Nanny Bears Childcare, Fordmore Farm

Farm walks and a mud kitchen gave Nanny Bears Childcare, Fordmore Farm a clear outdoor character in November 2022. Ofsted graded the nursery Good at its 22 November 2022 inspection. The strongest detail is the combination of hands-on exploration and close relationships with a key person, rather than a long list of branded activities.

Today, the Cullompton setting has capacity for 32 children, accepting ages from three months to five years. That is whole-nursery capacity, rather than the size of an individual group.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care: play and everyday routines support their growing communication, physical skills and independence.

In November 2022, babies investigated sensory materials and practised moving safely, while older children experimented with pipettes and tongs during creative activities. These gave children different ways to explore materials and practise handling tools. Stories, conversations and introductions to letter sounds added language learning to the day.

Outdoor experiences in November 2022 included balancing on planks, splashing in puddles and using the mud kitchen. Farm walks extended exploration beyond the nursery, although their organisation did not consistently involve some of the youngest children fully. Older children also took part in gratitude time, talking about feelings and things that made them happy.

At the November 2022 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective, close bonds between children and their key persons, successful settling arrangements and support for additional needs through work with parents, professionals and relevant staff training. These findings give the dated Good judgement useful substance.

In November 2022, the Bear Hug settling gesture was sent home to reassure parents while their children adjusted. Staff also kept families involved in children's development and supported the move from the baby room. Preparation for school included conversation and practical independence, such as chopping food.

A dedicated chef worked at the setting in November 2022, when meals were plant-based and adapted to children's dietary needs. Hygiene teaching needed more consistency, especially in helping older children manage coughing and sneezing themselves.

The address is Unit 2 And 3, Newlands Park, Cullompton, EX15 1WH. Opening hours are 7.45am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, across the year, with closures for bank holidays and Christmas. That opening window helps families assess whether the nursery fits their working day.

In November 2022, the setting received funding for early education for children aged two, three and four. This is a dated funding position rather than a promise of an entitlement or attendance arrangement today.

• The youngest children's walks. In November 2022, some younger children missed learning opportunities because walks were not organised around their needs consistently. Ask how babies are included in farm outings now.
• Independent hygiene. November 2022 improvement work included teaching older children to manage coughing and sneezing more consistently. This matters alongside the practical independence encouraged elsewhere in the day.

For families who value outdoor exploration and personal relationships, the November 2022 picture offers concrete reasons to consider Nanny Bears Childcare, Fordmore Farm. The mud kitchen, farm walks and Bear Hug settling gesture give that picture character. Current weekday opening hours suit parents needing coverage across a working day; the two improvement points deserve attention alongside the Good judgement.