At Endcliffe, children move through the nursery in a way that feels calm and considered. Each room supports a different stage of early development, helping children build confidence before moving on. The youngest babies begin with close, responsive care, while older children are gradually encouraged to take more ownership of their learning as they get ready for school. It gives families a clear sense of progression, without making childhood feel hurried.
Funded Childcare in the Heart of Endcliffe
Set close to Endcliffe Park and Sheffield Botanical Gardens, our Endcliffe nursery offers a calm, familiar place for children to begin nursery life, with thoughtful care shaped around each stage of their early years.
Rooms / Age Groups
Rainbow Room
3 – 15 months
Rainbow Room gives babies a gentle and secure start to nursery life. The days are shaped around warm, responsive care from familiar staff, helping each child feel safe enough to begin exploring in their own time. Babies are supported through sensory experiences, songs, stories, outdoor moments and early movement, with routines adapted around their individual needs. Every sound, smile and small attempt to communicate is noticed, helping children build trust as they take their first steps into the wider world.
Garden Room
16 months – 2 years
Garden Room is a busy little stage of nursery life, where children begin to test out what they can do for themselves. The team supports them through the everyday moments that matter at this age, from finding the words to ask for help to joining in with simple routines. There is plenty of time for practical play, movement and early friendship, giving children the reassurance they still need while their independence starts to grow.
Pre School – Blue, Yellow & Red Rooms
2 years – 4 years
Blue, Yellow and Red Rooms guide children through the later stages of nursery at a pace that feels considered. In Blue and Yellow Rooms, children begin to use language with more confidence, take part in longer play and become more aware of the people around them. As they move into Red Room, the focus shifts towards school readiness in a way that still feels rooted in nursery life. Children are encouraged to think more deeply, manage more for themselves and approach new experiences with growing confidence, supported by adults who understand when to step in and when to let them try.
Meet the Team
Helen Thompson
Nursery Manager
Helen has worked in childcare for 20 years, 19 of them with Old School House, and holds Level 4 Advanced Practitioner status alongside SENCo, assessor and designated safeguarding qualifications. She particularly loves helping shape the foundations of the baby room and watching our littlest children grow throughout their time with the nursery. "Having an impact on the children's development, and seeing them achieve their milestones and lightbulb moments, means everything to me," she says. "I love forming positive relationships with children and families and having fun along the way."
Becky Samwell
Nursery Manager
With 33 years in childcare, 31 of them at Old School House, Becky brings a wealth of experience, along with her NNEB and playwork qualifications, to everything she does. "I love building relationships with the children and parents, and seeing children grow in confidence and development," she says. "Every day is different."
Catherine Gregory
Deputy Nursery Manager
Catherine has been with the nursery for 22 years, holding a Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education alongside SENCo and Forest School qualifications. She has a particular passion for working with SEND children, supporting them to meet their targets and milestones. "Every day is different," she says. "I love seeing the children grow and tackle new skills."
Jess Worsley
Early Years Teacher
Jessica has nearly 7 years' experience in childcare, including 3 years teaching, and holds a BA (Hons) in Working with Children, Young People and Families alongside a PGCE with QTS. "Every day is different," she says. "I really enjoy seeing the progress and development that happens along the way."