Tina's Tots

Ice explored in the mud kitchen and books borrowed for home gave Tina's Tots' December 2022 inspection account a concrete early-years character. At its December 2022 inspection, Ofsted rated the Rothwell nursery Good overall. That is a dated judgement, rather than a description of today's daily practice.

Tina's Tots has capacity for 42 children and is based on Butcher Lane in Leeds. The December 2022 account brings together outdoor exploration, language development and practical independence, alongside two clear areas requiring attention: learning activities and staff hygiene.

In December 2022, children investigated frozen leaves and water in the mud kitchen, using tools and warm water to explore how ice changes. This made an everyday outdoor discovery into an opportunity to test ideas.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care. Here, the December 2022 examples included conversation during play, stories and physical activity: staff expanded children's words into fuller descriptions, while the lending library let families take favourite books home.

The large garden supported chasing games and cycling; babies used soft-play equipment for climbing and ball play. Toddlers practised filling and emptying containers with artificial snow. However, planned experiences did not consistently match children's individual next steps, so an engaging activity was not always sufficiently targeted.

At the December 2022 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and SEND support good, with picture cards supporting communication, a SENCo working with external agencies and regularly revised care and education plans supporting progress.

In December 2022, staff comforted children who needed reassurance and used calm reminders when behaviour needed support. Children served food themselves and washed their hands after messy play, giving them practical opportunities to develop independence.

Staff hygiene needed attention: adults sometimes cleaned babies' noses without washing their hands afterwards, increasing the risk of infection spreading. Parents received progress updates through an app and attended sessions explaining children's learning, helping connect nursery activities with home.

The address is Tina's Tots, Butcher Lane, Rothwell, Leeds, LS26 0DB.

In December 2022, children attending were aged 0 to 7. At that time, the nursery operated throughout the year on weekdays, closing for bank holidays, and received early-education funding for children aged two, three and four. These arrangements belong to that period.

• Individual learning and hygiene. December 2022 identified gaps in matching activities to children's next steps and in handwashing after nose wiping. How are both handled in daily practice now?
• Attendance needs. For this Butcher Lane setting, discuss your child's age and required attendance pattern together before committing to a booking.

Tina's Tots merits consideration for families looking for outdoor investigation and a connection between nursery learning and home. Its December 2022 examples give substance to that appeal, especially the mud kitchen and lending library. The dated concerns about activity planning and hygiene deserve equal weight in a family's decision.