Humpty Dumpty's

Language, movement and growing independence give Humpty Dumpty's in Pickering its character. In October 2024, children practised new words through play, tackled puzzles and learnt to manage coats and wellies: everyday experiences with a clear purpose.

Ofsted rated the nursery Good on 21 October 2024 and judged safeguarding effective. It has capacity for 25 children, with a current age range of 3 to 60 months. The strongest decision points are the practical learning described at that visit and two areas needing attention: continuity when a key person is away, and support for children's emotions.

The early years foundation stage provides the framework for children's learning, development and care. Here, the October 2024 activities brought that together through conversation, physical activity and practical tasks.

In October 2024, staff added vocabulary and explanations to children's play, while singing with actions gave older children another way to participate. Mathematics extended beyond counting: children explored rulers, spotted outdoor numerals and worked on jigsaws. These examples connected language and problem-solving with things children could handle and investigate.

The outdoor area supported the curriculum in October 2024, giving children who preferred being outside access to learning there. Independence also had practical expression. Children attempted zips, put on wellies and developed toileting and handwashing skills, building familiarity with tasks they would need to manage for themselves.

At the October 2024 inspection, Ofsted found that staff recognised developmental delays, involved other professionals and used additional funding thoughtfully to support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

In October 2024, flexible settling sessions helped staff get to know children before they started. Babies' sleep preferences and routines shaped their care, including cuddles as they settled to sleep. Staff also managed individual dietary needs and allergies.

Two weaknesses qualified that picture. In October 2024, learning goals were not consistently passed to colleagues when a child's key person was absent, making some teaching less purposeful. Emotional support was also uneven: children were sometimes told to share rather than shown how, and opportunities to explore feelings were missed.

The address is 24 Firthland Road, Pickering, YO18 8BZ. Opening hours are 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, throughout the year, with bank holiday closures.

In October 2024, the nursery provided funded early education. Its session window at that visit was 8am to 6pm.

• Continuity of learning. The October 2024 finding concerned how learning goals reached colleagues during a key person's absence. During a visit, ask how those handovers now work.
• Support with feelings. In October 2024, staff needed more consistent ways to help children understand emotions and resolve disagreements. Ask for an example of how practitioners guide a disagreement today.
• Funding and attendance. Funded early education was offered in October 2024. Ask for a written quotation covering your intended attendance pattern, funded hours, meals and consumables.

Humpty Dumpty's suits families who value practical independence, language-rich play and outdoor learning, judged through its October 2024 provision. The Good judgement gives that account weight. The key questions concern consistency: how learning continues across staff handovers, and how adults help children handle feelings and conflict.