Explorers Day Care Nursery

A working farm, woodland activities and outings gave Explorers Day Care Nursery an unusually practical character in July 2022: children encountered farm animals, handled real tools and took their learning beyond the nursery. At its 12 July 2022 inspection, Ofsted rated the provision Outstanding across education, behaviour, personal development and leadership.

The nursery is based at Fountain Head Business Park in High Etherley, Bishop Auckland (DL14 0LZ), and accepts children aged 0 to 60 months. Its opening hours are 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, throughout the year.

In July 2022, woodland learning involved supervised fire-lighting, preparing lunch with knives and making a bird house with joinery equipment. These were practical tasks with a purpose, giving children opportunities to solve problems and practise handling equipment safely.

Weekly Explorers Adventure trips included a shopping mall and the local swimming pool. The working-farm setting also brought opportunities to learn about tractors and observe the birth of a calf or lamb. Learning extended beyond tabletop activities.

The early years foundation stage is the framework for children's learning, development and care. In July 2022, its delivery included storytelling, conversation and practical exploration: older children discussed how to judge the size of a circle, while younger children developed words and short phrases. Staff encouraged children to find answers themselves rather than supplying a solution immediately.

At the July 2022 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and praised support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, including early identification and adaptations that enabled participation alongside other children.

In July 2022, babies' key people interpreted their needs through non-verbal communication. Familiar routines included children putting their photograph on a board, giving them an active part in the morning routine.

Communication with families supported learning at home. Children also talked about their feelings around starting school, using language to express both excitement and anxiety. Outdoor activity took place daily, and shared meals provided opportunities to practise social habits alongside eating.

The High Etherley address and weekday opening window make this a practical option to consider when planning childcare around work. Opening hours span the early morning and late afternoon; the attendance arrangement remains an important part of choosing a place.

In July 2022, the nursery provided funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-olds. Meals and snacks were served at that time, with healthy eating forming part of daily care.

• Practical outdoor learning. July 2022 activities included fire-lighting and real tools under staff supervision. A visit is an opportunity to discuss how this approach fits your child's confidence and experience.
• Attendance and funding. The nursery opens from 7am to 6pm on weekdays, all year. Which booking patterns, funded-hour arrangements and associated charges would apply to your family's intended attendance?

Explorers suits families drawn to practical exploration and learning beyond the nursery room. Its July 2022 examples give that character substance: woodland tasks, farm experiences and weekly outings. The Outstanding judgement belongs to that inspection date, while the current weekday opening window offers a useful starting point for planning care.