Jesters Childcare

A stage with bubble machines and a patch for digging give Jesters Childcare’s May 2023 account its character: children could turn their own ideas into performances or explore what happens beneath the soil. At its 15 May 2023 inspection, Ofsted judged the provision Good and safeguarding effective.

Based at Stanhope Primary School in Gedling, Jesters accepts children aged two to five and has 30 places in total. The most useful distinction is between its current practical arrangements and the dated examples of children’s learning below.

In May 2023, children requested The Show, a performance activity using instruments, a stage and bubble machines. Staff helped them experiment with sounds and movement, giving their chosen activity a physical and creative purpose.

Outside, that month’s activities included digging with rakes and spades, watering soil and talking about insects, plants and worms. These were concrete starting points for understanding living things. At the water tray, filling containers brought number labels and comparisons of size into play; drawing alongside staff gave children examples of how to control a pencil.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children’s learning, development and care. Here, the May 2023 examples illustrate learning through play, conversation and practical exploration.

In May 2023, staff joined children’s play and used the star of the day award to explain and recognise an achievement. Children shared their awards with friends, making recognition something the group could understand together. Staff also demonstrated everyday routines, including clearing away after snacks.

The same month, managers had changed communication with families so that information about children reached parents regularly. Learning plans drew on children’s interests and next steps, and staff identified those needing extra help to access activities.

There were two important improvement points. In May 2023, quieter children received less help to broaden their vocabulary, including during mealtime conversations. Managers also needed to evaluate their procedures more effectively so that changes became sustained practice.

The address is Stanhope Primary School, Keyworth Road, Gedling, Nottingham, NG4 4JD. Opening hours are 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, across the year, with bank-holiday closures.

In May 2023, session times ran from 7.30am to 5.30pm, and funded early education was provided for two-, three- and four-year-olds. Those are dated arrangements, separate from the current opening hours.

Being based at Stanhope Primary School does not guarantee a Reception place.

• Quieter children. The May 2023 improvement point concerned vocabulary and participation in conversations. On a visit, ask how staff now draw less vocal children into play and mealtimes.
• Changes that last. In May 2023, managers needed stronger checks on whether procedures were working. Ask how they now assess the effect of changes, including communication with families.
• Planning attendance. The current opening window extends to 6pm. Ask which booking patterns and funded-hours arrangements fit your intended days, and request a current written quotation.

Jesters merits consideration for families seeking care for children aged two to five on a primary-school site, with weekday opening from early morning into the evening. Its May 2023 examples give a clear picture of hands-on play and child-led performance. The decision should also weigh the two improvement points: quieter children’s language support and managers’ evaluation of everyday practice.