First Steps Day Nursery

Language development stood out at First Steps Day Nursery's December 2022 inspection. At its December 2022 inspection, Ofsted judged the nursery Good and highlighted communication, mathematical learning and children's respectful behaviour as strengths. Conversations and practical number work gave children opportunities to explain themselves and stretch their thinking.

Based at Manchester Royal Infirmary on Oxford Road, the nursery has capacity for 89 children, with an accepted age range of six months to five years. Its hospital-site address is a useful starting point for families organising childcare around work nearby.

In December 2022, staff added vocabulary to babies' play and helped two-year-olds practise familiar phrases; preschool children talked confidently about nursery experiences and life at home. Older children explored counting, numerals and number sequences, with addition and subtraction extending learning for those ready for more challenge.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care. Here, the December 2022 account illustrates that through conversation, mathematical play and opportunities to practise independence.

Outdoor activity had substance. In December 2022, bicycles, climbing equipment and balancing posts gave children different physical challenges. Staff stayed nearby but let children attempt tasks themselves first, leaving room for persistence rather than immediately taking over.

Group learning was less consistent. In December 2022, younger children sometimes spent too long sitting during circle time and lost interest. Staff also received less guidance about their teaching during freely chosen play than during planned activities, weakening the connection between some experiences and children's next learning steps.

At the December 2022 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and children with special educational needs and/or disabilities well supported, making good progress from their starting points. Developmental observations and additional language screening helped staff identify learning needs and respond to them.

In December 2022, parents received updates about learning and what children would tackle next, alongside story sacks, activities and ideas to use at home. That gave families practical ways to continue nursery learning beyond the nursery day.

Self-care was part of daily practice in December 2022: children learnt when to wash their hands, including before food and after wiping their noses. Familiar routines and consistent behavioural expectations also helped children understand what would happen next.

The address is Manchester Royal Infirmary, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9WL. Opening hours are 7.15am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, across the year, with closures for bank holidays and Christmas.

In December 2022, the nursery provided funded early education for children aged two, three and four. That is a dated account of participation, rather than a promise of a funded arrangement for an individual family.

• Toddler group time. In December 2022, extended sitting reduced younger children's engagement. At a visit, ask how toddler circle time now balances participation with movement.
• Learning during play. The December 2022 improvement priorities included more feedback on staff practice. Ask how practitioners now connect freely chosen play with each child's next steps.
• Your childcare package. With a working day that starts at 7.15am, ask which booking pattern, funded-hours arrangement and meal or consumables terms would apply to your family.

First Steps suits families seeking childcare on the Manchester Royal Infirmary site who value language development, practical learning and physical independence. The December 2022 judgement provides a positive assessment, while the two teaching priorities deserve attention when assessing today's experience.