Early Learners Nursery

A community hall remade for children's play gives Early Learners Nursery its character: in May 2022, staff arranged the space each day around children's interests and developing abilities. This is a setting whose strongest detail lies in everyday relationships rather than a list of facilities.

Ofsted rated the nursery Good on 4 May 2022. Today, it has capacity for 32 children aged 24 to 60 months, at 23A Watford Road, Cotteridge, B30 1JB.

In May 2022, children explored growing fruit and vegetables, then talked about what they had learned. Activities were revisited, giving children another chance to develop ideas rather than moving straight to something new. Older children explained their drawings and persisted with tasks.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care. Here, the May 2022 examples included stories, singing, physical movement and opportunities to make choices in play: practical ways to develop language, coordination and independence.

The wake up and shake up activity involved movement to music. In May 2022, younger children copied older ones, practising direction and awareness of the space around them. Older children also demonstrated how to follow boundaries and handle disagreements.

There were weaknesses alongside these experiences. In May 2022, some younger children became restless during lengthy waits between activities, and planned story and singing sessions did not consistently hold their attention. Improving learning during these pauses and adapting activities for the youngest children were the two priorities for improvement.

At its May 2022 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and gave strong praise to support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), including prompt identification of learning needs and help from other agencies. That combination matters for families whose child needs support beyond the usual daily routine.

In May 2022, the SEND coordinator worked with parents to obtain targeted help. Emotion cards gave children a way to discuss feelings, while staff supported toileting, handwashing and toothbrushing. These were concrete opportunities to practise managing personal needs.

Parents knew their child's key person in May 2022 and received information about development, alongside ideas for continuing learning at home. Staff's warm interactions helped children settle, and friendships formed part of their daily experience.

The nursery opens Monday to Friday, from 8am to 4pm during term time, and closes for school holidays. That calendar is a significant consideration for families needing childcare throughout the year.

In May 2022, the nursery offered funded early education and fee-paying care for children aged two, three and four. These are dated attendance arrangements, rather than a promise of a particular funded place today.

• Term-time calendar. School holidays are closure periods. Families needing year-round childcare must plan around that break in attendance.
• The youngest children's day. In May 2022, waiting between activities and engagement in planned sessions needed improvement. A visit should explore how staff now organise these moments.
• Funding arrangements. Funded early education formed part of the May 2022 offer. Which current funded attendance pattern and associated charges would apply to your child?

Early Learners Nursery suits families seeking term-time childcare for children aged 24 to 60 months. In May 2022, children practised personal care, grew fruit and vegetables, and parents received development updates, although the youngest children's engagement needed improvement. The holiday calendar deserves equal weight in the decision.