Catkins Nursery

Books, emotional development and support tailored to individual children defined Catkins' approach in May 2023. At its May 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Outstanding, finding that its carefully planned teaching helped children build communication, manage emotions and make progress, including children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

Catkins has capacity for 24 children aged two to five at Charnwood Children's Centre in Lichfield. Its term-time calendar makes it a practical option for families whose childcare needs follow the school year.

In May 2023, books shaped the curriculum, with vocabulary teaching woven into children's learning. Staff planned repeated opportunities for children to practise skills. For parents, the useful detail is that repetition had a clear purpose: preparing children for their next stage of learning.

The nursery follows the early years foundation stage, the framework for children's learning, development and care. Here, the May 2023 account describes play and exploration alongside direct teaching, with activities adapted to the children attending.

Outdoor access also mattered. In May 2023, the layout and opportunities to play outside gave children practice in movement and judging the space around them. Learning extended to their city and the people living in it; parents contributed customs and food traditions, connecting nursery experiences with family life.

At the May 2023 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and highlighted determined support for children with SEND, including individual assistance and advocacy when external help was delayed. The practical significance is support extending beyond activities inside the nursery.

In May 2023, communication followed parents' preferred channels, and families contributed to assessments and understood how to support learning at home. Staff also worked with agencies based at the children's centre through the nursery's think family approach, addressing family welfare alongside children's needs.

Health support was practical: in May 2023, children could eat during their session when hunger affected concentration, while staff encouraged water drinking and directed families towards specialist dental help where needed. Staff also addressed concerns about unsuitable online content at home.

The address is Charnwood Children's Centre, Purcell Avenue, Lichfield, WS13 7PH. Opening hours are 8.55am to 3pm, Monday to Friday, during term time; the nursery closes for school holidays.

In May 2023, Catkins received funding for early education for two-, three- and four-year-olds. In May 2023, Catkins also ran stay-and-play sessions during some school holidays, a separate arrangement from its term-time nursery provision.

In May 2023, the nursery shared its site with Charnwood Primary Academy and Rocklands School. Attendance at Catkins does not guarantee a Reception place.

• School-year childcare. The term-time calendar includes school-holiday closures. Families needing childcare throughout the year should weigh that calendar against their working commitments.
• Support in practice. Individual help and coordination with outside agencies were important features in May 2023. At a visit, ask how support would be organised around your child's needs today.
• Shared school site. Catkins shared its premises with Charnwood Primary Academy and Rocklands School in May 2023. Keep the nursery choice separate from expectations about a Reception place.

Catkins suits families seeking term-time childcare for children aged two to five. Its strongest case is the May 2023 picture of book-led learning, purposeful repetition and support that considered the whole family. The school-holiday calendar is the central practical consideration.