Jelly Babies Day Nursery

In July 2025, vegetable growing, floating-and-sinking experiments and Jelly bus outings gave children at this Camperdown nursery practical ways to explore. At its July 2025 inspection, Ofsted rated Jelly Babies Day Nursery Good and judged its safeguarding arrangements effective.

Jelly Babies has 41 places in total. Its address is The Camperdown on Front Street in Camperdown, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE12 5UT. Children attending in July 2025 were aged 0 to 4; that age range describes the inspection-time intake.

In July 2025, activities combined adult guidance with play directed by children themselves. The early years foundation stage sets the framework for learning, development and care: here, play linked physical exploration, language and practical independence. Staff planned learning around developmental stages and adjusted activities to children's individual next steps.

The baby room's emphasis included building confidence with adults beyond a child's key person, while the pre-school room combined tending vegetables with predicting whether objects would float or sink. Outdoors, the youngest children practised climbing onto and off equipment in a secure space. Two-year-olds explored quantity and mathematical language through scooping and pouring oats, alongside enthusiastic singing.

July 2025 also brought regular Jelly bus outings to the farm and library, giving children experiences beyond the nursery. Fundraising for local causes added a community connection.

In July 2025, settling arrangements were tailored to each child, and key people provided continuity between care and learning. Practitioners encouraged quieter children to participate and helped children recognise feelings and consider how their actions affected others. Parents received feedback about learning and valued support with room changes and preparation for school.

At the July 2025 inspection, Ofsted found SEND support generally effective, with individual targets and specialist input, but asked leaders to develop those arrangements further so children could make greater progress. This is a material consideration for families seeking additional support.

A separate July 2025 improvement point concerned reducing dummy use during play to give speech more room to develop. Daily independence included using cutlery, putting on shoes and helping prepare fruit. Toothbrushing formed part of health routines; food accommodated individual dietary needs, alongside reminders about drinking water and sun protection.

In July 2025, opening hours ran from 7.30am until 6pm on weekdays. The nursery operated across the year, with a week-long closure between Christmas and New Year. These are dated operating arrangements, rather than a description of bookable sessions.

Government-funded childcare was offered in July 2025, and the setting received additional funding for disadvantaged children.

• Additional support. July 2025 brought a recommendation to strengthen specialist involvement and SEND arrangements. Families needing this support should discuss how individual targets and specialist advice are used now.
• Dummy use. Staff were asked in July 2025 to develop their approach to reducing dummies during play. This matters for children who rely on one and need consistent support with communication.
• Attendance planning. The July 2025 operating pattern included weekday opening and a Christmas closure. Which current booking patterns and funded-hours arrangements would fit your family's week?

Jelly Babies suits families who value practical play, outdoor exploration and experiences beyond the nursery. Its July 2025 account combines vegetable growing, Jelly bus outings and everyday independence with personalised settling. Families seeking SEND support should weigh that detail alongside the specific recommendation to develop specialist engagement.