Hazel Dene Childcare

Crates, balance beams and worms in the soil give Hazel Dene Childcare's April 2023 account its character: children building, investigating and choosing their own play. Based at Hesleden Primary School in Hesleden, it has capacity for 32 children.

Ofsted rated the nursery Good at its 18 April 2023 inspection. Children attending then were aged 2 to 10; that age range describes the inspection period.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care, connecting play with skills such as communication and independence. In April 2023, the curriculum covered seven areas of learning, with activities arranged to build on children's interests and choices.

Practical materials gave children something to think through together. During that April visit, crates and balance beams became obstacle courses, with children discussing how to make them more challenging. Staff joined the play with demonstrations and further ideas. Water play involved different-sized cups and pots, while dolls and pretend pushchairs supported imaginative play.

Outside in April 2023, children painted with brushes and their hands. Finding worms prompted close observation and guidance on gentle handling: an everyday discovery became a lesson about living things.

At the April 2023 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and praised support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, including the use of objects to help explain what would happen next.

In April 2023, staff used calm responses and recognised children's efforts. Independence had practical expression: children tackled outdoor clothing and peeled fruit themselves. These small tasks gave them opportunities to practise persistence rather than having adults complete everything for them.

Communication with families in April 2023 included feedback about development and wellbeing, helping parents continue learning at home. Relationships with the host school supported continuity between settings. Staff had also undertaken training in early literacy and language, although its effect on everyday practice still needed embedding and monitoring.

The address is Hesleden Primary School, Hesleden, Hartlepool, TS27 4PT.

In April 2023, opening hours were 7.45am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, during term time. The nursery received early education funding for children aged two, three and four at that time. These are historical operating details rather than a current attendance offer.

Sharing a school site does not guarantee a Reception place.

• Thinking time. In April 2023, staff sometimes moved on before children could consider and answer questions. Giving children longer to respond was an improvement priority, relevant to families placing particular weight on language development.
• Training in practice. The April 2023 priorities included making recent training part of daily practice and reviewing its effect. On a visit, ask how the early literacy and communication training now shapes activities.
• Attendance fit. The April 2023 opening pattern was term time. What attendance patterns and accepted ages would apply to your child now?

Hazel Dene's April 2023 account will appeal to parents who value practical exploration, child-led choices and everyday independence. The school-site connection adds a useful transition context. Balance those strengths against the two priorities for improvement: allowing more thinking time and translating training into consistent practice.