Dimples Seaton Carew Day Nursery

Beach outings, borrowed library books and pavement chalk gave Dimples Seaton Carew Day Nursery a recognisable character in April 2023: learning stretched beyond indoor activities. Practical independence mattered too, with preschool children helping themselves to lunch.

At its April 2023 inspection, Ofsted judged the nursery Good overall, found safeguarding effective and praised support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), including their progress and support for families. These are dated judgements. The nursery now has capacity for 75 children, with an accepted age range of 0 to 60 months.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care, bringing play and everyday routines into their education.

In April 2023, each room had a planned sequence of learning. Communication involved gestures and visual cues alongside speech, with staff allowing time for responses and checking understanding. Sensory play introduced vocabulary; sand play and garden bubbles supplied opportunities to explore quantities, shapes and numbers. Staff had training in a national mathematics programme.

Outdoor climbing equipment and tunnels gave children opportunities to practise movement and judge risks. Pavement chalk supported the movements needed for writing. Outings included the beach, parks and shops, while library borrowing and books taken home connected reading with family life. Music and dance added further experiences.

Children sustained their attention during activities they chose, including painting flowers from observation. However, adult-led group activities sometimes interrupted that concentration. Protecting time for absorbed play was the improvement priority.

In April 2023, babies sought comfort from staff and explored toys by reaching, crawling and pulling themselves upright. Children practised sharing and taking turns with adult encouragement, while tidying toys and serving lunch gave them manageable responsibilities.

Communication with parents combined conversations and electronic updates. Links with local SEND agencies supported individual needs. Staff development included training, room discussions, coaching and observation of colleagues, creating opportunities to review interactions with children.

Safeguarding practice at that time included staff training, knowledge of referral procedures and daily checks of the premises and activities.

The address is Dimples Seaton Carew, Warrior Drive, Hartlepool, TS25 1EZ. Opening hours are 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, throughout the year. That opening window gives families scope to plan care around the working day.

In April 2023, the nursery provided funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children. This is an inspection-time description of funding provision.

• Time for uninterrupted play. In April 2023, group activities sometimes cut across children's concentration. On a visit, ask how staff now decide when to bring children together.
• Planning attendance. The nursery opens from 7am to 6pm on weekdays throughout the year. Ask which booking pattern, funded-hours arrangement and written quotation would fit your family's timetable.

Dimples suits families seeking all-year weekday childcare, with an April 2023 account of practical independence, outdoor movement and learning linked to the surrounding area. The beach outings and library borrowing gave children experiences beyond the nursery itself. The clearest point to explore is how today's routines preserve sustained, child-chosen play alongside group activities.