Little Hearts Day Nursery

Early writing, sensory play and growing independence give Little Hearts Day Nursery its character in the July 2022 account of daily life. Ofsted rated the nursery Good on 26 July 2022. The strongest examples are practical: children threading beads, reading signs and learning to manage everyday tasks themselves.

This Coventry setting has capacity for 45 children aged 12 to 60 months. In July 2022, children were well prepared for their next educational stage. Its address is 25 Harry Rose Road, CV2 5AT.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care: play and everyday routines become opportunities to build skills. In July 2022, younger children washed toy animals in water and explored sand, with adults introducing ideas about animal sounds and whether containers were empty or full. Familiar materials gave learning a concrete starting point.

For preschool children that July, threading beads exercised the fingers used for writing; children also wrote their names and animal names, and began reading signs. Indoors and outdoors, resources supported play, while a renovation had created more space for children to choose their activities.

Storytelling brought another kind of engagement in July 2022. Staff varied their voices and delivery to hold children's attention. Painting offered opportunities to choose colours and share materials, although adults sometimes moved on before children had time to answer questions.

At the July 2022 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective, children with special educational needs and/or disabilities supported through referrals and outside advice, and children prepared for their next educational stage. These are dated judgements.

In July 2022, independence included using cutlery and wiping noses, while communication with families included an online platform and support with potty training. These small daily skills connected care with learning at home.

Meals that July were cooked fresh by the nursery cook, with labelled alternatives for children with dietary requirements. Hygiene, premises risk assessments and recruitment checks formed part of the care arrangements at that time.

The nursery opens Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 6pm, throughout the year apart from bank holidays. That opening window gives families a clear boundary for planning their day.

In July 2022, it provided funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

• Time to answer. In July 2022, some adults gave children too little thinking time after questions. During a visit, look for pauses that let children contribute at their own pace.
• Purpose behind activities. The July 2022 improvement actions also concerned managers' understanding of the curriculum and staff clarity about intended learning. Ask how staff connect an activity to the skills a child is developing.
• Attendance and costs. How would your required attendance pattern work within the opening hours, including funded hours, meal and consumable arrangements? Request a written quotation for current prices.

Little Hearts suits families who value practical independence and learning through hands-on play. The July 2022 examples give those priorities substance, from early writing to self-care. The Good judgement provides a useful dated assessment, with thinking time and curriculum clarity remaining important points to explore.