Pumpkin Pie Childcare

Growing fruit, caring for rabbits and baking bread outdoors give Pumpkin Pie Childcare a practical, outdoors-led character in its July 2021 account. Based at United Reform Church in West Thirston, Felton, it accepts children from birth to five.

At its 23 July 2021 inspection, Ofsted judged the nursery Good overall and found safeguarding effective. That is a dated judgement: the activities and care practices below describe July 2021 rather than today's daily programme.

In July 2021, learning connected sensory exploration with practical tasks. Babies used their feet to explore paint; toddlers investigated the scent of freshly picked mint; older children baked bread over a campfire. These experiences gave children different ways to investigate materials and change.

The early years foundation stage is the framework for children's learning, development and care. Here, the July 2021 examples included stories, songs, counting and play: babies listened to books, toddlers explored quantities using rice, and older children wrote their names and created books.

Outdoor learning extended beyond exercise. In July 2021, children grew produce in the allotment, used harvested fruit for smoothies and cared for rabbits. Older children also visited a forest school twice each week, taking learning outdoors, while community outings included parks, fields, the river and a nearby farm. Growing and using food connected everyday tasks with understanding the world.

In July 2021, key persons were available to speak with parents each day. Staff shared daily activity information and kept families informed about children's development. This gave families a regular connection with the people caring for their child.

Songs for babies included gestures and signs, while toddlers learnt rhymes and staff helped children expand their vocabulary. In July 2021, practical safety teaching also accompanied tool use: children learnt about gloves and keeping enough space around someone using a hammer.

Independence was uneven. In July 2021, older children helped themselves to food and poured drinks, but younger children were sometimes helped with shoes and nose wiping before trying for themselves. Some group activities also kept younger children sitting too long, reducing their involvement.

The address is United Reform Church, West Thirston, Felton, NE65 9EF. Opening hours are 7.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, across the year, with closures for bank holidays and Christmas.

In July 2021, the nursery provided funded early education for children aged two, three and four. Children also received meals and snacks at that time.

• Group activities. In July 2021, younger children sometimes lost interest during lengthy group sessions. Shorter, more engaging shared activities were an improvement priority.
• Early independence. The July 2021 improvement priorities included giving younger children more opportunities to manage personal tasks themselves. This matters alongside the practical independence already evident among older children.
• Attendance planning. The opening window runs from 7.30am to 5.30pm. At a visit, which booking patterns and funded-hours arrangements would fit your family's week?

Pumpkin Pie Childcare suits parents who value practical outdoor learning, with an allotment and forest school visits central to its July 2021 picture. Its weekday opening window may also suit families organising care around work. The Good judgement provides a dated assessment; group engagement and younger children's independence deserve attention alongside the hands-on experiences.