Mind the Monkeys

Family photographs for babies and familiar stories for toddlers give Mind the Monkeys a personal character. At its 3 January 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good and judged safeguarding effective. It has capacity for 40 children at the Harris and Pearson Building in Brierley Hill.

In January 2024, the children attending were aged one to four. The account of their day combined conversation, independent play and growing confidence with everyday tasks. Two priorities qualified that picture: clearer learning intentions and more encouragement for quieter children in groups.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for learning, development and care, encompassing the different areas of children's learning. In January 2024, staff planned activities using observations and assessments, although the next learning step did not consistently guide their teaching.

Babies had family photographs on display, giving them familiar faces to identify and name. Toddlers shared books with adults sitting alongside them on the floor, joining familiar passages and identifying pictures. Preschool children chose their play from the resources around them. These examples show different ways for children to participate at their own stage.

Conversation threaded through play in January 2024. Adults discussed children's ideas and encouraged choices, while gentle reminders helped children practise sharing. Daily outdoor exercise also formed part of the routine.

At the January 2024 inspection, Ofsted found that children with SEND received effective support, with timely referrals to other professionals, and that children made good progress, including towards their move to school.

In January 2024, the key-person arrangement gave children familiar adults to turn to: babies sought comfort and older children invited staff into their play. Independence began with manageable jobs, such as fetching a nappy, before extending to toileting for older children. Staff supervised eating with individual dietary requirements in mind.

Parents were kept informed about learning and development at that time. Staff also received training and supervision, providing opportunities to develop their practice.

The address is Harris and Pearson Building, Brettell Lane, Brierley Hill, DY5 3LH.

In January 2024, opening hours were 7am to 6pm on weekdays, with year-round operation apart from bank holidays and a Christmas closure lasting a week. Funded early education for children aged two, three and four was also part of the offer at that time.

• Purposeful teaching. In January 2024, teaching did not consistently centre on the next learning step. This matters for families looking for activities with a clear developmental purpose.
• Quieter children. Group activities needed more encouragement for less vocal children in January 2024. A child who hangs back may need deliberate opportunities to contribute.
• Attendance planning. The January 2024 offer combined year-round opening with funded early education. At a visit, what current booking patterns and funded-hours arrangements would fit your family's routine?

Mind the Monkeys merits consideration by families who value familiar adult relationships, conversation and practical independence. The January 2024 picture gives those priorities concrete substance, from family photographs to small personal-care tasks. Families weighing it up should also give proper weight to the teaching and group-participation priorities identified at that time.