Care by Claire Private Day Nursery

In November 2024, soft play for babies, water experiments for toddlers and songs shared with friends gave Care by Claire Private Day Nursery its character. At its November 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good, judged safeguarding effective and found that staff used early assessment, targeted plans and professional support to help children with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

The nursery has capacity for 50 children aged one month to five years at 21 London Road, Newcastle Under Lyme, ST5 1LQ. Its weekday opening window runs from 7.30am to 6pm.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care: physical exploration, language and learning to manage everyday routines all belong within the child's day. In November 2024, babies used soft play equipment to practise sitting, moving and climbing, with adults close enough to help younger children.

Outdoor play had a practical purpose. In November 2024, two-year-olds moved water between containers and squeezed sponges, exercising the hand muscles needed for later writing. Sand sculpting gave staff opportunities to introduce words through actions. These were simple materials used for specific learning.

Songs brought another kind of participation. In November 2024, older children joined familiar rhymes and shared songs from home with their friends. Staff encouraged their contributions, giving children opportunities to speak and sing within the group.

In November 2024, relationships with key persons helped children settle and separate comfortably from parents. Staff understood individual routines, helped children find extra clothing when they became cold outdoors and supported bathroom use. The care was attentive, although opportunities for greater independence sometimes went unused, including at meals.

Communication extended beyond daily care. In November 2024, parents received regular updates about learning and development, while leaders gathered feedback from children, families and staff. Children practised sharing and waiting for their turn on outdoor bikes, making everyday play a chance to learn about other people's needs.

The address is 21 London Road, Newcastle Under Lyme, ST5 1LQ. Opening hours are 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, across the year, with closures on bank holidays and for one week at Christmas.

In November 2024, the nursery received early education funding for children aged nine months to four years. That is a dated funding position rather than a promise of an individual child's entitlement.

• Independence at mealtimes. In November 2024, adults sometimes missed chances for children to do more for themselves. This matters for families keen to build everyday self-care skills.
• Staff development. In November 2024, supervision and monitoring were still developing and did not identify teaching-development needs precisely enough. Strengthening these arrangements was an improvement priority.
• Attendance planning. The weekday opening window is 7.30am to 6pm. At a visit, ask which booking pattern would fit your family's working day.

Care by Claire suits families seeking weekday childcare. In November 2024, relationships and practical play shaped children's experience, with babies moving, toddlers experimenting and older children contributing songs. At that inspection, attentive adult support sat alongside the need to give children more independence and sharpen staff development.