Serendipity Nursery II

In July 2024, children at Serendipity Nursery II balanced scales together, chatted in their home languages and helped check the garden for hazards: learning involved both independent thinking and cooperation. At its July 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Outstanding, finding exceptional progress and effective safeguarding.

Based at The Basildon Upper Academy in Basildon, it has capacity for 60 children aged one month to five years. That is the whole nursery's capacity, rather than the size of an individual group.

In July 2024, learning followed a deliberate sequence, with activities extending children's existing understanding. The early years foundation stage provides the framework for learning, development and care; here, play brought language, exploration and problem-solving together.

The scales activity made that practical: children adjusted weights together until the sides balanced. Younger children explored a water tray, while toddlers were enthusiastic about going outdoors. These examples give parents a concrete picture of learning through experimentation rather than simply completing adult-directed tasks.

Language had space to develop. Staff described children's play, demonstrated conversation and paused for answers. Children also used their home languages with friends, making their existing language knowledge part of nursery life.

At the July 2024 inspection, Ofsted found that children with special educational needs and/or disabilities made excellent progress through individual support, with parents and professionals involved in reviewing their next learning steps.

In July 2024, staff knew their key children closely and adjusted their teaching accordingly. Gentle guidance helped children manage emotions, share equipment and resolve difficulties together. Daily garden checks involved children in recognising hazards, giving safety a practical place in their day.

Support extended to the adults. Management adapted mentoring to individual staff members and produced topic booklets to support their practice. Parent feedback during that month highlighted communication about children's development and support reaching beyond the child to the wider family.

The address is The Basildon Upper Academy, Wickford Avenue, Basildon, SS13 3HL. Current opening hours are 7am to 7pm on weekdays, with closures over Christmas and on bank holidays.

In July 2024, the nursery operated for 51 weeks annually and provided funded early education for children aged two, three and four. Those details describe the arrangements at that time.

• Attendance planning. The weekday opening window spans 7am to 7pm. At a visit, ask which current booking patterns and funded arrangements would fit your family's routine.
• Support shaped around the child. In July 2024, parents and professionals helped review children's next learning steps. This is a useful starting point for discussing how your child's communication and support needs would shape their day.

Serendipity Nursery II suits families who value play with a clear learning purpose and attention to children's individual communication. Its July 2024 examples are persuasive: balancing weights, allowing time for answers and involving children in garden safety all connect everyday experiences with growing independence. The Outstanding judgement adds weight to that picture, while the inspection date keeps it in perspective.