CherryWood Nursery

Close relationships give CherryWood Nursery's July 2021 inspection its clearest character: babies responded to staff, toddlers sought comfort from their key person and children formed friendships. At its July 2021 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good and found safeguarding effective.

Based on The Green in Pirbright, Woking, the nursery has 70 places in total and accepts children aged 3 to 60 months. Its inspection account offers concrete examples of care and learning, alongside two specific improvements families should weigh.

In July 2021, children followed the early years foundation stage through experiences including music, conversation and preparation for school. Toddlers joined movement activities, while preschool children tried school uniforms and practised writing their names, making the next stage more familiar.

Outside, the July 2021 activities included riding two-wheeled toys and examining insects with magnifying glasses. These offered physical challenge and opportunities for close observation. During pandemic restrictions, however, dividing the outdoor space between age groups meant children did not have equivalent opportunities for exploration and physical play.

Another July 2021 concern was the connection between an activity's intended learning and its delivery. Staff sometimes lost that connection, reducing what children gained from the experience. Enthusiasm alone was not enough: activities needed to fit children's learning needs more closely.

In July 2021, practitioners responded promptly to babies' sounds and positioned themselves at children's level for conversation. Room changes were managed with continuity of care, helping children retain familiar support as they moved on. Parents valued communication through an online application, which gave them a way to follow their child's development.

Food served from the kitchen in July 2021 used plate colours to distinguish dietary needs, with staff checking requirements with colleagues. Handwashing songs helped children spend sufficient time cleaning their hands.

Safety conversations that July used PANTS rules to help children understand protection from abuse. Staff also received supervision meetings and opportunities to identify training needs; apprentices learned alongside the team, and management supported staff wellbeing.

The address is The Green, Pirbright, Woking, GU24 0JT. Opening hours are 08:00 to 18:00, Monday to Friday. The nursery operates across the year, closing for bank holidays and one week at Christmas.

In July 2021, it provided free early education for children aged two, three and four. That is a dated funding position.

• Activities with a clear purpose. In July 2021, planned learning sometimes became diluted during delivery. Ask how staff now connect activities to each child's needs.
• Outdoor challenge across ages. The July 2021 concern arose when pandemic arrangements divided the outdoor area. Ask how today's layout gives each age group suitable physical and exploratory opportunities.
• Attendance and funding fit. Opening hours span the working day, while the funding account dates to July 2021. Which booking patterns and funded arrangements would suit your child now?

CherryWood suits families seeking care in Pirbright who value key-person relationships and communication about development. Its July 2021 account gives substance to those priorities. The questions to resolve are equally concrete: purposeful activities, outdoor challenge and an attendance arrangement that fits family life.