Midgets Gems

Conversation, construction play and growing independence shaped daily life at Midgets Gems in January 2024. This Hull nursery has capacity for 24 children aged one to five. At its January 2024 inspection, Ofsted judged the provision Good and safeguarding effective.

The strongest picture is of children learning through close interaction with staff: trying a difficult construction again, picking up new words and learning to take account of younger children. These are small, useful steps towards confidence.

In January 2024, learning followed the early years foundation stage, the framework for children's learning, development and care: play combined opportunities to develop language, explore mathematical ideas and practise social skills. Staff introduced counting and vocabulary within children's chosen activities rather than keeping them separate from play.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar connected stories with counting fruit and talking about a butterfly's development. Books also prompted artwork and conversations about children's pictures. Toddlers heard individual words repeated, while older children were encouraged to extend their vocabulary; simple signs helped children communicate.

Outside, daily play in January 2024 included a mud kitchen and opportunities to practise movement. The yard's scope for exploring nature was less developed. At times, planting and bird feeders were absent, limiting encounters with wildlife and the chance to connect stories with living things. Increasing children's engagement with nature across the seasons was the improvement priority.

Relationships supported everyday care in January 2024. Staff knew families well and understood that changes at home could affect children's behaviour. Emotional and social development received substantial attention, while adults encouraged sharing and helped older children recognise younger children's needs.

At the January 2024 inspection, Ofsted found that effective work with the local authority and other services helped children with special educational needs and/or disabilities access support and make progress.

Practical independence was also encouraged in January 2024. Children washed their hands before eating and put on coats for outdoor play; staff prompted them to drink water. These routines gave children manageable responsibilities within the day.

The address is Units 6-7, Grandale, Hull, HU7 4BL. Opening hours are 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, across the year, with closures for bank holidays and Christmas. That opening window gives families a clear starting point for assessing whether the nursery fits their working day.

In January 2024, the nursery provided funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-olds. This is a dated account of its funding provision.

• Learning about nature. January 2024's improvement priority concerned children's engagement with the living world throughout the year. Ask how planting and wildlife exploration now form part of outdoor play.
• Matching care to your week. The opening window runs from 7am to 6pm on weekdays. Which booking pattern and funded-hours arrangement would fit your child's attendance?

Midgets Gems suits families seeking care for children aged one to five, with an emphasis on conversation, relationships and everyday independence. The January 2024 picture combines attentive interaction with learning woven into play. The outdoor nature provision deserves attention when weighing that picture against the nursery's present offer.