Tiny Muddy Boots

Snails in the garden, a pet rabbit and art with care-home residents gave Tiny Muddy Boots a character that reached beyond indoor play in September 2022. Based at the Scout Hut in Pole Hill Park, Uxbridge, it has capacity for 26 children.

At its September 2022 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good and found safeguarding effective. Children attending then were aged two to four. This is a dated picture of a setting where outdoor discovery and relationships supplied much of the substance of the day.

In September 2022, children investigated snails after rain, used books to extend their discoveries and searched for other garden creatures. Staff had also introduced more mathematics outdoors, bringing learning to children who preferred garden play. The outdoor space served as somewhere to investigate and think.

The early years foundation stage sets expectations for children's learning, development and care: here, the September 2022 examples included conversation, books, singing and practical exploration. Simple signs and pictures helped children express themselves while their speech developed. Staff also worked with families around children's home languages.

Regular care-home visits in September 2022 brought children and residents together for singing and art. Caring for the pet rabbit offered another practical experience of treating others gently. A nursery teddy bear went home for weekends, with photographs and children's accounts bringing family experiences back into the group.

At the September 2022 inspection, Ofsted found that staff tracked development, organised targeted help with parents and professionals, and supported good progress for children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Small-group work on attention and listening was one concrete mechanism behind that support.

In September 2022, children formed affectionate relationships with staff and received encouragement. Handwashing, toilet learning, dental health and healthy eating also featured in their day. Two areas needed more work: explaining the reasons behind behavioural rules and giving children greater independence in personal care, especially during meals.

The address is Scout Hut, Pole Hill Park, Petworth Gardens, Uxbridge UB10 9HQ.

In September 2022, opening hours were 8.45am to 2.45pm, Monday to Friday, during term time. Funded early education was offered then for children aged two, three and four. These arrangements describe that period rather than a current booking offer.

• Term-time arrangements. The September 2022 opening window ran from 8.45am to 2.45pm. What attendance patterns and funded arrangements can families book now?
• Understanding boundaries. In September 2022, staff needed to explain more consistently why rules mattered. During a visit, discuss how children are helped to understand the reasons behind expectations.
• Mealtime independence. September 2022 findings called for children to do more personal-care tasks themselves, especially at meals. Look for how staff balance assistance with opportunities to practise.

Tiny Muddy Boots suits families drawn to garden exploration, animal care and contact with older people, judged on its September 2022 practice. The clearest strengths in that picture were concrete experiences: investigating creatures, sharing books and making art with care-home residents. The two improvement points matter too, because understanding boundaries and practising self-care are everyday steps towards independence.