Grapevine Day Nursery

Stories chosen independently, pretend ice cream built from bricks and patient turns on a tricycle give Grapevine Day Nursery a recognisable character in its November 2022 account. Play and relationships shared the emphasis. At its 7 November 2022 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good and judged safeguarding effective.

The nursery is at 56 Holyhead Road, Birmingham, B21 0LH, and accepts children aged 0 to 60 months. The dated observations below describe its November 2022 practice.

In November 2022, younger children selected books for themselves, while older children brought visitors into their play. Bricks became pretend ice cream; dolls were washed in a baby bath. These examples show children making choices and using familiar experiences as material for imaginative play.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care. In everyday language, it connects what children learn with how they are cared for: stories, conversation, play and everyday routines all have a part.

During November 2022, staff used songs, rhymes and frequent storytelling to encourage communication. Outside, children practised steering tricycles around the space and kicking a football towards a target. Physical play was established, but the improvement priorities called for more learning opportunities outdoors and sharper intentions for activities, with greater challenge for children.

In November 2022, the key-person arrangement centred on staff getting to know children and their parents. Familiar adults offered comfort and affection, while daily updates kept parents informed. Consistent explanations helped children understand behaviour expectations, and praise recognised considerate actions.

At the November 2022 inspection, Ofsted found that children made good progress and that support for children learning English as an additional language was good, with staff modelling simple English words.

Freshly cooked meals formed part of the November 2022 day, with children and adults talking together while eating. Handwashing before food and after using the toilet made hygiene part of ordinary routines. Staff also received induction, supervision and continuing training, giving them opportunities to develop their practice.

Opening hours are 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. Grapevine operates across the year, closing for bank holidays and Christmas; that calendar matters for families planning care around work.

In November 2022, the nursery provided funded early education for children aged two, three and four. This is a dated participation statement, rather than a promise of a funded place today.

• Challenge in play. The November 2022 improvement priorities called for clearer learning intentions and more demanding activities. A visit is an opportunity to explore how staff now extend children's learning.
• Outdoor learning. In November 2022, tricycles and football supported active play, but broader outdoor learning needed development. Ask how the outdoor space now serves children who prefer learning there.
• Your attendance plan. The opening window runs from 7.30am to 6pm, with bank holiday and Christmas closures. Which booking pattern and funded or paid arrangements would fit your family's week?

Grapevine suits families seeking care across the year who value play, conversation and close relationships with familiar adults. Its November 2022 account offers concrete examples of those priorities. The balance is clear: encouraging care and learning observations, alongside specific work to strengthen challenge and outdoor learning.