Otters Nursery School

Music, growing independence and garden play give Otters Nursery School in Cliddesden its character. In July 2025, babies chose songs and explored instruments, while older children gathered materials outdoors to make mud pies together. These experiences put communication and cooperation into everyday play.

At its July 2025 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good, found safeguarding effective and judged that children were making good progress overall. Otters has capacity for 56 children, with an accepted age range of 3 to 60 months.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for learning, development and care: children build language, movement and social skills through play and everyday routines.

In July 2025, books, songs, visual prompts and simple signing supported communication. Comfortable reading areas gave children somewhere to explore familiar stories, independently or alongside friends. Staff introduced vocabulary through ordinary conversations, making language part of the day rather than a separate activity.

Outdoor play brought opportunities to experiment with movement. In July 2025, older children practised balance and coordination through tree climbing; toddlers practised jumping and caught bubbles. Younger children had fewer opportunities to develop their physical skills, however. Staff also sometimes missed chances to take children's spontaneous interests further, leaving some play less challenging than it could have been.

In July 2025, children had close relationships with staff and were comfortable with familiar routines. Quiet corners and sand timers helped them manage feelings, while adults encouraged children to recognise emotions and resolve disagreements. The emphasis was practical: sharing, taking turns and learning how to respond to one another.

Self-care was another thread. In July 2025, toddlers cleaned their faces after lunch and disposed of used tissues; children could get drinking water independently. Staff understood their key children's development and shared progress with parents, but communication did not consistently explain individual learning goals or how families could help at home. That distinction matters: a progress update is more useful when it leads to a clear next step.

Otters Nursery School is on Farleigh Road, Cliddesden, Basingstoke, RG25 2JS. Opening hours are 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, across the year, with closures for bank holidays and Christmas.

In July 2025, the nursery provided funded early education for children.

• Younger children's movement. July 2025 findings called for broader physical experiences for younger children. On a visit, ask how their opportunities to move and practise new skills have developed.
• Following children's interests. In July 2025, staff did not consistently extend spontaneous curiosity. Ask for an example of how a child's recent interest shaped subsequent play.
• Learning updates for families. July 2025 communication did not consistently include individual next steps or guidance for home. Ask to see how these are now shared.

Otters suits families who value play, growing independence and relationships with familiar adults. The July 2025 picture combines music, language and outdoor exploration with three clear priorities: extending spontaneous learning, broadening younger children's movement and making parent updates more actionable. Its weekday opening window also supports families needing care across the working day.