Level 2 and 3 childcare qualifications, a Forest School qualification, and is currently training as an assessor. She loves observing each child's development throughout their nursery journey, being creative, and helping children build confidence in themselves. "Planning something new and different every day, and building relationships along the way, is what makes this job so special," she says.
Briony Davis
Senior Nursery Nurse
Briony has been with Old School House for nearly 13 years, having joined the team at just 16 years old, and holds Level 2 and 3 childcare qualifications. "What I love about working in childcare is being able to support children as they learn and build confidence," she says. "I enjoy creating a safe and positive environment where children feel encouraged to explore and develop. It's so rewarding to make a positive impact and be part of their early experiences and achievements."
Nicole Allen
Early Years Teacher
Nicole Allen has worked in childcare for around 5 years, 3 of those at Old School House, and holds a BA Hons in Primary Education (5-11) with a recommendation for QTS. She loves working in childcare, finding it a truly rewarding job. "I strive to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all children," she says.
Stacey Sherwin-Booth
Senior Nursery Nurse
Stacey has worked at Old School House for 20 years and holds Level 2 and 3 qualifications in Childcare, alongside Level 3 qualifications in Forest School and SENCO. "I enjoy helping children learn, grow and thrive in a safe and nurturing environment," she says.