The Avenue Day Nursery

Crates and planks became an obstacle course at The Avenue Day Nursery in September 2022, with older children arranging the pieces and persisting until they could complete it independently. That example captures the strongest thread in its inspection account: children taking an active part in their own learning.

Ofsted rated the nursery Good on 22 September 2022, with a Good judgement for education. In Middlesbrough, the nursery has capacity for 62 children aged three to 60 months.

The early years foundation stage sets requirements for children's learning, development and care. In the September 2022 account, children developed movement, communication and independence through crawling, conversation, books and everyday tasks.

In September 2022, staff rearranged furniture so babies learning to crawl had space to practise. Adults described babies' actions and introduced words such as balancing during older children's play. These were practical ways to connect movement with language.

Books also featured in September 2022: babies shared picture books with adults, while older children brought books over to be read. Outdoors, the obstacle-course example gave children a problem to solve themselves rather than a task completed for them.

Everyday responsibility mattered too. In September 2022, older children put resources away and helped distribute lunch before taking their own seats. Sharing and including other children in play were part of that account.

At the September 2022 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and praised support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, including joint work with parents and other agencies.

In September 2022, tired children received prompt cuddles, with gentle singing and conversation as they settled to sleep. A quiet area gave children receiving funded support a retreat from the busy day and helped them settle. These examples put comfort and individual needs alongside learning.

Staff development was another part of the September 2022 picture: practitioners had continuing opportunities to develop their knowledge and practice.

The address is 7 The Avenue, Middlesbrough, TS5 6PA. Opening hours are 7.30am to 5.45pm, Monday to Friday, throughout the year except bank holidays.

In September 2022, the nursery provided funded early education for children aged two, three and four. That is a dated account of its funding provision.

• Interruptions to play. In September 2022, routine nappy changes sometimes disrupted children's concentration. How are these routines organised now to protect sustained play?
• Everyday mathematics. In September 2022, opportunities to introduce numbers and counting were used inconsistently. This was an improvement priority alongside the organisation of daily routines.

For families seeking care within the weekday opening window, The Avenue's September 2022 account offers concrete examples of independence, language development and responsive comfort. The outdoor problem-solving and attention to babies' movement give that account substance. The balance is clear: a Good inspection judgement, with daily routines and consistency in mathematics needing further attention at that time.