Play Days Cottage

Stories chosen by children, play dough turned into counting games and lunch tables shared with staff give Play Days Cottage its character. This New Ollerton setting has capacity for 36 children, with everyday independence a recurring theme in its June 2026 account of nursery life.

At its June 2026 inspection, Ofsted judged all six assessed areas Strong standard, found safeguarding standards met and reported secure progress, including for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). The useful detail lies beneath those judgements: children practising personal care, choosing resources and sharing their ideas.

In June 2026, children selected books and helped decide which story came next; reading also took place outdoors. Toddlers explored descriptive vocabulary through play dough, while preschool children counted circles in paintings and candles on their dough cakes. These were practical opportunities to connect language and numbers with something children were already doing.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care: here, the June 2026 examples included conversation, stories, counting and learning through play. The Under the Sea theme grew from children's interests, giving staff a starting point for activities matched to their development rather than a topic imposed regardless of enthusiasm.

Daily outdoor learning was part of the June 2026 routine, with a garden used for play and physical activity. Indoors and outside, children practised sharing resources and including one another in games. Small responsibilities mattered too: dressing for outdoor play, using cutlery and pouring water made independence part of ordinary nursery life.

In June 2026, key-person relationships supported settling, with children gradually increasing their attendance as they became familiar with the setting. Frequent open days gave parents time to discuss development with their child's key person, and staff shared ways to continue learning at home.

Communication support included visual symbols and Makaton, which key workers had trained to use to support children. Staff also worked with the area SEND coordinator and speech and language professionals, reviewing individual progress to guide the next steps.

Lunch in June 2026 brought children and staff together around the table, with staff and leaders planning and providing balanced meals. Children helped prepare the table and discussed their food, linking mealtimes with practical responsibility.

School preparation included inviting local schools to meet children before they moved on and sharing transition reports with parents and the next setting. This gave the receiving setting information about the child rather than leaving the change to a final farewell.

The address is Osbourne Cottage, Tuxford Road, New Ollerton, Newark, NG22 9TA. There are 36 places in total; that whole-setting figure is separate from the number of children attending any particular room or day.

In June 2026, opening hours were 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. These describe the opening window at that time, rather than a particular session purchase.

• Attendance planning. The June 2026 opening window covered weekdays from 7am to 6pm. At a visit, which booking pattern would fit your child's age and your weekly routine?
• Support beyond the first adjustment. In June 2026, Ofsted called for further development of the work removing barriers for children needing additional help, so that its effect on achievement and wellbeing would deepen. This is a relevant point for families weighing individual support.

Play Days Cottage suits families who value everyday independence, child-led interests and communication with a key person. Its June 2026 examples connect those priorities to ordinary activities, from choosing stories to preparing the lunch table. Families seeking individual support also have concrete mechanisms to weigh, alongside the recommendation to develop that work further.