Redwell Nursery CIO

A toy and book library, songs chosen through puppets and close-up investigations of snails give Redwell's October 2024 nursery experience its character. Small, practical activities supplied the substance: children explored, talked and practised doing things for themselves.

At its 4 October 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated Redwell Nursery CIO Good overall and judged safeguarding effective. The nursery has capacity for 30 children at Redwell Leisure Centre in Wellingborough; children attending in October 2024 were aged two to four.

In October 2024, learning combined physical challenges with conversation. Younger children practised balancing on a climbing frame, while older children worked out how to adapt a toy-car track. Different puzzles matched different developmental stages, rather than giving everyone the same task.

The early years foundation stage is the framework for children's learning, development and care; here, the October 2024 activities brought that learning into play and everyday routines. Magnifying glasses helped children investigate snails, with staff introducing words to describe what they saw. Puppets gave children a way to select songs, alongside a song of the week.

Daily walks in October 2024 included practising road safety and staying together. Indoors, play dough, scissors, pencils and paintbrushes gave children opportunities to exercise their hands and make marks. These were concrete steps towards managing tools and early writing.

In October 2024, children built close relationships with their key person and other staff. Everyday independence included pouring drinks, managing coats and washing hands before snacks. Sharing sand-play equipment also gave staff opportunities to model taking turns.

At the October 2024 inspection, Ofsted found that children with special educational needs and/or disabilities received effective support through early intervention and cooperation between staff, parents and specialist professionals, helping them progress.

Home learning had a practical link in October 2024: the toy and book library encouraged families to share stories beyond nursery. Staff also shared books and resources children had enjoyed, alongside information about their development. Story sessions included questions and animal noises, giving children ways to participate rather than simply listen.

The address is Redwell Leisure Centre, Barnwell Road, Wellingborough NN8 5LP.

In October 2024, the nursery operated on weekdays during term time, with sessions running from 8.30am to 3pm. It also provided funded early education for children aged two, three and four. Those arrangements describe the inspection period.

• Extending play. In October 2024, staff sometimes missed chances to deepen children's learning during spontaneous play, limiting the progress children could make. Ask how practitioners now build on children's ideas.
• Consistency of teaching. In October 2024, staff supervision did not consistently develop practice; tailored coaching and mentoring were identified as improvements. Ask what this support now looks like in everyday activities.
• Term-time planning. The October 2024 session pattern followed term time and ended at 3pm. At a visit, establish whether the current attendance arrangements fit your family's working hours and holiday needs.

Redwell's October 2024 picture suits families who value practical independence, shared stories and learning through ordinary play. Its term-time session pattern would suit a family seeking care within that timetable. The Good judgement carries weight, but the questions about extending play and developing consistent teaching deserve attention alongside the strengths.