The Ark

Songs chosen from a bag of props, faces made in shaving foam and outings to local allotments give The Ark’s February 2023 picture a clear character: practical, sensory learning for babies and toddlers. Small experiences carry the learning, from choosing a song to recognising facial features.

At its February 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated The Ark Good and judged safeguarding effective. The nursery is in Charlton Kings, Cheltenham, and has 31 places in total. Children attending in February 2023 were aged 0 to 2; that age range describes the children at that time.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children’s learning, development and care, bringing play and everyday routines into their education. In February 2023, sensory exploration included a large tray of shaving foam: adding pieces representing facial features turned the activity into an opportunity to notice differences between people.

Music also gave children an active role. In February 2023, choosing props from a song bag let them influence what the group sang, while changes in musical pace and sound encouraged listening. Stories and rhymes extended this language-rich approach.

Community experiences took learning beyond the setting. In February 2023, regular outings included shops, the library and local allotments, and children tasted foods associated with different cultures. These experiences connected familiar surroundings with discoveries about other people. Outdoor provision had a weakness, however: clutter reduced room for physical play and restricted the learning opportunities outside.

In February 2023, care routines included opportunities for babies to participate, such as holding clothing or wipes during changing. Adults asked permission before personal-care tasks, giving children a role in what happened to them. Sand timers made turns with toys easier to understand, providing a visible cue rather than relying solely on verbal reminders.

Communication with families was practical in February 2023. Parents knew what their children were learning and the next steps staff were working towards; activities and tips helped continue that learning at home. Staff sometimes intervened too soon during play, though, or supplied an answer before a child had time to respond. More time to experiment and make mistakes was an improvement priority.

The address is 3 Sandhurst Villas in Charlton Kings, on Sandhurst Road, Cheltenham, GL52 6LJ.

In February 2023, opening hours ran from 8am until 5.30pm on weekdays, and the setting operated for 51 weeks of the year. These are historical opening arrangements, rather than a description of bookable sessions today.

• Space outdoors. In February 2023, clutter constrained physical activity. On a visit, look at how the outside space now supports movement and exploration.
• Time to try. Staff sometimes helped too quickly in February 2023. Ask how practitioners now give children time to attempt tasks and find their own answers.
• Your attendance needs. The February 2023 picture concerns babies and toddlers attending within weekday opening hours. What ages and attendance arrangements does The Ark currently accommodate?

The Ark’s February 2023 picture suits parents who value sensory play, music, community outings and involvement in everyday care. Communication with families was another useful part of that picture. The balance rests on two concrete improvement priorities: making outdoor space work better and allowing children more time to act independently.