WMB Hillcity Day Nursery

Play dough, shared stories and practical food activities give Hillcity's inspection-era account its character. At its November 2021 inspection, Ofsted judged the nursery Good overall, with strengths in children's relationships and learning alongside specific improvements needed in independent thinking, online safety and guidance for parents.

WMB Hillcity Day Nursery is on Tamerton Drive in Manchester, M8 0DH, and accepts children aged 3 to 60 months. The inspection provides a dated picture of daily life, rather than a description of today's activities.

In November 2021, learning included making play dough, combining ingredients and experimenting with colour. Handling the mixture exercised children's hands and fingers, giving practical play a purpose beyond the finished dough. Water activities encouraged children learning to walk to stand and move around a table.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care. Here, the November 2021 examples show learning through play: exploring textures, practising movement and building vocabulary through practical experiences.

Older children cut fruit and vegetables and used them in pretend soup-making. Adults introduced food names, connecting language with something children could handle. However, opportunities to explore their own ideas needed further development.

A story of the month was read daily in November 2021. Repetition helped children join in and remember what happened, while familiar songs supported communication. Outdoor activity and learning about dental health also formed part of the day; celebrations introduced different cultures and faiths.

At the November 2021 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities effective, with prompt referrals helping them receive appropriate assistance.

In November 2021, adults comforted children who became upset and helped them practise sharing and taking turns. Expectations included considerate speech and walking indoors, with gentle reminders supporting behaviour. These were practical ways of helping children manage nursery life.

Communication with parents covered children's experiences, but guidance about extending learning at home needed strengthening. Staff training had included communication and language development, and leaders managed workload efficiently. The manager held the safeguarding lead role; staff undertook safeguarding and paediatric first-aid training, alongside environmental checks and fire drills.

Opening hours are 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. The nursery operates across the year, closing for bank holidays and Christmas. That opening window is useful for planning work and care commitments.

In November 2021, the nursery provided funded early education for children aged two, three and four. This is a dated participation detail, rather than a promise of a funded place today.

• Independent thinking. In November 2021, older children needed more opportunities to investigate their ideas. Look for activities that let children choose an approach and try it out.
• Online safety. Teaching children about safe use of electronic devices needed development in November 2021. This matters alongside conversations with parents about safety.
• Learning at home. November 2021 feedback called for more practical guidance for parents. Useful follow-up should make it easier to continue a child's learning beyond nursery.
• Attendance planning. The opening window runs from 7.30am to 6pm. Which booking patterns would accommodate your family's working week?

Hillcity merits consideration for families seeking care across the year for children aged 3 to 60 months. Its November 2021 account combines hands-on learning with supportive relationships, balanced by clear curriculum and parent-guidance improvements. The practical fit rests on the weekday opening window and holiday closures.