our rooms

A home with many possibilities

Each space at Raith House has its own character and purpose, offering children different ways to experience the life of our home.

Your child will have a home base suited to their age and stage, where their day begins with familiar educators. Older children will also explore the purposeful spaces in small groups, with educators supporting their discoveries and the gentle rhythm of the day.

The feeling of home

We’re working with the character of Raith House, bringing old and new together in spaces that invite children to settle in and become involved.

Our covered wraparound verandas extend the life of the house into the fresh air. Indoors and outdoors are closely connected, with separate outdoor areas for different age groups and opportunities to notice the gardens, weather and changing seasons.

The Nest

I am held | Ages 0–2

The Nest is a nurturing space for our youngest children, where feeding, sleeping, care and play unfold around each baby’s individual rhythm. We take time to talk, listen and respond to their expressions and gestures, building trust through being close and attentive.

There is space to stretch, roll, reach and discover, with thoughtfully chosen materials and an educator nearby to share in the wonder. Fresh air and changing light on the sheltered veranda bring gentle connections with the world outside.

We work closely with you, learning from the people who know your baby best, so familiar comforts can become part of their day here.

  • A nest is carefully made a place of shelter, closeness and gentle beginnings.

    That feeling guided us as we imagined this space within Raith House. Every detail is chosen with our youngest children in mind: somewhere to be held, become familiar with the world and begin discovering it, with trusted people close by.

    The Nest holds a simple wish for every baby who joins us: to feel known, safe and ready to explore.

The Nook

I feel safe to explore | Ages 0–2

The Nook makes room for these small adventures.

Soft light, cosy places and thoughtfully chosen materials invite our youngest children to follow their curiosity. There is time to reach, crawl, carry and investigate, with educators close by to notice their discoveries, offer reassurance and gently support the next possibility.

Here, growing independence begins in ordinary moments: choosing a book, finding a familiar toy or helping put something back where it belongs. Each child is supported at their own pace, with comfort and connection always within reach.

Alongside The Nest, The Nook forms a dedicated part of our home for babies, a place to explore, settle and feel that they belong.

  • A nook is a little place within a home that invites you to settle in. Somewhere to curl up with a book, sit close to someone you trust, or watch for a while before joining in.

    We chose this name for the comfort of having a place to return to as the world opens up around you.

    For our youngest children, discovery and reassurance belong together. A familiar face nearby, a cuddle to return to, and time to try things for themselves as they inch a little closer towards independence.

    The Nook makes room for it all.

The Parlour

My voice matters | Ages 2-3

Nina’s Parlour is a place for music, conversation and shared imagination.

Educators listen to the many ways children communicate: a word, a gesture, an expression or an idea acted out in play. They respond with interest, help children find words for what they mean and make space for each child to be heard.

Stories invite children to join a repeated phrase, wonder what happens next or bring a character to life. Music offers opportunities to explore sounds, move together and discover the pleasure of a song shared with others.

We’re also making space for musicians and storytellers from our community to share what they love, inviting children to listen, watch and join in their own way.

There is room for song and laughter, a quiet book shared side by side, or watching until you feel ready. Every child has something to express, and someone here who wants to understand.

  • A parlour was a room for welcoming company—a place where people gathered for conversation, music and stories.

    Our parlour carries Nina’s name, honouring Wilhelmina “Nina” Gore, whose life forms part of the house’s early story.

    As we imagine music and gatherings returning to this space, we’re making room for children to bring their own stories, songs and ideas. A tune at the piano. A familiar story brought to life through play. A story everyone helps to tell.

    Nina’s Parlour connects the house’s past with the voices that will fill it next.

The Workshop

I can do it | Ages 2-3

The Workshop makes room for the discoveries that come from having a go.

Here, children fill, stack, connect, build and investigate, exploring thoughtfully chosen materials with their hands and their growing ideas. A box might need a lid, a construction might need a wider base, or something on wheels might need a little help to move.

Educators stay close, showing how something works, helping children use materials and carefully selected tools safely, and giving them time to try for themselves. They notice when to offer a hand and when a child is ready to manage the next small step.

Children help choose what they need and return things to their places. Creations can be kept to revisit, ready for another idea tomorrow.

From a first successful fit to something made together, The Workshop nurtures the confidence of discovering, “I can do it”—with someone beside you when you need them.

  • A workshop is a place where things are made, mended and understood by getting your hands involved.

    We chose this name for the pleasure of useful work: figuring out how something fits together, learning to handle a tool with care, and making something you can use or share.

    Imagine a child returning to something they began yesterday, recognising their work and reaching for another piece to add. An educator is nearby, ready to help, while the child’s own ideas lead them forward.

    The Workshop makes room for that growing sense of capability and the moment a child steps back and says, “I made that.”