Footsteps to Dolphin Street

Children carrying chairs to sit at the same level as friends using wheelchairs capture the character of Footsteps to Dolphin Street: inclusion made practical. This Benwell setting has capacity for 30 children. At its December 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated it Outstanding, finding exceptional support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities and effective safeguarding.

The children attending in December 2024 were aged two to four. The strongest impression from that period is of care shaped around individual children, with substantial practical support extending to their families.

In December 2024, learning followed the early years foundation stage, the framework for children's learning, development and care: play, communication and everyday tasks contributed to children's development. Exploring water and flour gave children opportunities to experiment, while choosing a song or story by voting introduced shared decision-making.

Independence had concrete expression. Children cut fruit safely, poured drinks and managed handwashing. Picture prompts made the day's sequence understandable, and big movement time, an opportunity to move before seated activities, helped children prepare to concentrate.

The superstar chart recognised kindness and helpful behaviour through stickers; children could also recognise staff. Music sessions supported rhythm and movement. Nature walks and visits to a supermarket and library connected learning with the surrounding community. Outdoor play received particular attention because some children lacked outdoor space at home.

In December 2024, Ofsted found that staff understood children's developmental needs, tailored their support and worked exceptionally closely with families and education and health professionals. Before children started, home visits helped staff get to know them; subsequent observations and reports tracked settling and development.

During that period, sign language supported understanding, and children had time to formulate answers. Staff helped children name emotions and practise breathing to regain calm. These were practical tools for participating in the day, rather than simply expectations about behaviour.

Family help extended beyond childcare in December 2024. The happy to help scheme connected parents with additional services. Translation, assistance with forms and support with funding and qualifications sat alongside emergency packages, food and clothing supplies, hot meals and toys to borrow for home. Managers also supported staff training and wellbeing, gathering feedback from families, colleagues and other professionals to review the service.

The address is 38 Dolphin Street, Benwell, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 8AZ.

In December 2024, opening hours were 9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday, during term time. Government-funded childcare was offered at that date. This was a daytime, term-time arrangement, an important distinction for families planning care around employment and school holidays.

• Term-time planning. December 2024 hours ran from 9am to 4pm on weekdays during term time. Does the current attendance arrangement cover your child's age and the hours your family needs?
• Support beyond childcare. December 2024 provision included the happy to help scheme and practical assistance for families. That breadth may matter as much as the learning activities for parents needing help with services, paperwork or resources at home.

For families seeking inclusive early education with close links between home and nursery, the December 2024 picture is compelling. Shared seating, communication support and help for parents give substance to the judgement. Its term-time daytime arrangement at that date would suit families whose childcare needs fit that rhythm.