Harmby Under 5s

Foam ice creams, farm vehicles and an obstacle course built from crates and planks give Harmby Under 5s a recognisable character in its May 2022 account: everyday play became a starting point for counting, conversation and collaboration. Small-group interaction was part of that picture.

At its 23 May 2022 inspection, Ofsted judged the provision Good and found safeguarding effective. Harmby Under 5s has capacity for 15 children; those attending in May 2022 were aged two to four.

In May 2022, practitioners followed children's interests, including an enthusiasm for farm vehicles, and used observations to decide what to introduce next. Counting scoops during pretend ice-cream play connected numbers with something children had chosen to do.

The early years foundation stage sets out children's learning, development and care, including communication, physical development and learning through play. In May 2022, adults extended conversations with contrasting vocabulary and allowed children time to answer. That gave children space to contribute rather than simply listen.

Outdoor play in May 2022 included balancing, climbing, sliding and riding wheeled toys. Children also assembled an obstacle course using planks and crates. These experiences combined movement with decisions about space and working together.

In May 2022, children had established relationships with their key person. Practitioners encouraged sharing, patience and considerate behaviour, while everyday tasks included changing into wellingtons, pouring drinks and returning toys. Independence had practical expression.

Communication in May 2022 combined conversations at handover with an app. The improvement priorities were more specific: give parents practical ideas for learning at home, build links with other childcare settings children attended, and strengthen staff supervision through coaching and identification of training needs.

Links with speech and language professionals and the local school were part of the May 2022 arrangements. However, coordination with children's other early years settings needed development, a relevant distinction for families dividing care between providers.

Harmby Under 5s is based at Spennithorne C of E Primary School, Spennithorne, Leyburn, DL8 5PR. Attending nursery does not guarantee a Reception place.

In May 2022, opening hours were 8.45am to 3.15pm, Monday to Friday, during term time. Funded early education for three- and four-year-olds was part of the offer at that date. These are historical arrangements, rather than a statement of today's attendance options.

• Learning beyond nursery. Practical suggestions for learning at home were a May 2022 improvement priority. Ask how practitioners now turn updates about a child's interests into activities families can use.
• Care across settings. Coordination with other early years providers needed development in May 2022. Families using more than one setting should discuss how information follows their child.
• Staff development. More effective supervision was another May 2022 priority. Ask how regular coaching and training needs are addressed now.

Harmby Under 5s suits families who value interest-led play, practical independence and small-group interaction, judged on its May 2022 account. Its appeal lies in concrete experiences, from counting pretend scoops to constructing obstacle courses. The dated Good judgement provides a useful assessment, balanced by clear priorities around home learning, coordination and staff support.