Squiggles, Lollipops Cheshunt

Low shelves, self-chosen toys and presents wrapped by the children themselves give a concrete picture of early learning at Squiggles, Lollipops Cheshunt in December 2022. Practical independence ran through the day. At its December 2022 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good and found safeguarding effective.

The nursery has capacity for 35 children at Millbrook Primary School in Cheshunt, on Gews Corner, Waltham Cross (EN8 9BX). Children attending in December 2022 were aged two to four; that age range belongs to the visit rather than a current admissions promise.

In December 2022, children could reach resources on low shelves and choose between play areas indoors and outside. Materials accommodated different stages of development. Wrapping presents involved cutting paper and handling sticky tape, giving small hands a purposeful task rather than an isolated exercise.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care: here, the December 2022 examples included practising language and early writing through play. Staff introduced vocabulary and repeated words to help children understand them. Christmas lists to Santa and names added to artwork gave writing a reason.

During that month, the manager rearranged play spaces when children's interest faded. The emphasis was on responding to how children actually used the environment. Outdoor play was part of each day.

In December 2022, a key-person system helped staff understand individual children. Parents shared words from home languages, giving practitioners a way to respond to children learning English. Feedback reached families through conversations and online communication; meetings, questionnaires and learning at home provided further opportunities for involvement.

At the December 2022 inspection, Ofsted found that staff understood support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities and helped children make progress, but some targeted activities were poorly planned, leaving children frustrated and less engaged.

Daily care in December 2022 included help with toilet training and opportunities for children to serve themselves healthy snacks and drinks. Adults used praise and encouraged children to explain their needs during disagreements, offering younger children help to reach a compromise.

The address is Millbrook Primary School in Cheshunt, on Gews Corner, Waltham Cross (EN8 9BX). In December 2022, the nursery operated from a building within a primary school. Attendance at a school's nursery does not guarantee a Reception place.

• Targeted activities. In December 2022, some planned support led to frustration and disengagement. Ask how staff now organise these activities and respond when a child loses interest.
• Age and attendance fit. The December 2022 children were aged two to four. At a visit, ask which ages and booking patterns the nursery currently accepts for your child's intended start.

The December 2022 picture suits parents who value practical independence, language woven into play and close communication with a key person. Accessible toys and purposeful writing activities made those priorities tangible. The planning of targeted support is the clearest point to explore before choosing this setting.