Noah's Ark

Cardboard-tube towers, absorbed water play and older children helping younger friends give Noah's Ark a recognisable character in its May 2022 account of daily life. Based at Lowford Community Centre in Bursledon, it has capacity for 42 children and accepts ages from 3 to 60 months.

At its May 2022 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good, judged safeguarding effective and found that the SENCO used parental and professional input effectively to support individual needs. That judgement provides a dated starting point for choosing the nursery.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care: in everyday terms, play and interaction help children develop language, independence and skills for further learning.

In May 2022, babies explored water with their hands and resources, while older children exchanged ideas during construction play. Large cardboard tubes became towers of the children's own design. An obstacle course gave older children opportunities to practise balance and coordination, linking physical challenge with learning to judge risk.

Songs, rhymes and stories also shaped learning in May 2022. Younger children attempted familiar actions and words; older children retold stories and remembered characters. These examples make language development tangible rather than reducing it to a curriculum label.

In May 2022, unsettled children received comfort and encouragement to join activities. Older children practised independence by pouring drinks and using the toilet themselves, and sometimes offered toys or help to younger children. Care included opportunities to do things for themselves.

The SENCO's work in May 2022 involved gathering information from families and other professionals, with additional funding used for resources connected to children's interests and support needs. Communication included conversations and an online app, alongside sharing accident and injury records with parents.

The address is Lowford Community Centre, Portsmouth Road, Bursledon, Southampton, SO31 8ES. Opening hours are 7.45am to 5.45pm, Monday to Friday; the nursery operates throughout the year and closes on bank holidays.

In May 2022, the nursery received funding for early education for children aged two, three and four. This is an inspection-era funding position.

• Adult interactions. In May 2022, some staff, especially newer team members, needed to develop their practice so that interactions extended children's learning more effectively. This matters for families weighing how play becomes a learning opportunity.
• Changes of routine. In May 2022, children sometimes lacked enough guidance between activities, leading to aimless movement, running indoors and rising noise. Purposeful transitions were an improvement priority.
• Care across the age range. With children accepted from 3 to 60 months, how would settling and the daily routine be organised for your child's age during a visit?

Noah's Ark merits consideration from families seeking year-round childcare at Lowford Community Centre. Its May 2022 picture combines child-led construction, language activities and growing independence with clear improvement priorities around adult interactions and routine changes. The Good judgement is useful context, while those practical details give families a sharper basis for assessing fit.