Ashbourne Baby Nursery at Princes Risborough

In March 2022, books within reach, furniture to hold while learning to walk, and care shaped around young children's signals characterised daily life at Ashbourne Baby Nursery at Princes Risborough. The Wellington Avenue setting has capacity for 26 children.

At its March 2022 inspection, Ofsted judged the nursery Outstanding overall. Children attending then were aged 0 to 2. That dated picture is especially relevant to parents weighing how a nursery handles early movement, emerging speech and the separation from family.

In March 2022, low furniture gave babies something to grip as they practised moving on their feet, while cosy spaces allowed time close to staff. The physical arrangement supported both exploration and a retreat for comfort.

The early years foundation stage sets requirements for children's learning, development and care. In March 2022, the curriculum translated those foundations into movement, language and considerate behaviour. Children selected books themselves, turned pages and responded to pictures with sounds and gestures; staff supplied words and conversation alongside their play. Books were something children could use independently, even before they could read.

Choice also shaped the March 2022 day. Staff organised changes between activities to protect children's play, and children could choose garden seating for eating. A sleep room gave tired children somewhere to rest. These arrangements connected daily routines with recognising hunger and tiredness.

At the March 2022 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective, with staff understanding how to respond to welfare concerns and recruitment and induction procedures supporting children's safety.

In March 2022, staff worked closely with families when children struggled to settle, adjusting support to avoid distress. Children sought cuddles and returned to familiar adults while exploring. Before wiping noses or changing nappies, practitioners explained what would happen and asked children, giving even routine care a clear element of participation.

Family inclusion mattered in March 2022: the setting worked to represent different family circumstances. Staff also modelled gentle behaviour towards others, and children carried that care into play with dolls. Leadership supported practitioners through coaching and training, linking staff development with the everyday work of caring for very young children.

The nursery's address is Wellington Avenue, Princes Risborough, HP27 9HY. Its capacity of 26 places describes the whole setting, rather than the number of children together in any group.

In March 2022, it operated throughout the year, Monday to Friday, with session times of 7.30am to 6.30pm. Those hours describe the arrangements at that visit.

• Today's attendance arrangements. The March 2022 provision served children aged 0 to 2 across an all-year weekday schedule. What age range and attendance pattern would apply to your child now?
• Settling and separation. In March 2022, some children needed substantial help settling, and staff tailored support with their families. The approach to comfort deserves particular weight for a child finding separation difficult.

The strongest fit is for families who value responsive care for very young children, with early language and movement developed through ordinary play and routines. The March 2022 picture combines accessible books, supported exploration and attention to children's choices. It is a useful foundation for judging the nursery's approach, with the inspection date kept firmly in view.