Wellies

In July 2025, garden obstacle courses, babies joining in with songs and preschool children serving their own meals gave Wellies a practical, hands-on character. At its July 2025 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good and found safeguarding effective, with positive findings on communication, physical development and support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

Based in Horncastle, Wellies has capacity for 100 children aged 0 to 60 months. That is the whole nursery's capacity, rather than the size of an individual group. The strongest picture from July 2025 is of learning woven into play and everyday tasks, alongside two clear areas for improvement.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care: play, conversation and everyday routines help children build skills. In July 2025, babies explored collage with coloured paper, while younger children practised coordinating their movements through water play. Stories, songs and conversations gave language a place throughout the day.

The garden added physical challenge. In July 2025, children tackled ladders and slopes, and built obstacle courses; older children helped younger ones with difficult sections. These activities brought movement and cooperation together. Staff also introduced vocabulary in conversations with older children and encouraged them to express feelings and preferences.

At the July 2025 inspection, Ofsted found that staff worked with families and professionals to target support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, including using additional funding for easy-grip drinking cups. A small adaptation had a clear purpose: helping children practise drinking from an open cup.

In July 2025, settling arrangements drew on information about children's routines, interests and care needs. Babies sought comfort from staff when they needed it. However, initial conversations did not capture enough about children's existing learning to shape their next steps precisely.

Independence also featured in July 2025: babies practised using cutlery, preschool children served meals, and children tackled dressing and shoes. Mirrors and accessible tissues supported self-care. Families received daily information through conversations and an online app, with toilet-training support also recognised.

Wellies is at 2 Langton Hill, Horncastle, LN9 5AH. Opening hours are 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, throughout the year, with bank holidays closed.

In July 2025, the nursery provided funded early education from nine months onwards. For families weighing childcare around work, the opening window gives a useful starting point for planning.

• Starting points. In July 2025, staff needed to gather more detail about what children could already do. Discuss how your child's existing skills will inform their first learning plans.
• Consistent boundaries. In July 2025, staff sometimes applied expectations differently, and disruption affected other children's learning. Ask how practitioners now give children consistent messages.
• Attendance and funding. The nursery opens across the year. Which booking patterns and funded-hours arrangements would fit your family's week?

Wellies suits families seeking year-round childcare, with an inspection-era picture of active garden play, language-rich interaction and growing independence. The July 2025 examples are concrete and useful. Consistent behaviour guidance and sharper planning when children start are the points to explore before choosing it.