Jurassic Childcare

Reassuring care for babies and toddlers, alongside a need to stretch older children more consistently, gives Jurassic Childcare a clear balance of strengths and questions. At its December 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good and judged safeguarding effective. The setting has capacity for 30 children, accepting ages from birth to five.

Based at Budleigh Salterton Hospital, it combines care for younger children with preparation for greater independence. The inspection examples are useful here: comfort after naps, familiar songs and children recognising their names at mealtimes.

The early years foundation stage is the framework for children's learning, development and care. In everyday terms, play and familiar routines become opportunities to practise language, thinking and independence.

In December 2023, babies and toddlers pursued bubbles and tried to catch them with their hands, sustaining their attention through an activity that interested them. Stories and actions accompanying nursery rhymes encouraged participation. Familiar games gave children repeated opportunities to practise memory and language skills, rather than moving straight to a new task.

Older children managed toileting and handwashing and used name labels to find their seats for meals. These were practical steps towards doing more for themselves. However, activities for preschool children did not consistently hold their interest or provide enough challenge. That distinction matters for families choosing care for an older child.

In December 2023, staff gave younger children comfort and time to recover from sleep, and made nappy changes sociable through cheerful conversation. Adults listened when children started discussions and introduced vocabulary during play. Quieter children, however, needed more encouragement to contribute.

At the December 2023 inspection, Ofsted found that the special educational needs coordinator worked effectively with families, colleagues and outside agencies to plan targeted individual support, and that children made good progress.

Home and nursery routines were connected too. In December 2023, staff used strategies familiar from home where possible and encouraged families to borrow books and resources. This gave parents concrete ways to continue learning beyond the nursery day. Leaders also observed staff practice and offered coaching, giving practitioners feedback on their work with children.

The address is Budleigh Salterton Hospital, East Budleigh Road, Budleigh Salterton, EX9 6HF. Opening hours are 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, across the year, with closures for bank holidays and two weeks at Christmas.

In December 2023, the nursery received funding for free education for children aged two, three and four. This is a dated funding position, rather than a promise of entitlement for an individual family.

• Older children's challenge. In December 2023, preschool activities needed more consistent planning and organisation. At a visit, ask how activities now extend children who are ready for the next step.
• Quieter voices. The December 2023 improvement priorities included encouraging less confident children to speak more often. Ask how practitioners help a child who rarely initiates conversation.
• Attendance arrangements. The weekday opening window runs from 7.30am to 6pm. Which booking pattern would fit your family's routine?

Jurassic Childcare merits consideration by families seeking weekday care for babies, toddlers or preschool children. The December 2023 picture gives younger children's care particular substance through comfort, conversation and familiar activities. For older or quieter children, the two improvement priorities deserve close attention when assessing whether the nursery fits their needs.