Sunshine Day Nursery

A garden chalkboard, conversations about transport and games with water give Sunshine Day Nursery’s July 2022 nursery day its clearest character. This Birmingham setting is based at Avecinna Academy, The Garrison Centre, 106 Garrison Lane, B9 4BS, and has capacity for 18 children aged 6 to 60 months.

At its July 2022 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good, finding effective safeguarding and a curriculum that helped most children progress, while identifying weaknesses in support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities and opportunities to develop hand control. The strengths and the qualifications both matter.

In July 2022, play connected conversation, imagination and movement. Children searched outdoors for hidden toy vehicles, discussed their favourites and drew them on the garden chalkboard. Stories and familiar rhymes gave them further opportunities to listen and speak. These examples show how an ordinary play activity could carry several kinds of learning.

The early years foundation stage sets requirements for children’s learning, development and care: here, the July 2022 examples included learning through play, conversation and growing independence. Children practised managing their belongings and putting on outdoor clothing. Staff used questions that invited fuller answers rather than a simple yes or no.

Outdoor activity in July 2022 included running and water play. The balance needed attention, however: opportunities to practise smaller movements with hands were narrower than those involving larger movements. That distinction matters for families weighing the daily mix of physical activities.

In July 2022, key persons planned around children’s interests and needs, and staff shared information about learning with parents. Families also received ideas for supporting learning at home, linking nursery activities with life beyond the setting.

At the July 2022 inspection, Ofsted found that children with special educational needs and/or disabilities could become distressed when adults missed opportunities to engage them or encourage play with other children, although the manager sought specialist help. This is a specific concern about everyday interaction, rather than simply whether external support could be accessed.

The address is Avecinna Academy, The Garrison Centre, 106 Garrison Lane, Birmingham, B9 4BS. Opening hours are 8.30am to 8pm from Monday to Thursday and 8.30am to 6pm on Friday; the nursery operates throughout the year, closing on bank holidays.

In July 2022, the nursery provided funded early education for children aged two, three and four. That is a dated account of participation, rather than a promise of a funded place now.

• Support during play. July 2022 findings identified missed interactions for some children needing additional support. At a visit, ask how adults recognise when a child needs help joining an activity.
• Hand skills. The July 2022 improvement priorities included broader opportunities for fine-motor development. Ask which everyday activities now give children practice using their hands and fingers.

Sunshine Day Nursery merits consideration for families seeking a Birmingham setting with year-round opening and evening hours. Its July 2022 strengths included conversational play and relationships with key persons. The decision should also give proper weight to the dated concerns about additional support and hand-skill activities.