Smart Bridge Nursery

Sensory play for babies, conversation for older children and neighbourhood outings shaped daily life at Smart Bridge Nursery in May 2023. At its May 2023 inspection, Ofsted judged the nursery Good overall, found safeguarding effective and assessed support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities positively.

Based at 48 Smith Street, Birmingham B19 3EN, the nursery has 45 places in total and accepts children aged 6 to 60 months. The inspection gives a useful picture of its approach, with two clear development priorities: greater challenge in teaching and more demanding outdoor activity for older children.

In May 2023, babies explored sensory resources positioned within reach, while toddlers experimented with water beside adults. Older children practised listening during conversations about their weekends. These were different experiences for different stages, rather than one activity expected to suit everyone.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care; here, play connected language, movement and exploration. In May 2023, making dough prompted questions about how to change its texture, giving children a practical problem to think through. Books were accessible on the carpet for babies, and toddlers had a cosy corner for looking at stories.

Outdoor and community experiences extended the day. In May 2023, children used a play tunnel, a rocking horse and wheeled toys, and practised small movements with plastic tweezers and jelly shapes. Outings included a local park, nearby shops and neighbourhood walks. However, older and more able children needed harder physical challenges outdoors, and teaching needed to stretch children's thinking more consistently.

Close adult relationships shaped the May 2023 daily routine: babies sought comfort from their key person, and toddlers looked to staff for reassurance during water play. Calm interactions gave children support while they explored.

At the May 2023 inspection, Ofsted found that language teaching supported children learning English as an additional language, while SEND support involved referrals, work with parents and professionals, individual development plans and additional funding.

Communication with families also featured in May 2023: daily exchanges were accompanied by development information and ideas for learning at home. Safeguarding practice at that time included training, recruitment checks, supervision and regular assessments of environmental risks.

The address is 48 Smith Street, Birmingham B19 3EN. Opening hours are 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, across the year.

In May 2023, daytime sessions ran from 7.30am to 6pm, with before- and after-school sessions also offered; bank holidays were closure days. These dated attendance arrangements distinguish the daytime offer from wraparound care.

• Outdoor challenge. In May 2023, older and more able children needed more demanding physical experiences. On a visit, ask how outdoor activities now extend their skills.
• Stretch in learning. More consistent challenge was another May 2023 improvement priority. Ask for examples of how staff adapt an activity when a child has already mastered it.
• Attendance pattern. Daytime and before- and after-school sessions featured in May 2023. Which current booking pattern would fit your child's age and your working day?

Smart Bridge Nursery suits families who value play, language development and close relationships with adults. Its May 2023 attendance arrangements addressed both daytime nursery care and before- and after-school needs. The strongest decision point is how the two improvement priorities have been addressed: ambitious outdoor movement and teaching that keeps extending children.