Marshlands Day Nursery

Chicks hatching and tadpoles changing into frogs give Marshlands Day Nursery’s May 2022 account a memorable character: children explored living things close up, rather than simply hearing about them. At its 18 May 2022 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good overall, with Outstanding personal development.

Based at Marshlands Primary School on Hall Road in Goole, DN14 5UE, the nursery has capacity for 24 children aged two to five. Its term-time calendar makes school holidays an important part of the childcare decision.

The early years foundation stage is the framework for children’s learning, development and care, bringing these parts of nursery life together rather than treating education separately from everyday needs.

In May 2022, children handled chicks and used magnifying glasses to examine tadpoles as they developed. These were concrete opportunities to observe change. Physical learning included stepping stones and steps, while serving snacks with tongs gave children practice with tools and independence.

Conversation and stories also shaped the May 2022 experience. Children recalled animals from a favourite book and recognised them in pictures and models, giving them reasons to speak, remember and explain. The limitation was planning: some activities lasted too long or did not match individual children’s next learning steps, leaving some less involved.

In May 2022, children built close relationships with their key person, and calm staff helped those who needed support with their feelings. Staff also gathered words from families’ home languages to use with children learning English, connecting nursery conversations with home.

At the May 2022 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and children with special educational needs and/or disabilities received prompt, targeted support, with funding directed towards their needs and collaboration with health visitors and speech and language therapists.

Daily health routines in May 2022 included toothbrushing, handwashing and encouragement to manage personal hygiene independently. Healthy snacks and drinks accompanied these practical habits.

Marshlands Day Nursery’s address is Marshlands Primary School, Hall Road, Goole, DN14 5UE. Opening hours are 8.45am to 3.30pm, Monday to Friday, during term time; it closes for school holidays.

In May 2022, the nursery provided funded early education for children aged two, three and four. School relationships then included exchanging relevant information to make children’s experiences consistent. Attending the nursery does not guarantee a school place.

• School holidays. The nursery closes outside term time. Families needing care throughout the year should weigh that calendar against their working arrangements.
• Individual learning. In May 2022, some planned activities were too long or insufficiently matched to children’s needs. On a visit, ask how staff now adapt activities to each child’s next steps.
• Funding and extras. Funded early education formed part of the May 2022 provision. Ask how a proposed booking would divide funded hours, paid hours, food and consumables.

Marshlands suits families seeking term-time childcare for children aged two to five. Its May 2022 strengths were tangible: close observation of animals, opportunities for independence and attentive relationships. The balance is equally clear. Individual activity planning needed refinement, and the school-holiday closure matters for families arranging year-round care.