Chadca Early Years

Stories, songs and conversations shaped children's learning at Chadca Early Years in September 2023. At its September 2023 inspection, Ofsted judged the provision Good, with effective safeguarding, good support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, and good progress in learning.

Based on Hanover Close in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, the nursery has 20 places in total and accepts children aged 24 to 60 months. Its term-time calendar makes school holidays an important consideration for families arranging care.

In September 2023, communication and language shaped the curriculum: adults introduced vocabulary through songs and stories, then gave children thinking time before answering questions. This made conversation part of play rather than something reserved for a separate activity.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care. Here, the September 2023 examples included learning about dental care using a toy crocodile, alongside outdoor opportunities to practise movement through climbing, balancing and ride-on toys. Physical play had a clear place in the day.

Activities were planned around children's interests and their next learning steps. In September 2023, however, some adult-led activities lost sight of the intended learning. The improvement priority was sharper delivery of those intentions, so an engaging activity also achieved its educational purpose.

In September 2023, children built close relationships with caring staff and separated readily from parents. Daily discussions about emotions used a worry monster, soft toys and a storybook; wooden spoons showing facial expressions helped children put feelings into words. These were concrete tools for expressing emotions.

Calm reminders helped children consider how their actions affected others. September 2023 practice also included newsletters, online updates and spoken feedback to support learning at home, while managers, staff, families and other professionals worked together when children needed additional help.

Independence was uneven at that date. Children chose resources and managed toileting and handwashing, but adults distributed tableware, poured drinks and served snacks. Giving children more responsibility for these everyday tasks was another improvement priority. Staff development received management attention, with termly wellbeing meetings providing space to discuss concerns affecting work.

Hanover Close, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE5 1EG is the nursery's address. Opening hours are 8am to 3.30pm, Monday to Thursday, during term time; it closes for school holidays. That calendar needs to fit both working arrangements and holiday childcare.

In September 2023, the setting received funding for early education for two-, three- and four-year-olds. This is a dated funding position.

• Holiday cover. Chadca closes during school holidays. Families needing care across the year will need arrangements for those breaks.
• Everyday independence. In September 2023, adults handled several snack-time tasks. On a visit, ask how children now practise pouring, serving and setting out tableware.
• Learning intentions. Some adult-led activities in September 2023 did not fully achieve their intended learning. Ask how practitioners now keep those learning goals clear throughout an activity.

Chadca suits families whose childcare needs fit a Monday-to-Thursday, term-time calendar. Its September 2023 picture combines language-rich play, practical emotional support and outdoor movement, balanced by clear improvement priorities around adult-led learning and children's independence. Those priorities give families useful specifics to explore on a visit.