Precious Moments

A climbing wall, raised tree-house den and purpose-built soft-play hut gave physical play a clear place in Precious Moments’ day in March 2024. This Coventry nursery has capacity for 27 children. At its 14 March 2024 inspection, Ofsted judged the provision Good and safeguarding effective.

The children attending that visit were aged two to four. Independence featured in everyday routines, with children choosing their play and practising washing their hands and going to the toilet for themselves.

In March 2024, children could move between activities inside and outside during the day. Climbing equipment and large soft blocks offered opportunities to practise balance and movement, while the outdoor structures gave children different ways to explore physical challenges.

The nursery was required to follow the early years foundation stage, the framework covering young children’s learning, development and care. In practice, the March 2024 activities included conversation, imaginative play and opportunities to practise everyday skills.

Communication was a curriculum priority at that time. A lending library extended access to books into family life. Salon role play used pretend hair and makeup products, while a washing line and family roles connected imaginative play with familiar domestic experiences.

Activities drew on children’s interests and their next learning steps. However, in March 2024, staff did not consistently translate their intended learning into sufficiently precise teaching. Enjoyable activities and clear educational purpose needed closer alignment.

At the March 2024 inspection, Ofsted found that children with special educational needs and/or disabilities received effective support, with developmental gaps identified and help introduced promptly. A special educational needs coordinator contributed to the inspection discussion.

In March 2024, staff used calm conversation when children struggled with their emotions. Sharing resources and taking turns were part of established routines. Staff also received supervision and observed colleagues’ practice to identify development opportunities.

Personal care needed greater attention at that visit. Some children repeatedly said they felt cold, and others were moved away from meals before staff had established whether they had finished. These examples make responsiveness to individual needs a central consideration for families.

The address is 31 Links Road, Coventry, CV6 3DQ.

In March 2024, opening hours were 7.30am to 5.45pm on weekdays. The nursery operated across the year, closing for bank holidays, a week over Christmas and two summer weeks. It provided funded early education for children aged two, three and four at that time.

• Personal care. The March 2024 findings included delayed responses to children feeling cold and uncertainty about whether meals were finished. Ask how staff now recognise and respond to these needs.
• Teaching precision. In March 2024, intended learning did not consistently shape teaching closely enough. Ask for an example of how an activity is adapted to a child’s next learning step.
• Attendance arrangements. The March 2024 opening window spanned weekdays and included seasonal closures. Which current booking pattern would fit your family’s working week?

Precious Moments merits consideration for families who value physical play, imaginative activities and opportunities for children to practise independence. Its March 2024 picture combines outdoor equipment and language work with specific weaknesses in teaching precision and personal care. Those details give families a clear basis for weighing the nursery’s strengths against their child’s needs.