CherryHarbour Nursery

Sand, dough and rainwater gave children practical ways to explore at CherryHarbour Nursery in December 2023: younger children investigated textures, while older children estimated and compared what they collected. These were concrete starting points for conversation and learning.

Ofsted rated the nursery Good at its 19 December 2023 inspection. Based at Childs Play, Hayling Island, PO11 9DD, it accepts children aged 3 to 60 months.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care, connecting play with communication, growing independence and new skills.

In December 2023, imaginative play included wrapping dolls and pretending to settle them to sleep. Staff used children's interests to plan what came next, rather than treating activities as isolated experiences. Rainwater collection introduced estimation and comparison through something children could handle and discuss.

Language developed through different experiences for different ages. In December 2023, staff responded to babies with eye contact and simple exchanges; younger children explored words through dough play, and older children investigated sounds and the letters in their names. A globe also prompted discussion of unfamiliar animals. Everyday materials supplied the starting point; adult conversation extended it.

At the December 2023 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective, children making good progress and especially strong support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), with coordination between staff, parents and other professionals.

In December 2023, staff gathered information about children's preferences and individual needs, kept parents informed and provided settling sessions. Support for emotions included giving children time to recognise and reflect on their feelings. That detail matters for children who need help communicating distress.

Independence was also practised in December 2023 through pouring drinks, putting toys away and attempting coats. However, support with nose-blowing and handwashing was inconsistent. Those small routines are part of learning to care for oneself.

The address is Childs Play, Hayling Island, PO11 9DD. Opening hours are 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, across the year, with closures for bank holidays and Christmas.

In December 2023, the nursery received early education funding for children aged two, three and four. This describes participation at that time rather than an entitlement or attendance arrangement for a child joining now.

• Learning around lunchtime. In December 2023, noise during the move to lunch interrupted storytelling and children's attention. Ask how that transition is organised during a visit.
• Everyday independence. The December 2023 improvement priorities included more consistent help with personal hygiene. Ask how children are encouraged to use soap and manage nose-blowing.
• Joining at different ages. Children can join from 3 to 60 months. What attendance pattern and settling arrangements would be agreed for your child's age?

CherryHarbour Nursery suits families seeking care across the working week whose priorities include practical play and close communication about their child. Its December 2023 strengths included learning built around children's interests and coordinated SEND support. The same dated picture also gives families two useful points to explore: calmer lunchtime transitions and consistent encouragement of personal hygiene.