Loughborough University Nursery

University-campus experiences gave children's learning an unusual setting in July 2023, from a graduation ceremony to an event celebrating International Women's Day. At its July 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated Loughborough University Nursery Outstanding and found highly effective teaching that sustained children's interest across the age groups.

The nursery has capacity for 101 children aged 3 to 60 months, at Loughborough Campus Nursery, Ashby Road, Loughborough, LE11 3TE. Its campus setting and the practical detail behind that dated judgement are the main reasons to consider it.

In July 2023, the early years foundation stage was expressed through language, movement and learning to manage emotions: children practised balancing to music, explored bees and discussed characters' feelings. These examples show what learning meant in children's day.

Younger children copied movements demonstrated by staff, including turning and balancing. Older children explored bee anatomy and the life cycle, with adults introducing vocabulary and discussing a story. Physics also formed part of the curriculum. That brought scientific ideas into children's learning alongside conversation and physical activity.

Campus experiences included a graduation ceremony and participation in an event celebrating International Women's Day. These were July 2023 examples, rather than an annual events calendar. Resources also reflected an emphasis on sustainability.

Staff development fed into this work in July 2023. Coaching and communication training supported vocabulary, listening and conversation; a practitioner was developing storytelling to support memory and imagination. Management also contributed to external professional projects, including sports science work that informed advice for parents about physical development at home.

At the July 2023 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and praised the SENCo's coordinated support, prompt work on referrals with parents and external agencies, and children's progress from their starting points.

In July 2023, staff assessed children's wellbeing regularly, organised routines to maintain supervision and planned adult support for outings. Children also practised handling disagreements themselves: one explained that a toy was already in use, and the children then played together. This gives a concrete example of the emphasis on managing feelings and relationships.

Support for moves within the nursery considered each child's relationships and sense of security. In July 2023, parents received information about the curriculum and specific activities to extend learning at home. Development monitoring and detailed evaluation of practice helped management examine how the provision was working.

Opening hours are 7.45am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. The nursery operates across the year, closing for bank holidays, Christmas and 2-3 training days annually. Those closures matter when arranging care around work.

In July 2023, session times were 7.45am to 6pm, and the nursery provided funded early education for children aged two, three and four. These describe the arrangements at that date.

• Age range and daily care. Children aged 3 to 60 months are accepted. On a visit, ask how settling, sleep and daily routines would work for your child's stage.
• Dated assessment. The Outstanding judgement dates to July 2023. Use its concrete examples of learning and support to frame a discussion about today's practice.
• Annual closures. Bank holidays, Christmas and 2-3 training days interrupt the year-round opening pattern. Factor these into your childcare planning.

This nursery merits consideration for families seeking care across the year on the university campus. The July 2023 assessment provides a strong dated judgement, supported by examples of scientific exploration, movement, communication and coordinated individual support. Campus events add recognisable character; the closure pattern is the practical consideration for working families.