The Elmfield Nursery

In December 2022, hand-made storybooks, conversations about treasured possessions and outdoor experiments with water characterised daily life at The Elmfield Nursery. At its December 2022 inspection, Ofsted rated it Outstanding, with language development and thoughtful relationships prominent in the findings. Those examples show learning built around children's interests, rather than activities detached from their play.

The Newcastle upon Tyne setting caters for children aged 4 to 59 months and has capacity for 102 children. Its inspection account provides a detailed picture of daily life in December 2022; that date matters when weighing the examples below.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care: learning through play sits alongside communication, relationships and growing independence.

In December 2022, books were used across the age groups, with puppets and picture cards extending storytelling. Older children helped invent stories, recorded them in hand-made books and added illustrations. Show and Tell sessions gave children an opportunity to discuss a valued possession. These were concrete ways to practise explaining ideas and listening to others.

Outdoor play also carried learning. In December 2022, water and containers were used to explore volume, with staff drawing on children's existing understanding before allowing them to lead. Children building a townscape exchanged materials and construction suggestions. Large outdoor play equipment gave them opportunities to practise taking manageable risks.

At the December 2022 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective, described strong progress in language and identified assessment processes and experienced specialist staff supporting children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. These findings bring substance to the overall grade.

In December 2022, staff treated belongings brought from home with care and sought children's agreement before changing or ending activities. The practical implication is respect for a child's attachments and preferences, alongside the organisation of the nursery day.

Parents received online diaries, detailed handovers and parents' evenings in December 2022. Together, these provided different opportunities to understand learning and discuss development. At mealtimes, children practised serving themselves and offering food to others, while handwashing reminders supported everyday self-care.

The address is 1 Westfield Grove, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 4YA. Opening hours are 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, across the year, with closures on bank holidays and for one week at Christmas. That holiday closure needs to fit the family's childcare arrangements.

In December 2022, the nursery received funding for early education for two-, three- and four-year-olds. This is a dated participation fact, rather than a promise of an individual funded place.

• An older inspection picture. The Outstanding judgement dates to December 2022. At a visit, ask how the storytelling, outdoor learning and parent communication described here work now.
• Christmas cover. The nursery closes for one week at Christmas as well as bank holidays. Families needing care through that period will need another arrangement.

The Elmfield Nursery suits families who value conversation, books and practical learning, and whose childcare needs fit its weekday opening hours and holiday closures. Its December 2022 assessment gives a strong quality reference point. The most useful detail is the substance beneath that grade: children making books, testing ideas with water and developing independence through ordinary routines.