EarlyBirds Day Nursery

A pretend post office, technological toys and friendships built around the meal table give EarlyBirds Day Nursery a recognisable character in its December 2022 snapshot. At its December 2022 inspection, Ofsted judged the nursery Good, with children making good progress and settling comfortably into its care.

The Fremington setting has capacity for 28 children aged 0 to 60 months. Its strongest inspection-era details concern everyday relationships and communication, alongside two clear priorities: making teaching more consistently challenging and reducing time spent waiting during routines.

The early years foundation stage sets expectations for children's learning, development and care: everyday play and interactions are opportunities to build skills. In December 2022, children explored books independently, posted letters during pretend play and handled technological toys. These examples brought reading, imaginative play and practical exploration into the day.

Communication threaded through activities in December 2022. Practitioners responded to babies' babbling with matching sounds, while an ice activity helped children recall words describing changes. Learning was connected to something tangible.

Practical independence also featured in December 2022, with adults demonstrating how children could cut fruit and vegetables safely. However, some snack-time tasks were done for children, losing opportunities for them to practise. Teaching needed greater consistency in extending what children could do and understand.

At the December 2022 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and identified SEND support through individual educational plans, coordination by an on-site SENCo and work with families and external agencies. These were concrete mechanisms for adapting care and learning to individual needs.

In December 2022, adults sought children's agreement before personal-care tasks such as nappy changes. Babies struggling with separation received comfort, then gradual support towards sitting beside their key person. That approach gave small steps towards independence rather than expecting immediate separation.

Relationships extended beyond the nursery in December 2022: staff contacted other settings children attended to connect their care and learning. Within the day, visual boards helped children anticipate what happened next, although lengthy waits for toilets and handwashing interrupted opportunities to learn.

The address is Skerryvore, Hill Top, Fremington, Barnstaple, EX31 3BL. Opening hours are 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, across the year, with closure on bank holidays.

In December 2022, the nursery received early education funding for children aged two, three and four. That is a dated funding position rather than a promise of a funded place today.

• Teaching consistency. In December 2022, some everyday tasks lost their learning potential because adults completed them for children. At a visit, ask how snack-time independence now develops children's skills.
• Waiting during routines. December 2022 observations included lengthy queues for handwashing and toilets. Ask how these transitions now keep children occupied.
• Attendance and funding. The weekday opening window runs from 7am to 6pm. Which booking patterns and funded-hours arrangements would fit your child's attendance?

EarlyBirds suits families seeking weekday, year-round care who value gradual settling, practical independence and attention to early communication. Its December 2022 picture offers useful detail about those priorities, balanced by specific improvements needed in teaching and daily routines.