Cheeky Monkeys Day Nursery

A library visit that sparked dinosaur investigations captures the character of Cheeky Monkeys Day Nursery: children's interests became starting points for further learning. At its July 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Outstanding and found that ambitious teaching helped children make rapid progress.

Based on Cheadle Road in Uttoxeter, the nursery accepts children from birth to eight years. The examples below describe nursery life in July 2024, when the children attending were aged from birth to four.

The early years foundation stage provides the framework for children's learning, development and care, bringing play, communication and growing independence into the day.

In July 2024, children followed up their library-inspired interest by exploring dinosaur names, characteristics and habitats. Staff used questions to extend their thinking and returned to activities so children could practise skills. Children took part in learning activities indoors and outdoors.

Language received deliberate attention. Adults added descriptive vocabulary to children's exploration of materials, then paused to give them time to respond. Circle-time conversations about home experiences encouraged quieter children to contribute too.

Community experiences included visits to a church and care homes, alongside learning about pets and their care. Preparation for school took practical forms: using tools, cooperating with friends and taking responsibility for everyday tasks. Older children cleared plates and washed up after meals, giving independence a useful purpose.

At the July 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Outstanding and found safeguarding effective; children with special educational needs and/or disabilities progressed through support involving parents, key persons, outside agencies and additional funding.

During that month, a sensory room gave children with SEND opportunities to practise managing their feelings, while quieter spaces allowed rest when activity became overwhelming. Staff recognised when children needed a pause. Children practised taking turns and considering other people's needs, with staff deployment helping keep busy days calm.

Parents received ideas for extending learning at home. Staff development also had a practical structure: peer observations, supervision and colleagues sharing experience helped practitioners reflect on their work.

The address is Cheadle Road, Uttoxeter, ST14 7BY. Opening hours are 7.30am to 6pm on weekdays, with year-round operation apart from bank holidays and a week at Christmas.

In July 2024, the nursery provided funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children. This is a dated funding position, separate from its current age range.

• Age range. The nursery accepts children from birth to eight, while the July 2024 observations concerned children up to four. Those examples are most directly relevant to families choosing early-years care.
• Support in practice. The sensory room and quieter spaces were part of care in July 2024. On a visit, how would these spaces and key-person support fit your child's particular needs?

Cheeky Monkeys suits families who value learning that follows children's interests, practical independence and community experiences. The July 2024 account gives concrete examples of each, from dinosaur investigations to washing up. Its weekday opening window also suits parents needing care across the working day.