Woodpeckers Nursery

Puppets, pretend phone calls and experiments with ice give Woodpeckers Nursery's inspection-era learning a recognisable character: conversation and practical discovery mattered here. Based at Hangleton Primary School in Hangleton, it has capacity for 24 children and accepts ages two to five.

At its January 2023 inspection, Ofsted judged the nursery Good, found that children including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities developed well, and judged safeguarding effective. Those are dated judgements, rather than a description of today's practice.

The early years foundation stage provides the framework for children's learning, development and care, with play offering opportunities to practise communication, independence and practical skills.

In January 2023, staff extended children's vocabulary during play, supported understanding with pictures and signing, and used puppets for storytelling and old telephones for make-believe conversations. These gave children concrete reasons to talk and listen. Outdoors, frozen water prompted discussion and attempts to break the ice safely: an everyday discovery became a problem to solve.

Celebrations in January 2023 reflected children's and staff members' cultural backgrounds. Chinese New Year activities included trying chopsticks with noodles, connecting a festival with something children could experience directly. Children learning English also used their first languages in play.

In January 2023, children who needed longer to settle could spend time with a staff member in the hallway before joining activities. Sensory equipment helped draw them into play. Staff encouraged children to tackle personal care with limited help, giving them practice in independence ahead of school.

Support in January 2023 included identifying additional needs and working with other professionals. Extra funding supported disadvantaged children through targeted resources or flexible nursery sessions. Staff training addressed delayed speech and language. Parents received help with toilet training and reading at home, and were invited to contribute their skills. Visual schedules and timers helped children understand what would happen next.

The address is Hangleton Primary School, Dale View, Hangleton, BN3 8LF. Opening hours are 8.15am to 4.15pm, Monday to Friday, during term time. This calendar is a practical consideration for families whose work continues through school holidays.

The school-site location does not guarantee a Reception place.

• Adult guidance. In January 2023, some staff directed play too heavily, while sometimes missing opportunities to teach a practical skill such as scissor use. During a visit, explore how staff judge when to help and when to let children pursue their ideas.
• Time to concentrate. In January 2023, whole-group activity changes interrupted children's play. The improvement priority was to give children longer to stay absorbed in an activity.
• Term-time planning. Opening hours span the working day, but the calendar is term-time. Which booking patterns would fit your family's weekly routine?

Woodpeckers suits families seeking term-time care for children aged two to five on the Hangleton Primary School site. Its January 2023 picture combines language-rich play, practical independence and individual support. The teaching and routine concerns deserve attention alongside those strengths when assessing the nursery today.