Young ones early years

In February 2022, balance circuits built from tyres and planks, experiments with magnets and children preparing their own snacks gave Young ones early years a practical character. At its February 2022 inspection, Ofsted rated the setting Good and found safeguarding effective.

Based at Top Slack Farm in Ashover, the nursery has capacity for 70 children. Children attending in February 2022 were aged two to four; the experiences below describe that period.

In February 2022, learning connected movement, conversation and investigation. Children exercised, felt their heartbeat change and discussed becoming hot and needing water. Magnet activities introduced different materials, with adults explaining unfamiliar vocabulary rather than avoiding it. These were concrete starting points for exploring how bodies and objects work.

The setting follows the early years foundation stage, the framework for children's learning, development and care. Here, its February 2022 activities connected physical skills with language and practical discovery: children could test an idea, discuss it and try something themselves.

Outdoors that February, crates, tyres and wooden planks became balancing courses. Children rearranged the equipment and experimented with slopes and different ways of moving. The physical challenge also gave them a reason to cooperate. Den building and participation in local art projects extended the experiences beyond tabletop activities.

In February 2022, everyday tasks gave children opportunities to practise independence. Younger children found their outdoor clothing and received help putting it on; older children managed more of the task themselves. Support followed what each child could do.

Snack preparation that February combined care with practical learning. Children used knives with adult guidance to chop produce, while handwashing and protective clothing introduced food hygiene. Adults discussed why fruit and vegetables were useful foods.

Staff also drew on children's family experiences in February 2022, including places children had visited to see their family. This brought familiar people and experiences into learning. Rules had explanations too: an activity using cake decorations prompted discussion of why handled food should not be eaten.

The address is Top Slack Farm, Ashover, S45 0ED.

In February 2022, the setting operated throughout the year on weekdays, with hours running from 8am to 6pm. It also provided funded nursery education for children aged two, three and four at that time.

• Speaking and early writing. In February 2022, adults sometimes missed opportunities to name objects, positioned writing demonstrations where children could not properly see them, and gave inconsistent help with pencil grip. These details matter for children developing vocabulary and control over their marks.
• Matching the attendance plan. The February 2022 offer combined weekday hours with funded education for two-, three- and four-year-olds. At a visit, how would the nursery now accommodate your child's age, intended attendance pattern and funding arrangements?

Young ones early years suits families who value the practical exploration and growing independence described in its February 2022 inspection. Its February 2022 activities gave children tangible problems to solve, from balancing on a rearranged course to preparing food safely. The speaking and writing weaknesses deserve equal weight: useful hands-on experiences need clear adult explanations and demonstrations alongside them.