Emeralds Little Gems Daycare, Crook

Language, number play and close attention to children's interests shaped daily life in July 2021, when Ofsted rated Emeralds Little Gems Daycare, Crook Good. The detail matters: pictures and signs supported communication, while tape measures brought mathematical ideas into preschool activities.

The nursery has capacity for 60 children aged one to 60 months. Its address is 11 North Terrace, Crook, DL15 9AZ. The July 2021 picture offers useful insight into its care and teaching, alongside two clear areas for improvement.

In July 2021, the early years foundation stage took practical form through conversation, counting and activities linked to children's interests. Staff assessed what children could do and used that understanding to plan their next steps, giving learning an individual starting point.

Preschool children experimented with measuring distances, while younger children explored number changes through songs. Staff supported speech with clear language, pictures and signing, and used children's home languages to help those learning English as an additional language.

Babies chose rhyme characters from a prop bag and attempted the accompanying actions. However, the youngest did not consistently get to handle the props. Some preschool activities also gave children too much adult direction, limiting opportunities to investigate and reach their own answers. Both points formed improvement priorities in July 2021.

At the July 2021 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, making good progress. Staff understood their key children's needs and involved parents in assessing development during settling.

In July 2021, an online system kept parents informed about progress and next steps. Extra funding had supported additional staff working with a smaller group of children who had lost confidence, making support more personal for those children.

Gentle reminders encouraged sharing and considerate behaviour. Visual prompts, a bell and advance warning helped children prepare for changes in routine; preschool children were encouraged to discuss their feelings. Regular staff meetings and supervision supported professional development. Safeguarding training, procedures for reporting concerns and risk assessments were also part of practice at that time.

Opening hours are 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. The nursery operates across the year, closing for bank holidays and one week at Christmas. That closure pattern matters for families planning continuous childcare around work.

In July 2021, the nursery provided funded early education for children aged two, three and four.

• Independent exploration. The July 2021 improvement priorities included giving children more room to investigate and solve problems. Ask how practitioners now balance guidance with children's own ideas.
• Baby group activities. In July 2021, the youngest children were not consistently included in handling rhyme props. During a visit, ask how group activities involve babies at different developmental stages.
• Christmas cover. The annual closure includes one week at Christmas as well as bank holidays. Families needing childcare during those periods will need alternative arrangements.

Emeralds Little Gems suits families seeking care across the year, with weekday opening hours that extend from early morning into the evening. Its July 2021 strengths lay in communication, individual planning and relationships with parents. The practical question for a visit is how its two teaching priorities now shape children's experiences, especially babies' participation and preschool independence.