University Nursery

Water play, animated storytelling and children choosing between indoor and outdoor activities give University Nursery's July 2021 account its character. At its July 2021 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Outstanding and found that its curriculum supported excellent progress across children's development.

University Nursery has capacity for 78 children at the University of Warwick, Scarman Road, Coventry, CV4 7AL. In July 2021, children attending were aged 0 to 4. The dated picture is of active exploration supported by attentive adults.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care: play and everyday interactions contribute to their development. In July 2021, babies explored baskets and small climbing equipment, while toddlers squeezed sponges in water play and searched for hidden toy turtles among pebbles. These were concrete opportunities to experiment with movement, materials and discovery.

Older children chose activities and moved between inside and outside in July 2021. Storytelling included character voices and anticipation, giving children reasons to listen and join conversations. Staff also discussed where children could play comfortably during hot weather, connecting everyday decisions with keeping healthy.

At the July 2021 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and babies well settled, supported by familiar key staff and gentle care. That finding gives parents a dated assessment of both protection and early relationships.

In July 2021, less experienced practitioners had links with experienced mentors, and an assistant manager oversaw practice and staff wellbeing. Staff discussed adapting resources to support inclusion, while the team was beginning work towards becoming eco-friendly. These observations describe the working arrangements at that time, rather than a current staffing promise.

In July 2021, nursery sessions ran from 8.15am to 5.45pm Monday to Thursday, with Friday sessions ending at 5.15pm. Attendance operated across the year, with closures on bank holidays and between Christmas and New Year.

A separate playscheme for older children operated during Easter, half-term and summer school holidays in July 2021, running Monday to Friday from 8.15am to 6pm. Funded early education was provided for children aged two, three and four at that time.

• A dated assessment. The Outstanding judgement dates to July 2021. Use that date when weighing the findings about care and learning.
• Friday timing. In July 2021, Friday nursery sessions finished earlier than those on Monday to Thursday. That difference matters when planning a working week.
• Today's attendance arrangements. What nursery session patterns and funded-hours arrangements would apply to your child now?

University Nursery merits consideration for families who value exploratory play, conversation and children making choices. Its July 2021 account combines baby care with purposeful learning for older children. The attendance arrangements then served weekday nursery families and older children needing school-holiday care; the strength of the assessment should be read alongside its age.