Little Crickets Nursery welcomes children from 6 months old into a caring, creative, and inspiring early‑years environment.
Our nursery is a place where curiosity is encouraged, confidence begins to grow, and every child is supported to explore the world at their own pace.
Warm, family-focused approach
At Little Crickets Nursery, our team is led by our experienced Nursery Manager, Judith Dixon, who has worked in Early Years education for over 25 years and brings a warm, family-focused approach to every aspect of nursery life.
Judith is passionate about creating a nurturing, engaging environment where every child can thrive. What sets Little Crickets apart is our highly qualified staff, many of whom hold degrees or Qualified Teacher Status, and our commitment to building strong, trusting relationships with families. This ensures every child feels supported, valued, and excited to learn.
Nurturing, learning, and thriving
The Nursery welcomes children from 6 months to 4 years, offering a caring and stimulating environment across our Baby, Toddler and Pre-School rooms. Each space is designed to support children as they grow, learn and develop through every stage of early childhood.
With opening hours from 8.00am to 5.30pm, we provide a flexible and supportive setting for families, ensuring every child enjoys a safe, happy and enriching nursery experience throughout the day.
About the Nursery
Little Crickets Nursery is located within Argyle House School in Sunderland and offers a warm, stimulating environment where young children can learn, play, and grow. Our indoor rooms are thoughtfully designed with ageappropriate resources, while our secure outdoor areas encourage exploration and physical development.
We follow a childcentred curriculum that supports the seven areas of learning within the EYFS framework, combining structured activities with opportunities for free play. Our aim is to nurture confident, curious, and independent learners while laying strong foundations for future school life.
Age Rooms
At Little Crickets Nursery, children progress through each room at a pace that suits their development; Baby, Toddler, and Pre-School. Our team ensures smooth transitions, consistent routines, and tailored support so children feel secure and excited as they move forward. We work closely with families to celebrate every milestone and help each child grow with confidence and curiosity.
Baby Room – 6 months +
Our Baby Room offers a calm, nurturing environment for children aged 6 months to 2 years. Staff follow each child’s individual routine, helping them feel settled and secure. Babies enjoy a variety of sensory experiences, early physical activities, and gentle outdoor play. The room is designed to encourage safe, independent exploration, with plenty of opportunities for cosy moments and close attachments.
Toddler Room – 2-3 years
The Toddler Room supports children aged 2–3 years as they gain confidence, independence, and early communication skills. Playbased learning includes messy play, music, movement, and active use of both indoor and outdoor spaces. With consistent routines and lots of encouragement, toddlers are supported to follow their interests and grow at their own pace.
Pre-School Room – 3 years-Reception
The Pre-School Room provides an engaging, enriching environment for 3–4yearolds. Children take part in a blend of play-based learning and early structured activities, including early maths, literacy, and problemsolving. Resources and equipment are carefully chosen to build independence and prepare children for Reception. As part of this transition, our team works closely with families to ensure every child feels confident and ready for the next step.
Communication
We believe strong relationships with parents and carers are key to each child’s success.
At Little Crickets Nursery, we maintain open communication and regularly share updates and photos through Blossom, giving families a window into their child’s day.
The Nursery Community
Parents are invited to join us for stay-and-play sessions, coffee mornings, and other events throughout the year, helping you feel part of nursery life.
Our team meets regularly with families to discuss each child’s progress, celebrate achievements, and agree next steps in their development.
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