Earl Shilton Children's Day Nursery

A garden climbing frame, conversations over meals and children serving their own dinners give this nursery's December 2021 picture its character. At its December 2021 inspection, Ofsted rated Earl Shilton Children's Day Nursery Good overall, with mathematics teaching and explanations of behaviour needing further work.

The nursery has capacity for 32 children at 52 High Street, Earl Shilton, Leicester, LE9 7DG. Children attending in December 2021 were aged 0 to 5; that age range describes the setting at that time.

The early years foundation stage sets requirements for children's learning, development and care: the day brings play, conversation and practical skills together. In December 2021, staff planned around children's interests and existing abilities, drawing on assessments and information from parents.

Picture books prompted toddlers to name what they saw, while mealtime conversations gave older children opportunities to talk about their interests. Independence had practical expression: toddlers put belongings away, and preschool children prepared fruit, poured drinks and helped themselves to dinner.

Outdoors, the December 2021 activities included balancing on fixed equipment and using a large climbing frame, with adults nearby to help. Dancing and football classes added opportunities for movement. These experiences gave children different ways to practise physical skills alongside quieter play.

Mathematics needed more attention in December 2021. Counting and number songs featured, but staff missed chances within play to extend mathematical understanding. Children also used sand timers for turn-taking, giving them a concrete aid when sharing equipment.

At the December 2021 inspection, Ofsted judged safeguarding effective and found that staff worked with other professionals and used individual plans to support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, including effective support for children receiving additional funding.

Communication in December 2021 combined an online learning journal with daily conversations with parents. This paired a continuing account of learning with opportunities to discuss the child's day. Staff also used information from families when planning activities.

Behaviour support had a specific weakness that December: adults intervened in disputes and unsafe actions, but did not adequately explain how children's actions affected others. Stopping an incident was not consistently followed by helping children understand its consequences.

The address is 52 High Street, Earl Shilton, Leicester, LE9 7DG. In December 2021, opening hours were 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, across the year, with bank-holiday closures and a Christmas closure lasting one week. Funded nursery education places were provided at that time.

• Mathematics through play. December 2021 findings called for better use of everyday activities to develop mathematical understanding. During a visit, ask how staff now extend counting, shapes and measurement through play.
• Explaining behaviour. In December 2021, children needed clearer explanations of how their actions affected others. Ask how practitioners help children understand disputes and repair relationships.
• Attendance arrangements. The December 2021 opening window covered weekdays across the year. What current booking pattern and funded-hours arrangement would fit your family?

For families who value practical independence, conversation and active outdoor play, the December 2021 account offers concrete reasons to consider this nursery. The balance includes two teaching weaknesses: developing mathematics through play and explaining behaviour. Those are useful priorities for a visit, alongside the attendance question.