Sunshine Under 5's

Conversation, shared books and songs shaped the September 2024 inspection picture of Sunshine Under 5's. At its September 2024 inspection, Ofsted judged it Good overall and found safeguarding effective. Its capacity is 19 children, making whole-setting size a useful part of the decision for families considering this Runcorn nursery.

The children attending in September 2024 were aged two to three; that is a snapshot of the children there, rather than an admission age range. The strongest detail is the emphasis on language, with two practical areas needing attention: purposeful outdoor learning and more individual guidance for parents.

In September 2024, conversation ran through play: staff demonstrated how to exchange ideas, sang familiar songs and encouraged children to supply remembered words and actions. The early years foundation stage provides the framework for learning, development and care; here, play, stories and conversation brought those strands into children's day.

Books travelled between nursery and home through a lending library. Staff also read during the day, inviting children to talk about stories and recognise characters. That gave families a concrete way to share the same interest at home.

Small-group dough activities combined colour recognition, tools and hand movements with songs. Hopscotch gave children opportunities to persist, wait and encourage one another. Outdoors, however, activities needed a clearer connection to intended learning, especially for children who preferred being outside.

Additional funding supported outings to the beach and a local cafe in September 2024. Meeting people beyond the nursery extended children's opportunities to practise social interaction.

At the September 2024 inspection, Ofsted found that developmental monitoring, communication screening, targeted plans and prompt referrals helped children with special educational needs and/or disabilities receive support and make progress. These were specific mechanisms for responding to individual needs.

In September 2024, staff learnt about children's families to understand their emotional needs. Sharing, taking turns and considerate behaviour were practised through activities and adult examples. Toothbrushing formed part of the day, alongside handwashing before food and after garden play.

A termly newsletter explained the curriculum in September 2024, but parents needed clearer information about their own child's next learning steps. General curriculum news and individual guidance serve different purposes: families need the latter to carry learning into everyday life at home.

The address is 441 Eastwood, Windmill Hill, Runcorn, WA7 6LJ.

In September 2024, attendance ran Monday to Friday during term time, with sessions from 8.30am to 2.30pm. Funded early education was provided for children aged two, three and four. These arrangements belong to that dated offer.

• Outdoor learning. In September 2024, outdoor activities needed closer links to intended learning. On a visit, ask how garden experiences now support children who prefer learning outside.
• Individual feedback. September 2024's curriculum newsletters did not give parents sufficiently specific next steps for their child. Ask to see an example of individual learning guidance.
• Attendance fit. The September 2024 offer was term-time weekday sessions ending at 2.30pm. What attendance arrangements would apply to your child now?

The September 2024 inspection picture will appeal to families who value conversation, shared reading and practical social learning. Its September 2024 term-time session model would fit households able to organise care around an early afternoon finish. The Good judgement supports that picture, while outdoor learning and individual parent guidance remain the two points to explore.