Kirklands Nursery

Compost becoming food for raspberries, children making bread and a pretend stage for performances: Kirklands Nursery's April 2023 daily life combined practical learning with growing independence. At its 26 April 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Outstanding, finding high-quality teaching and a carefully developed curriculum.

Based at Startforth Community Centre in Barnard Castle, Kirklands has capacity for 24 children aged 24 to 60 months. Its strongest character comes through in activities that connect ideas with things children can handle, make and investigate.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care, connecting everyday experiences with their educational development. In April 2023, younger children shared activities with older children: bread-making, repairing a tractor and investigating flowers brought practical problems into their play.

In April 2023, the enclosed garden supported both movement and discovery. Children climbed in its wooded space, watched discarded material become compost and used it to grow herbs, beans and raspberries. Comparing worms introduced size; experimenting with balls and drainpipes brought movement into mathematical exploration.

Beyond the garden, April 2023 activities included theatre and park outings, ballet and swimming. A visitor demonstrated sewing, and children selected fabric and designed superhero capes. These experiences gave children different ways to create and explore.

At the April 2023 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and described patient staff relationships that helped children feel secure. Calm explanations and an unhurried pace supported the emotional side of nursery life.

In April 2023, children practised independence by preparing fruit and sorting their boots after outdoor play. Staff also demonstrated safe handling of utensils and scissors, making care part of children's practical learning.

During April 2023, staff shared responsibility for literacy, mathematics and coordinating support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. They worked with education and health professionals, while relationships with local schools helped maintain continuity as children moved on. Parents' views and children's use of the space informed changes to the environment.

The address is Startforth Community Centre, High Startforth, Barnard Castle, DL12 9AQ. Opening hours are 7.45am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, throughout the year except bank holidays.

In April 2023, the nursery provided funded early education for children aged two, three and four. That is a dated participation fact rather than a promise of a funded place today.

• Activities over time. The garden growing, swimming and creative activities described here belong to April 2023. On a visit, which of these experiences form part of children's day now?
• Age fit. Kirklands accepts children aged 24 to 60 months. Its age range makes it a choice for families seeking toddler and preschool care rather than baby provision.

Kirklands suits families seeking year-round weekday care for toddlers and preschool children. The April 2023 account gives substance to its Outstanding judgement: children made things, investigated natural materials and took responsibility for small daily tasks. The year-round weekday opening window also matters for families planning care around work.