Toddler Care in Dagenham, Safe, Warm & Play-Based from 18 Months
Trinity Playcentre offers warm, nurturing day care for toddlers aged 18 months to 2 years in the heart of Dagenham Village. Small groups, gentle routines, free outdoor play, and a team who truly love this age.
- 👶 From 18 months
- 🏫 Ofsted rated Good
- 👩👦 3:1 staff ratio
- 🌳 Outdoor garden
- 😴 Rest time available
A Safe, Nurturing Space for Your Child's Very First Steps in Childcare
We know how big a step it is to leave your toddler in someone else's care for the first time. At Trinity Playcentre, we have built our toddler sessions specifically around the needs of children aged 18 months to 2 years, small, intimate groups with a consistent, gentle team who get to know your child deeply.
We operate with a 3:1 staff-to-child ratio and a maximum of 10 children per session, meaning every toddler at Trinity receives close individual attention in a calm, unhurried environment.
- Small group, maximum 10 children per session
- One qualified member of staff for every 3 toddlers
- Warm welcome and free play to help toddlers settle
- Indoor and outdoor garden access every session
- Free healthy snacks provided daily
- Quiet rest area for children who need a nap
- Daily updates for parents via the Blossom app
- All staff DBS-checked and paediatric first aid trained
What a Toddler Session at Trinity Looks Like
Every morning is designed to feel safe, predictable, and full of discovery, exactly what toddlers need to thrive.
Warm Welcome & Free Play
Your child is greeted by their key person as soon as they arrive. Free play begins immediately, toddlers choose from building blocks, puzzles, creative play, and sensory activities. This self-directed start helps them settle at their own pace without pressure.
Group Time, Circle, Songs & Stories
Children come together for guided group activities: circle time, singing songs, listening to stories, and simple learning experiences designed for this age group. These activities support language development, listening skills, and early social confidence.
Outdoor Play & Physical Activity
Toddlers access our outdoor garden every session for physical development, nature exploration, and the kind of active play that indoor spaces can't offer. Fresh air, movement, and outdoor learning are part of every day at Trinity.
Healthy Snack Time
A free, nutritious snack is provided to all children. This is also a gentle social moment, sitting together, sharing, and talking. Children bring their own hot or cold meal from home, giving families full control over what their toddler eats.
Rest & Quiet Time
Toddlers who need a nap during their session have access to a quiet, comfortable sleeping area. We respect each child's individual rest needs and work with families to support consistent routines where possible.
Continued Play-Based Exploration
After snack, children return to exploring, through role play, creative arts, messy play, and investigative activities. Our practitioners observe and gently extend each child's learning, noting milestones and sharing highlights via the Blossom app.
How We Support Your Toddler's Development
Everything we do at Trinity is shaped by the EYFS framework. For children aged 18 months to 2 years, we focus especially on the three Prime Areas of learning.
Communication & Language
Songs, stories, rhymes, and one-to-one conversations throughout play build your toddler's vocabulary, listening skills, and confidence to express themselves. Our practitioners model clear language and respond warmly to every sound and word.
Personal, Social & Emotional Development
Learning to separate from parents, forming attachments with trusted adults, and beginning to play alongside other children, these are huge achievements at this age. Our settling-in process and consistent key person approach support every step.
Physical Development
Climbing, crawling, running, building, pouring, threading, every session includes opportunities for both fine and gross motor development. Our outdoor garden and indoor resources are chosen specifically to challenge and support toddlers at this stage.
Expressive Arts & Design
Finger painting, music, sensory play, and imaginative role play, creative activities are woven throughout every toddler session to develop self-expression and early creative thinking.
Early Mathematics
Counting steps, sorting shapes, comparing sizes, toddlers begin to notice the world mathematically through everyday play. Our practitioners introduce these concepts naturally, without pressure or worksheets.
Understanding the World
Planting seeds in the garden, exploring water, watching bugs, looking at family photos, toddlers are natural scientists. We nurture this curiosity every day, celebrating every discovery however small.
Starting Childcare for the Very First Time
We take the settling-in process for toddlers especially seriously. This is often the first time a child has been away from home, for them and for you.
Home or Virtual Visit
Before your child starts, we come to you. Getting to know your toddler in their own environment helps us understand their needs, preferences, and routines before day one.
Stay & Play Sessions
Parents are warmly invited to stay for as long as their toddler needs during early sessions, days, not hours if necessary. We follow the child's pace, never yours or ours.
Key Person Relationship
Every child is assigned a key person, a named practitioner who builds a close relationship with your toddler and becomes their trusted adult at Trinity. This consistency is fundamental at this age.
Daily Blossom Updates
During the settling-in period and beyond, our team shares photos, observations, and messages via the Blossom app so you always know how your child is getting on, even when you can't be there.
Rest, Food & Wellbeing
Rest & Sleep Provision
Toddlers have very individual rest needs, and we respect that. Children who need a nap during their session have access to a quiet, comfortable sleeping area. We work with parents during settling-in to understand each child's sleep patterns and support consistent routines wherever possible.
Please let us know your child's usual nap schedule when you register so we can plan their session around their natural rhythm.
Food & Snacks
- Free, healthy snacks provided every session for all children
- Children bring their own hot or cold meal from home
- Home meals give families full control over nutrition, portions, and cultural food choices
- Allergen and dietary information gathered at registration
- Children with allergies may bring their own snacks from home
- Snack time is a social occasion, seated together, talking, sharing
Toddler Day Care Sessions & Pricing
We offer half day and full day sessions. Government-funded hours are not available for children under 2, but become available from your child's 2nd birthday.
| Session | Times | Rate (12–23 months) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Half Day | 9:00am – 12:00pm | £36–£45 | Free snack included |
| Half Day | 12:30pm – 3:00pm | £36–£45 | Free snack included · bring lunch |
| Full Day | 9:00am – 2:00pm | £72–£90 | Free snack included · bring lunch |
| Full Day | 9:00am – 3:00pm | £72–£90 | Free snack included · bring lunch |
| Additional hours | Flexible | £15 / hour | For hours beyond your session block |
Once your child turns 2, eligible families can access up to 15 free funded hours per week. Trinity will help you check and apply. Learn about funded childcare →
What Parents Say About Trinity
Families across Dagenham, Becontree, Barking, and beyond trust Trinity Playcentre with their children's earliest years.
"All three of my kids go to Trinity Playcentre and they absolutely love it. The staff is amazing and caring, and the environment is so welcoming. My kids are always excited to go to school!"
"The team at Trinity Playcentre is incredible. My son has learned so much, and I feel confident knowing he's in such good hands. The daily updates via the app are also a great touch."
"Trinity Playcentre has been fantastic for my daughter. The activities are fun, and she's made so much progress in her learning. I'm so happy with the care and attention she receives."
Questions About Toddler Care at Trinity
Everything parents of toddlers most commonly ask us before their child starts.
What age can my child start at Trinity Playcentre?
What is your staff-to-child ratio for toddlers?
Is sleep or rest time available during sessions?
What does a typical morning look like?
Do I need to provide food or meals?
How do you help my toddler settle in?
How much does toddler day care cost?
When can my child access funded hours?
Ready to Secure Your Toddler's Place?
Register today and we'll be in touch within one working day to discuss your child's needs, confirm availability, and arrange a visit at a time that suits you.
Questions? Call 0208 592 4768 · WhatsApp us
