Zoe's Childcare Newgate Lane

Parcel wrapping that turns into kite-making gives a useful picture of Zoe's Childcare Newgate Lane: children's ideas shaped the activities in June 2022, with staff helping them take an interest further. The nursery has capacity for 24 children aged 0 to 60 months in Mansfield.

At its June 2022 inspection, Ofsted judged the provision Good and safeguarding effective. That is a dated assessment, rather than a description of today's daily practice.

In June 2022, children chose their own play materials, experimented with boats in water and used a post room for parcel wrapping. When parcels reminded them of kites, staff helped them make some and try them outdoors. The example connects imaginative play with an opportunity to investigate wind.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care: play sits alongside support for communication and everyday independence. In June 2022, children served themselves at snack time, while older children attempted their own hats and sun cream. A challenging jigsaw also gave one child a chance to persist and solve a problem independently.

In June 2022, children sought familiar staff for personal care, and adults helped them negotiate disagreements over toys. Daily updates supported communication with families, while information sharing helped prepare children for school and connected their care across providers.

The June 2022 inspection identified two priorities: staff needed further guidance on planning for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), and language teaching for younger children needed to build more closely on their existing skills and next steps. These are important considerations for families seeking individual learning support or choosing care for a younger child.

The address is Newgate lane nursery, Newgate Lane, Mansfield, NG18 2LB. Opening hours are 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, during term time, with closure in school holidays. That calendar matters as much as the daily hours for families arranging care around work.

In June 2022, the nursery provided funded early education for two-year-old children. This is an inspection-era funding position.

• Younger children's language. The June 2022 improvement priority concerned teaching that matched younger children's next steps. During a visit, ask how staff now plan and adapt that support, including for children with SEND.
• Holiday cover. The nursery operates during term time and closes in school holidays. Families needing care across the year should factor that calendar into their arrangements.

Zoe's Childcare Newgate Lane suits families seeking term-time childcare in Mansfield. Its June 2022 examples show children making choices, developing independence and extending their ideas through play. The same assessment sets out clear priorities for younger children's language and SEND planning, which deserve attention alongside the Good judgement.