Footsteps to Nunsmoor

Fresh coriander, citrus fruit and books children chose for themselves give Footsteps to Nunsmoor its character in January 2023: practical exploration alongside everyday reading. Based at Nuns Moor Centre in Newcastle upon Tyne, it has capacity for 22 children.

At its 10 January 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good and found that children, including those learning English as an additional language, made good progress in communication and language. Pictures helped children understand the day's routines, making communication support part of ordinary activities.

In January 2023, children used a pestle and mortar with coriander, squeezed citrus fruit and worked dough with scissors and cutters. These activities gave small hands purposeful work. Books were part of daily life, and children also chose reading independently.

The early years foundation stage sets expectations for children's learning, development and care; here, its inspection-era examples included language, physical skills and learning through play. Staff introduced descriptive vocabulary during messy play, then children used those words themselves. Observations and information from parents shaped the next steps in learning.

In January 2023, rhyme time and animal antics were activities supporting children receiving additional funding, involving singing, instruments and exploration of the world. The outdoor play area also featured in management decisions: its security had been increased following feedback.

At the January 2023 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities good, with needs identified promptly, support plans agreed and outside agencies involved. These are dated judgements rather than assurances about today's practice.

In January 2023, staff knew children's dietary needs and provided healthy snacks. Conversations about toy teeth and toothbrushes introduced dental hygiene through play.

Daily handovers in January 2023 told parents about their children's activities, while staff used families' approaches to toilet training to maintain consistency between home and nursery. Children developed close relationships with adults who knew them individually. That knowledge connected care with learning rather than treating them as separate tasks.

The address is Nuns Moor Centre, Studley Terrace, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 5AH.

In January 2023, attendance ran Monday to Friday during term time, with session times of 9am to midday and 12.30pm to 3.30pm. Funded early education was provided for children aged two, three and four. Those arrangements describe the nursery at that date and should be read as historical practical information.

• Counting in play. In January 2023, adults used mathematical vocabulary but missed opportunities to extend counting. Look for how number work now develops within children's chosen activities.
• Time to try. In January 2023, children poured drinks themselves, but adults sometimes stepped in too quickly with coats and boots. Giving children time to manage these tasks was an improvement priority linked to preparation for school.
• Attendance fit. The January 2023 pattern combined term-time attendance with two separate session windows. At a visit, ask how today's booking arrangements and funded hours fit your family's week.

Footsteps to Nunsmoor suits parents who value practical play, everyday books and communication woven into activities. Its January 2023 attendance pattern suited families seeking a morning or an afternoon session during term time. The Good judgement gives a clear inspection position, balanced by specific work on counting and children's independence. Those two priorities are useful subjects for a visit.