Hayleys Little Munchkins

Independence runs through the March 2024 picture of Hayleys Little Munchkins: children managed their coats, tackled early writing and helped one another mix colours. At its 18 March 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Outstanding and found that children made exceptional progress through learning shaped around their individual needs.

In Scarborough, the nursery occupies Haldane Hall at St Columba's Church on Dean Road and accepts children from birth to five. Its inspection account gives parents concrete examples of how learning and care worked together.

In March 2024, staff balanced help with opportunities for children to manage tasks themselves. Older children practised writing their names, while shared colour-mixing at the water tray brought cooperation into practical play. Independence had everyday applications.

The early years foundation stage is the framework for children's learning, development and care. Here, its inspection-era application included stories, number activities and physical experiences: children counted dots, recognised numerals and progressed to addition, with staff extending tasks to match their understanding.

In March 2024, stories extended older children's vocabulary, while books also featured in younger children's play with dolls and were accessible for independent reading. Dance, sport and music sessions also contributed to physical learning, with the manager working alongside session leaders to connect those experiences to children's needs.

At the March 2024 inspection, Ofsted found effective safeguarding arrangements and excellent support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, including coordination with speech and language therapy.

In March 2024, the key-person approach gave staff a close understanding of individual children. Practitioners helped children name emotions and understand routines.

Family involvement also had practical outlets that month: stay-and-play sessions, meetings about children's learning and a lending library serving adults as well as children. These gave families ways to participate and access books. Staff supervision included discussion of professional development and personal wellbeing.

The nursery's address is Haldane Hall at St Columba's Church on Dean Road, Scarborough, YO12 7JH. Opening hours are 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, with year-round operation and bank holiday closures.

In March 2024, the nursery provided funded early education for children aged two, three and four. That dated provision should be distinguished from a family's current funding and booking arrangements.

• Age range. The current age range extends from birth to five, while the March 2024 observations concerned children aged two to four. At a visit, ask how care, sleep and settling are organised for the youngest children.
• Learning beyond the main activities. Dance, sport and music formed part of the March 2024 provision. Their value lay in how session leaders and nursery staff connected activities to individual learning needs.

Hayleys Little Munchkins suits families who value independence, accessible books and close links between practitioners and parents. Its strongest detail comes from March 2024: practical cooperation, carefully extended number work and individual support. The weekday opening window is useful for families planning care across the working day; the inspection judgement remains a dated assessment.