Little Tinklers Nursery

In February 2023, Roman mosaics, a wormery and journeys to Newcastle connected learning at Little Tinklers Nursery with Corbridge and the wider area. In February 2023, children explored their town’s Roman past through making mosaics and used trips to Newcastle to learn about bridges and the river. Local identity became something to investigate, rather than simply an address.

Ofsted rated the nursery Outstanding at its 17 February 2023 inspection, finding a creative, challenging curriculum that engaged children in learning. The nursery has capacity for 64 children, with a current age range of 1 to 60 months.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children’s learning, development and care: play and everyday experiences support communication, physical skills and growing independence.

In February 2023, the enclosed garden supported nature hunts, with children’s finds preserved in resin for closer examination. A wormery, composting and planting alongside a gardener connected outdoor exploration with caring for living things. Trips to woods included a rope bridge and mud slide; winter brought sledging. These were practical opportunities to explore movement and the natural world.

Creative work also had substance in February 2023. An art teacher introduced watercolours, acrylics, clay and salt dough. Threading leaves involved discussing colour and pattern while practising hand control. Stories, songs and clapping the syllables in children’s names linked language with sound. A local author visited, while secret readers meant parents joining storytelling sessions as a surprise for children.

At the February 2023 inspection, Ofsted found close relationships between children and staff, effective safeguarding and coordinated support for children with SEND through collaboration with education and health professionals. Those findings give the dated quality judgement practical meaning: relationships, safety and coordinated support were all examined.

In February 2023, wellbeing activities included sessions with a yoga teacher and mindfulness. Children practised everyday independence by serving lunch, pouring drinks, spreading butter and cleaning their teeth. Meals and snacks were balanced and nutritious at that time.

Communication extended beyond speech in February 2023, with a sign language teacher supporting signing after staff training. Managers sought parents’ views and acted on suggestions. Visits to a care home introduced children to residents’ lives, giving their learning about relationships a connection beyond the nursery.

The address is Tinklers Yard, Tinklers Bank, Corbridge, NE45 5SB. Opening hours are 7.30am to 6.30pm, Monday to Friday, across the year, with closures on bank holidays and for one week at Christmas. That opening window gives families a clear starting point for comparing childcare with their working day.

In February 2023, the nursery provided funded early education for children aged two, three and four. This is a dated participation fact, rather than a promise of a funded place now.

• Outdoor activity. February 2023 experiences included woodland play, a rope bridge and sledging. Families who value active exploration have concrete examples to weigh when considering the nursery.
• The youngest children. The age range starts at 1 month. On a visit, how are settling, sleep and daily routines organised for the youngest children?

Little Tinklers suits families who value creative activities, outdoor exploration and connections with Corbridge’s community. Its February 2023 examples are unusually specific, from Roman mosaics to parent storytelling. The weekday opening hours suit working families; the care and learning examples describe February 2023.