Al-Madina Nursery, Sparkhill

A model mosque for Eid and food collections for a local foodbank gave children concrete ways to explore faith and kindness in April 2022. These small, purposeful experiences give Al-Madina Nursery, Sparkhill its character: learning connected to children's lives.

At its April 2022 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good and found that children settled comfortably, formed close relationships with their key person and made good learning progress. The nursery has capacity for 50 children; those attending in April 2022 were aged two to four.

In April 2022, children's interests and next learning steps shaped activities. The early years foundation stage, the required framework for children's learning and care, linked play with development: counting scoops into a bucket supported mathematics, while marks made with sticks in sand helped younger children practise early writing. Older children wrote their names when signing in.

Physical play had a practical indoor base. In April 2022, an activity room accommodated climbing and sliding on soft play blocks, yoga stretches and hoops. There was no dedicated outdoor play space at that time; outings took children to a community play area and shops to buy fruit. Indoor movement and trips therefore mattered to the day's balance.

Eid activities included learning to take off shoes before using the model mosque. Foodbank donations introduced helping others through something children could do themselves.

At the April 2022 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and SEND support good, including individual time with staff and work with professionals on children's targets. This connected specialist advice with everyday care.

In April 2022, staff learnt words from children's home languages to help communication. Emotion cards gave children a way to express feelings, while visual cards showing the present and following activity helped them understand routines and make choices.

Snack time brought children together with their key person over fruit, milk or water. In April 2022, older children practised peeling fruit and pouring drinks, but staff did not always encourage younger children to tackle tasks within their abilities. More opportunities for their independence were needed.

Communication in April 2022 included conversations, newsletters, parent workshops and online sharing of learning from home. Mother's Day activities also involved parents, making participation part of the relationship rather than relying solely on updates.

The address is Medina Nurseries, 68 Shakespeare Street, Birmingham B11 4SB.

In April 2022, attendance was term-time only, Monday to Friday, with morning sessions from 8.30am to 11.30am and afternoon sessions from 12.15pm to 3.15pm. These were separate session patterns, rather than a continuous day. At that time, the nursery received funding for free early education for children aged two, three and four.

• Indoor physical play. In April 2022, movement centred on the activity room and community outings. At a visit, how does the current balance of indoor and outdoor play work across a session?
• Younger children's independence. In April 2022, staff did not always encourage younger children to tackle tasks within their abilities. Opportunities to handle manageable tasks deserve attention alongside comfort and help.
• Purpose behind activities. In April 2022, staff needed greater clarity about the skills and knowledge intended through some experiences. Enjoyable activities matter, but so does a clear learning purpose.

The April 2022 picture points to a good fit for families seeking either morning or afternoon term-time sessions, with learning connected to children's everyday experiences. That dated picture combines personal relationships, practical learning and community experiences. The important reservations concern younger children's independence and staff clarity about what activities should teach.