Berwick Rascals Day Nursery

Book choices, bedtime reading challenges and walks to watch boats gave Berwick Rascals Day Nursery a recognisable character in October 2024: everyday experiences became opportunities to practise language, independence and concentration. At its 30 October 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Outstanding, finding that its curriculum was carefully ordered around children's development and that behaviour was excellent.

Based at Tweedmouth Church Hall, Church Road, Tweedmouth, TD15 2AN, it has 36 places for children aged 0 to 60 months. That is whole-setting capacity, rather than the size of an individual group.

The early years foundation stage sets requirements for children's learning, development and care; here, the October 2024 activities illustrate learning through play and everyday tasks. Children handled tongs and tweezers, worked with scissors and hammered pegs into pumpkins. These experiences exercised the hand movements needed for early writing.

In October 2024, language learning included action songs and clapping syllables in children's names. Adults introduced descriptive vocabulary through conversation, while additional language programmes supported children who needed them. Children also voted for a story, giving a simple choice a lesson in fairness.

An enclosed garden extended play outdoors. During the same period, nature walks involved collecting conkers, and outings to the local dock gave children opportunities to watch boats come in. Easter egg hunts and church nativities connected nursery experiences with community life; making soup added another practical activity.

At the October 2024 inspection, Ofsted found effective safeguarding, close relationships between staff and families, and excellent support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Familiar routines helped children participate: they found their own belongings, welcomed others during circle time and talked about their feelings.

In October 2024, parents' ambitions helped shape learning goals, alongside discussions with school staff about the next stage. A learning library and bedtime reading challenges carried storytelling into the home. Staff also used stickers as prompts for parents to discuss the day's learning with their child, making communication something families could act on.

In October 2024, the nursery operated Monday to Friday throughout the year, closing on bank holidays. Its session times then ran from 8am until 6pm, and it offered government-funded childcare places. These are the arrangements at that inspection date.

The address is Tweedmouth Church Hall, Church Road, Tweedmouth, TD15 2AN.

• Attendance and funding. The October 2024 arrangements included an all-year timetable and funded childcare. At a visit, which current booking patterns and funded-hours arrangements would fit your week, including charges for food and consumables?
• Learning at home. October 2024 practice included bedtime reading challenges and a learning library. Families who enjoy sharing stories have a concrete example of how nursery learning can continue at home.

Berwick Rascals suits families who value conversation, practical independence and links between nursery and home. Its October 2024 strengths were visible in small experiences: choosing a book, peeling fruit and discussing the day's learning. The dated Outstanding judgement supports that assessment, while the attendance arrangements remain a practical consideration for families choosing it now.