Happy Faces Stourbridge

Painting easels, climbing apparatus and familiar stories give Happy Faces Stourbridge its character in the May 2023 account of daily life. At its 3 May 2023 inspection, Ofsted judged the nursery Good, found safeguarding effective and recognised individualised support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

The nursery occupies the Old Children's Library on Church Street in Stourbridge, DY8 1LT, and accepts children aged 1 to 60 months. It has 35 places in total. These are whole-nursery places, rather than a measure of how many children share an activity.

The early years foundation stage is the framework for children's learning, development and care, bringing these together through play and everyday experiences.

In May 2023, children chose activities themselves alongside sessions guided by adults. Older children painted at an easel, sharing equipment and chatting together; younger children practised kicking and throwing balls. Stories included rhyme and accompanying movements, giving children opportunities to listen and join in.

Outdoor climbing apparatus offered practice in movement and judging space. Sand moulds, dough, cutters and rolling pins gave children ways to explore materials while exercising their hands. Activities included physical play, creating and communicating.

There were weaknesses to address. In May 2023, staff sometimes passed over chances to develop learning further, especially mathematical ideas. Questions could also follow too quickly, leaving children insufficient thinking time before the conversation moved on.

In May 2023, children sought comfort from familiar staff and their key person, with cuddles helping the youngest children feel reassured. Key people also provided individual attention to children with SEND, while the manager worked with external agencies and adapted the curriculum to children's needs.

Daily conversations with key people gave parents feedback about their children. Planning and assessment addressed individual next steps, and monthly staff observations and supervision provided opportunities to review practice. These arrangements connected children's daily experiences with the adults responsible for their care.

The address is Old Children's Library, Church Street, Stourbridge, DY8 1LT. Opening hours are 7.30am to 6.30pm, Monday to Friday, across the year, with closures for bank holidays and one week at Christmas.

In May 2023, the nursery received funding for free early education for children aged two, three and four. This is a dated account of its funding provision.

• Developing learning. In May 2023, opportunities to deepen mathematical understanding were sometimes missed. Ask how staff now extend children's ideas during play.
• Time to respond. Children sometimes faced another question before they could answer the first in May 2023. A visit can explore how practitioners give children space to think.
• Attendance arrangements. The opening window runs from 7.30am to 6.30pm. Which booking pattern and current funded-hours arrangement would fit your child's week?

Happy Faces Stourbridge merits consideration for families seeking care across the working week and throughout the year. Its May 2023 account combines creative play, outdoor movement and familiar key people, balanced against clear priorities around extending learning and allowing children time to answer. Those priorities provide useful questions for a visit.