Blue Elephant Nursery

In May 2024, a sensory room gave children somewhere quieter to settle before joining the main room: a practical detail that captures Blue Elephant Nursery’s inspection-time attention to emotions as well as learning. At its May 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good and found safeguarding effective.

Based in Tyseley, Birmingham, the nursery has capacity for 31 children and accepts children aged two to five. Its inspection-time curriculum placed language development and sensory experiences together, helping children connect communication with their understanding of the world.

In May 2024, sensory activities were central to the nursery day. The early years foundation stage is the framework for children’s learning, development and care; here, the inspection-time day included communication practice, exploration and routines that helped children become more independent.

Preschool children practised sustaining their attention and doing more for themselves. Planned language sessions were adapted to individual children’s communication needs, giving them ways to express what they wanted. Staff also used books to develop early language skills.

The indoor preschool environment was the important limitation. In May 2024, its organisation did not give children enough challenge when they played independently of adults. Children were interested in playing together, but the resources and layout needed to do more of the teaching work.

At the May 2024 inspection, Ofsted found that staff tracked development and arranged targeted help, including referrals to outside professionals for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

In May 2024, the key person arrangements included exchanging information about children’s achievements when responsibility passed to another practitioner. Parents received progress updates and guidance to support learning at home. That information exchange gave a new key person a starting point for understanding the child.

Emotional support had concrete forms. In May 2024, younger children learnt words for feelings, while older children practised breathing techniques to manage them; the sensory room offered a quieter setting for settling. Staff also explained everyday safety rules, including why children needed to sit while eating.

The address is 636 Warwick Road, Tyseley, Birmingham B11 2HJ. Current opening hours are 9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday, during term time, with closure in school holidays. This calendar matters for families whose working year continues through the holidays.

In May 2024, parents supplied lunch boxes, with staff providing guidance on nutritious choices and preparing food safely to reduce choking risks. Food education also covered oral hygiene and limiting sugary drinks and foods.

The nursery received funding for early education for two-, three- and four-year-olds in May 2024.

• Independent preschool play. The May 2024 improvement point concerned indoor challenge. On a visit, look at how the preschool layout and resources extend children’s learning when an adult is not directing the activity.
• Term-time calendar. School holidays are closure periods. Families needing childcare throughout the year must account for those breaks.
• Funded attendance. Funding supported early education in May 2024. Which funded attendance arrangements and associated charges would apply to your child now?

Blue Elephant Nursery suits families seeking term-time childcare, with language development and emotional support prominent in its May 2024 nursery day. The sensory room and practical strategies for managing feelings give that account substance. Preschool children’s independent learning deserves close attention when assessing the setting.