Toddlers Den

A proud cloud board celebrating children's achievements gives Toddlers Den a recognisable detail from its October 2022 nursery day. Children’s work and accomplishments received attention, alongside stories, songs and play with natural materials.

At its 14 October 2022 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good, found safeguarding effective and recognised the support given to children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Two improvements were required: closer oversight of staff development and greater freedom for children to pursue their own creative ideas.

Toddlers Den operates at Phoenix Community Hall in Birmingham, catering for children aged 3 to 60 months.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care: everyday play and interaction sit alongside planned learning experiences.

In October 2022, activities used seasonal objects, including leaves contributed by families. Older children listened to stories and answered questions, while younger children received cuddles and songs. These examples give a picture of learning through conversation, shared attention and handling real objects.

The proud cloud board recognised accomplishments. Dressing-up materials were accessible to children irrespective of gender, giving them scope to explore different roles.

Adult direction could also narrow children's choices. In October 2022, a rocket-making activity came with specified materials and instructions, leaving less room for children to invent their own version. That distinction matters: completing an adult's design is a different experience from deciding what to make.

In October 2022, staff knew their key children and helped those needing encouragement choose where to begin playing. Younger children were comforted through physical affection and singing, making familiar adult relationships a visible part of care.

Communication support included flash cards and signing, with multilingual practitioners providing additional ways to communicate. The environment was adapted for children with SEND, and staff supporting them received training related to their needs.

Daily online diaries described children's learning in October 2022. Workshops and training also involved parents, while opportunities for feedback gave families a role in shaping practice. This connected the nursery day with conversations at home.

Health activities included dentist visits and toothbrushes to take home. Children discussed handwashing and how their bodies worked, bringing health into ordinary learning rather than treating it solely as an adult responsibility.

The address is Phoenix Community Hall, 1 Towpath Close, Birmingham, B9 4QA. Opening hours are 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday; the nursery operates across the year, closing for bank holidays and Christmas.

In October 2022, it provided funded early education for children aged two, three and four. That is a dated account of participation, rather than a statement of today's funding arrangements.

• Creative independence. In October 2022, adult instructions sometimes restricted children's own ideas. On a visit, ask how children can choose materials and change the direction of an activity.
• Staff development. October 2022 brought a requirement for closer monitoring of professional learning. Ask how training now informs everyday practice.
• Your attendance plan. The opening window runs from 7am to 6pm on weekdays. Ask which booking pattern and funding terms would apply to your child's intended attendance.

Toddlers Den suits families who value familiar relationships with practitioners and communication about everyday learning. Its October 2022 picture combines shared stories, family contributions and practical communication support. The same dated account makes creative freedom and staff development sensible priorities for a visit.