Echoes Childcare Broadclyst

Books shared in sleep pods and stories turned into children’s own books give Echoes Childcare Broadclyst a recognisable character in its July 2023 nursery day. These are concrete ways to bring reading into play, from babies sharing a book with an adult to older children becoming storytellers themselves.

At its 17 July 2023 inspection, Ofsted judged the nursery Good overall and found safeguarding effective. The setting has capacity for 96 children, with a current age range of 3 to 60 months.

The early years foundation stage provides the framework for children’s learning, development and care: play supports learning alongside everyday care routines. In July 2023, experiences included dough, spaghetti, water and planting cress, giving children opportunities to practise hand movements and explore living things.

In the baby room that July, sand and water supported exploration through the senses, while staff introduced words during bubble play. Sleep pods also served as snug spaces for sharing books. The combination put language into activities babies could touch, watch and enjoy.

For older children, outdoor equipment offered climbing opportunities in July 2023. In the pre-school room, activities grew from selected books, and children created books and told their own stories. Reading therefore reached beyond listening to an adult: children could contribute ideas and make something of their own.

There were limits to how far adults developed that learning. In July 2023, conversations sometimes missed opportunities to introduce further vocabulary, and mathematical activities did not consistently stretch what older children already understood.

At the July 2023 inspection, Ofsted found that children with SEND made good progress, with support including contact with external agencies, additional resources and increased staffing funded around individual needs. Those examples explain how support worked at that time, rather than offering a blanket assurance about every child’s experience.

During July 2023, settling arrangements supported both children starting nursery and those moving between rooms. Staff used disagreements to help children recognise emotions and understand the effect of their behaviour on others. Sharing and taking turns were practised through everyday interactions.

Books contributed to relationships too. In July 2023, adults talked with children about their experiences while reading together, making story time an opportunity for conversation as well as listening.

Signal House, Broadclyst Station, Exeter, EX5 3AS is the nursery’s address. Opening hours are 7am to 6.30pm, Monday to Friday, across the year, with bank holidays and one week at Christmas closed. That opening window is useful for families whose working day extends beyond conventional office hours.

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

• Language development. The July 2023 improvement priorities included extending language and thinking during both adult-planned activities and children’s own play. Ask how staff now build richer conversations from children’s interests.
• Early mathematics. In July 2023, older children needed mathematical learning that built more effectively on their existing knowledge. Ask for an example of how an activity is adapted for a child ready for a greater challenge.
• Baby-room arrangements. Sleep pods were used for shared reading in July 2023. During a visit, ask how the current baby-room layout separates rest and active play.

Echoes Childcare Broadclyst suits families seeking an early start and evening opening across the year. Its July 2023 experiences give useful substance to the choice: sensory exploration for babies, book-linked activities for older children and practical support during room changes. The questions to pursue are equally specific: how language is extended and how early mathematics challenges children who already know the basics.