The Tots' Clubhouse Nursery School

Books, swimming and learning about animals gave The Tots' Clubhouse Nursery School an outward-looking character in October 2023. Based at Alder Mill on Sheepy Road in Atherstone, it has 27 places in total.

Ofsted rated the nursery Good at its 24 October 2023 inspection. The strongest thread in that account was language: carefully chosen stories, opportunities to explore rhyme and encouragement for families to read together. Two practical weaknesses also mattered: waiting between activities and uneven engagement in adult-led groups.

The early years foundation stage provides the framework for children's learning, development and care, bringing play and learning together with everyday support. In October 2023, the curriculum placed particular emphasis on communication, alongside experiences involving swimming, animals and healthy eating.

Books served different stages of development. In October 2023, two-year-olds enjoyed listening to stories, while older children explored how written words convey meaning. Children also chose their own activities: play dough sustained younger children's attention, and older children fetched materials to practise writing. Choice gave them room to pursue an interest.

Physical learning extended beyond running around. In October 2023, resources in the two-year-olds' room had been rearranged to encourage lifting and carrying; children also practised using tweezers and handling a tennis racquet and ball. These offered concrete opportunities to work on strength, dexterity and coordination.

At the October 2023 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective, strong relationships with parents and careful monitoring by the special educational needs coordinator, including prompt referrals for outside support. Those findings provide a dated picture of both protection and individual support.

In October 2023, staff helped children manage emotions, including separation from parents, and modelled positive behaviour. Daily conversations connected learning at home and nursery, with practical ideas for families to continue language activities. Communication with other settings attended by the same children helped connect their learning across different places.

Staff development also received attention in October 2023. Training and supervision supported practitioners, while apprentices received help with their studies and wellbeing.

The address is Alder Mill, Sheepy Road, Atherstone, CV9 3AH.

In October 2023, opening hours were 7.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, across 47 weeks of the year. Closures included Christmas, a week in March and a week during the summer term. These were opening hours, rather than specified session packages.

At that time, children attending were aged 0 to 4, and funded early education was provided for two-, three- and four-year-olds.

• Interruptions to play. In October 2023, changes between play, snacks and outdoor activities sometimes left children waiting. Smoother routines were an improvement priority because these pauses cut into learning time.
• Large-group engagement. In October 2023, some adult-led group activities held children's attention less successfully. Planning and teaching needed refinement, an important consideration alongside the stronger examples of child-led play.
• Your attendance pattern. The October 2023 opening window included a 5pm finish and several closure periods. At a visit, what current booking pattern and annual calendar would fit your family's needs?

Language, books and hands-on experiences give the October 2023 account its strongest appeal. It is a useful starting point for families who value communication and child-led learning. The balance matters: positive care findings sit alongside specific weaknesses in routines and group teaching, rather than erasing them.