Tiny Gems Day Nursery

Storytelling, song bags and small responsibilities shaped Tiny Gems Day Nursery's character in November 2022. At its November 2022 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good, finding that children formed close bonds with staff and engaged enthusiastically with learning.

The nursery cares for children aged 6 to 60 months in Leicester. The strongest examples from November 2022 were everyday experiences: acting out a bear story, exploring textures and helping at lunchtime. These made learning active rather than simply something children listened to.

The early years foundation stage brings learning, development and care together: play supports language, physical skills and understanding of the world. In November 2022, children used props to recreate a story, while babies explored rice and pasta with their hands. The activities gave different ages practical ways to participate.

A song bag linked the rooms in November 2022, with songs changing as children moved through the nursery. Preschool children also took a turn as helper of the day, distributing lunch utensils and crockery. Responsibility had a concrete purpose.

Community experiences extended beyond the building. In November 2022, children had visited a mosque, a gurdwara and a church, and travelled by public transport for park outings. These experiences introduced different beliefs and everyday journeys. The mud garden supplied another practical learning opportunity, although staff sometimes missed chances to bring counting into play.

At the November 2022 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities effective, with staff involving families and outside agencies in planning support.

In November 2022, staff discussed children's next learning steps with parents and ways to practise them at home. Children were encouraged to manage small tasks themselves, such as putting on aprons and washing their hands. However, explanations of why healthy habits mattered needed more attention.

Support for early speech also needed greater consistency. In November 2022, systems helped identify language delays, but staff sometimes missed opportunities to demonstrate spoken language while younger children played. For a parent choosing care for a baby or toddler, that distinction matters: identifying a need and supporting it throughout play are separate tasks.

The address is 2 Ambassador Road, Leicester, LE5 4DL. Opening hours are 8am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, across the year, with closures for bank holidays and one week at Christmas.

In November 2022, the nursery provided funded early education for children aged two, three and four. That is a dated participation statement rather than a promise of a funded place today.

• Early speech and number play. The November 2022 improvement points covered modelling language for younger children and using numbers during activities. These are useful priorities for discussing how daily teaching has developed.
• Healthy habits. In November 2022, children practised self-care, but explanations of its health benefits needed strengthening. Look for attention to understanding as well as completing the task.
• Care for the youngest children. The accepted age range starts at 6 months. On a visit, how are babies' sleep and settling routines organised?

Tiny Gems suits families seeking care across the year who value the practical play, community experiences and small steps towards independence seen in November 2022. Its strengths at that inspection were tangible, from story props to lunchtime responsibilities. The November 2022 improvement priorities were more consistent language modelling, counting during play and explanations of healthy habits.