Emeralds Little Gems Daycare, Stanley House

A cosy area for babies, cooking that builds vocabulary, and close contact with families give Stanley House its clearest character. These were features of nursery life in November 2021, rather than a promise about every child's day now. Emeralds Little Gems Daycare, Stanley House has capacity for 38 children, with a current age range of 1 to 60 months.

At its 16 November 2021 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good and found safeguarding effective, with indoor learning building successfully on children's existing abilities. The assessment also identified two practical weaknesses: outdoor learning needed more variety, and children needed more help understanding healthy food choices. Both matter when weighing the nursery's educational offer.

Full-time, part-time and flexible attendance are offered. The practical appeal is a choice of attendance patterns alongside an emphasis on learning through play and communication with parents.

Learning and Activities

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the framework for children's learning and care: play, exploration and activities help children develop skills at their own stage. Across Emeralds Little Gems, activities are adapted to children's ages and development, with opportunities to explore independently. This is the shared educational approach, rather than a separate programme exclusive to Stanley House.

In November 2021, babies used words to choose songs, while cooking gave older children opportunities to extend their vocabulary. These examples connect language with something children want to do. Communication becomes part of an activity rather than an isolated exercise.

Small movements also received attention that month. Children explored glitter pom-poms and practised picking them up with fingers and thumbs; older children experimented with chalk marks. The emphasis moved from handling objects towards making deliberate marks, giving different stages of development different challenges.

Outdoor and Community Life

In November 2021, children went out into the surrounding community, with opportunities for exercise and rest. The woodland learning programme was paused because of restrictions, however, and activities in the nursery's own outdoor space were less varied than those indoors. That distinction is important: outings and access to fresh air did not, by themselves, make the outdoor curriculum equally broad.

The improvement required was educational, not simply a request for more time outside. Children who preferred outdoor learning needed varied experiences across their learning. Families whose children are happiest outdoors have a specific point to explore when visiting.

Relationships and Communication

In November 2021, key-person relationships were central to children's care. Babies could choose a cosy area, where staff offered blankets, comfort and familiar belongings from home. This provided a quieter option within the day and recognised that young children sometimes need reassurance before returning to activities.

Online updates also helped parents follow the day in November 2021. The shared Emeralds Little Gems parent app now supports updates about development, activities and interests, and allows families to contribute observations. Communication can therefore work in both directions, linking experiences at nursery with what happens at home.

Inclusion and Wellbeing

At the November 2021 inspection, Ofsted found that staff responded promptly to learning gaps and supported individual needs, including through visits from the lead practitioner for special educational needs and disabilities and work with physiotherapists. Individual targets and plans gave that support a practical structure.

The nursery employed 18 childcare staff in November 2021. During that month, children practised manners, sharing and considerate behaviour through adult examples and discussion, while everyday routines included washing hands before eating. These were concrete ways to develop independence and consideration for others.

Meals in November 2021 accommodated allergies and intolerances. The weakness concerned teaching: children were not consistently helped to understand why nutritious choices matter. Providing healthy food and explaining healthy eating were separate tasks, and the latter needed attention.

Sessions and Attendance

Stanley House is at 9 Thorneyholme Terrace, Stanley, DH9 0BL. Opening hours are 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, across the year, with closures for bank holidays and a week at Christmas. Full-time, part-time, flexible and shift attendance patterns give families different ways to organise childcare.

Enquiries can be made through the contact form, by telephone on 01207 280022 or by email at stanley@emeraldslittlegems.co.uk. The contact details distinguish Stanley House from the separate Stanley Centre, so families should specify the Thorneyholme Terrace setting.

Funding and Paid Extras

In November 2021, the nursery provided funded early education for two-year-old children. This is a dated part of its offer, rather than confirmation of today's funding arrangements. Families should obtain a current written quotation for their proposed attendance pattern.

• Outdoor learning. In November 2021, activities outside were less varied than those indoors while woodland learning was paused. A visit is an opportunity to ask how children who prefer being outdoors now experience different areas of learning.
• Learning about food. The November 2021 assessment called for better teaching about nutritious choices. Ask how meals and cooking activities now help children understand healthy eating.
• Your attendance costs. Full-time, part-time, flexible and shift patterns are offered. Ask for a written quotation showing the proposed hours, any funded entitlement, and how meals and consumables are treated.

Stanley House suits families seeking full-time attendance or a part-time and flexible arrangement, with play-based learning and two-way communication about their child. Its November 2021 assessment gives useful examples of language activities, comfort for babies and individual support. The reservations are equally specific: outdoor learning and teaching about healthy food choices needed attention. Those are the most useful subjects for a visit, alongside the practical fit of the chosen attendance pattern.