Little Scribblers

Balance bicycles, scooters and a gentle outdoor slope gave Little Scribblers a clear outdoor character in April 2023. Physical play brought opportunities to practise balance and judge space, rather than simply burn off energy.

Little Scribblers has capacity for 16 children aged 18 to 60 months at the 21st Bath Scout Site, Charlcombe Lane, Bath. At its April 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good and found safeguarding effective.

In April 2023, outdoor provision shaped the day, with indoor space used for eating, sleeping and toileting. That distinction matters: outdoor learning was the main arrangement, rather than an occasional addition to an indoor day.

The early years foundation stage provides the framework for children's learning, development and care. Here, April 2023 examples included counting games with dice and cubes, conversations about family life and dancing together. Staff adjusted number games to individual understanding, while movement sessions gave younger children support to join in. These were practical ways to combine language, early mathematics and physical development through play.

In April 2023, staff used information about children's interests to help them settle, including choosing familiar stories. Conversations about people important to each child also gave them reasons to talk and listen.

At the April 2023 inspection, Ofsted found that staff worked closely with families, professionals and other settings to support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, with extra staffing and resources benefiting children receiving funding.

April 2023 mealtimes included healthy lunches and snacks, with adults eating alongside children. However, younger children's care needed more responsive support and better opportunities to do things independently; leaders also needed to assess more carefully whether staff training addressed gaps in practice.

The address is 21st Bath Scout Site, Charlcombe Lane, Bath, BA1 6NS. Opening hours are 7.45am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, across the year, with closures for bank holidays and Christmas.

In April 2023, funded early education was offered for children aged two, three and four. This is a dated account of participation, rather than a promise of a funded place today.

• Younger children's mealtimes. April 2023 care routines needed improvement. During a visit, ask how staff now balance practical help with opportunities for children to manage eating independently.
• Staff development. In April 2023, training was not consistently evaluated for its effect on practice. Ask how leaders now check that learning translates into better care.
• Outdoor attendance. Outdoor provision dominated the April 2023 day, with indoor space serving particular routines. How is the day organised now, including during difficult weather?

Little Scribblers merits consideration for families drawn to outdoor play and a small overall capacity. Its April 2023 account offers concrete examples of active learning and personal relationships, alongside specific weaknesses in younger children's care and training evaluation. Those points deserve attention when assessing how the nursery would suit a particular child.