Immingham Day Care

Leaves gathered outdoors became craft materials, while babies investigated baskets of textures and objects: in October 2022, everyday discoveries gave Immingham Day Care's activities their character. Play supplied the starting point for conversation and learning.

At its 31 October 2022 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good, judged safeguarding effective and found that children with special educational needs and/or disabilities made good progress. Immingham Day Care has 40 places in total and is based at Immingham Children's Centre, Margaret Street, Immingham, DN40 1LD.

In October 2022, staff planned activities around children's interests. Babies heard descriptive words while exploring sand, linking language to something they could feel. Older children counted pumpkins and compared their sizes. These were concrete ways to introduce vocabulary and mathematical ideas through play.

The early years foundation stage is the framework for children's learning, development and care. Here, the October 2022 activities illustrated learning through exploration, conversation and practical tasks.

Singing, stories and everyday questions supported language development that month, including for children learning English as an additional language. Children also learned about cultures and festivals, including Diwali. Resources reflected different cultures, giving those conversations a place in daily play.

In October 2022, staff gently helped new children through the morning routine. Children built relationships with adults and one another, while practical independence received attention: they served their own drinks, looked after coats and managed bathroom needs. Those everyday responsibilities supported preparation for school.

The special educational needs co-ordinator set learning targets, and staff used children's starting points to plan activities. Families needing additional help could receive support through contact with outside professionals. Communication with parents included discussion of children's development, and managers sought parental feedback.

During the same month, staff used resources bought with early years pupil premium funding to help children recognise emotions. Managers observed staff practice, provided training and held supervision discussions covering individual children and staff development. Daily environmental checks and risk assessments formed part of the safety arrangements.

In October 2022, children attending the nursery were aged 0 to 4, and it opened in term time, Monday to Friday, between 8am and 4pm. These are dated opening hours, rather than a description of today's booking patterns.

Funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-olds formed part of the offer that month. Children washed their hands before eating, and staff talked with them during meals. Regular outdoor time also featured in the day; managers had identified further development of the outdoor area as an improvement priority.

• Explaining behaviour. In October 2022, staff praised positive behaviour but did not consistently explain why inappropriate behaviour affected others. Helping children understand the consequences, rather than simply stopping an action, was an improvement priority.
• Healthy food choices. In October 2022, teaching did not consistently explain the benefits of a healthy diet. Hygiene routines were established, but conversations about food needed more depth.
• Term-time attendance. The October 2022 opening pattern followed term time. At a visit, ask whether the current attendance arrangements fit your family's working year.

The October 2022 picture suits families who value interest-led play, practical independence and targeted support for children's learning. Sensory exploration, everyday mathematics and communication with parents gave that picture substance. The dated term-time pattern is relevant to families organising care around the school year, while behaviour explanations and healthy-eating teaching deserve attention alongside the strengths.