Thurston Childcare, Hatchlings

Bottles, familiar sleep routines and outdoor exploration characterised daily life at Hatchlings in July 2022: care for the youngest children with room for discovery. Thurston Childcare, Hatchlings has capacity for 18 children aged 0 to 24 months, on Church Road in Thurston.

Ofsted rated the setting Outstanding on 5 July 2022. That judgement provides a strong inspection benchmark, while the detail beneath it centres on close relationships, responsive teaching and children's enthusiasm for exploring.

In July 2022, activities developed from children's interests rather than stopping at the first task. Exploring natural objects in baskets led to collecting sticks and stones outside. This gave children a way to extend their curiosity through things they could handle and investigate.

The early years foundation stage is the framework for children's learning, development and care. Here, its practical meaning was visible in play, conversation and exploration: in July 2022, staff responded to babies' gestures and babbling, listened to older children's contributions and introduced vocabulary through their exchanges.

Outdoor play had substantial space in the July 2022 day. Children used wheeled toys and balls, shared books with adults and investigated textures such as pinecones and fabric. Planning took account of children who preferred learning outside, giving them another setting in which to engage.

At its July 2022 inspection, Ofsted found exceptionally effective support for children with possible special educational needs, strong progress through teaching tailored to individual children, and effective safeguarding arrangements. Staff also undertook additional training for children's medical needs.

In July 2022, familiar feeding and sleeping patterns continued during nursery care. Babies sought comfort from adults, including while having bottles. These ordinary routines mattered: they connected care away from home with patterns children already knew.

Communication with parents was detailed in July 2022. Staff used calm speech and praise linked to children's efforts, while management reviewed practice and supported staff through supervision, appraisal and opportunities to learn from colleagues.

The address is Church Road, Thurston, Bury St. Edmunds, IP31 3RU. Opening hours are 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, across the year, with closures for bank holidays and one week at Christmas.

In July 2022, session times ran from 7.30am to 6pm. For families planning care around work, the opening window is useful context; the attendance arrangement still needs to fit the child's routines.

• Attendance arrangements. The opening window runs from 7.30am to 6pm on weekdays. What booking pattern would fit your child and your working week?
• Continuity of care. Familiar bottle and sleep routines were a strength of daily life in July 2022. At a visit, discuss how your child's routines would carry into nursery care.

Hatchlings suits families seeking baby and toddler care where relationships and exploratory play matter together. Its July 2022 strengths were practical ones: adults responding to children's communication, maintaining familiar routines and extending play outdoors. The year-round weekday opening window also makes it relevant to families arranging care around work.