Little Squirrels Play Forest Magdalen

Herbs, fruit and a pestle and mortar give Little Squirrels Play Forest Magdalen a recognisable character: in April 2025, children experimented with ingredients, made potions and practised using tools with staff nearby. Practical exploration runs through this Norwich setting's inspection-era account.

At its 7 April 2025 inspection, Ofsted judged the nursery Good overall, found safeguarding effective and reported good progress across children's learning. The setting now has capacity for 47 children aged two to five.

The early years foundation stage brings learning, development and care together: children's play supports skills such as communication, movement and managing feelings. In April 2025, staff paired spoken language with simple signs, shared songs and introduced words through activities such as muddy-puddle play. This gave children several ways to join in and express themselves.

Books connected exploration with further learning. In April 2025, an insect book followed a minibeast hunt, while repeated stories helped children become familiar with their content. A lending library extended reading into family life. Learning could continue beyond the nursery day.

Outdoor exploration included practical thinking about safety. In April 2025, children helped staff spot hazards and discuss solutions; the Risky Robin poster reminded them to take care around the swings and firepit. That made risk awareness part of play rather than a separate lecture.

Settling involved families as well as children. In April 2025, introductory sessions and opportunities to play together helped children get to know staff and the setting. Monthly stay-and-play sessions then gave parents a continuing way to participate, alongside activity bags, books and a parent breakfast station.

Emotional support was woven into the day. In April 2025, daily mindfulness activities included breathing exercises and remembering happy experiences, giving children practical responses to difficult feelings. Conversations about wishes and emotions also helped them understand one another. Assessments informed targeted help where learning needed extra attention.

The address is St Pauls Community Hall, Magdalen Road, Norwich, NR3 4LN. Opening hours are 8am to 6pm Monday to Thursday and 8am to 4pm on Friday. The nursery operates across the year, with closures for bank holidays, inset days and Christmas.

In April 2025, the setting provided funded early education for eligible children. That participation is a dated position, rather than a promise of a funded place for an individual family.

• Teaching consistency. The April 2025 inspection identified staff coaching as the area needing improvement, so practitioners could better develop and share their teaching skills. Families should weigh that alongside the Good judgement.
• Your attendance pattern. Friday closes at 4pm, earlier than the other weekdays. At a visit, ask which booking pattern and funded-hours arrangement would fit your working week.
• Outdoor risk awareness. In April 2025, children used the Risky Robin reminder around swings and the firepit. This approach suits families who value children learning to recognise hazards through practical experience.

This setting suits families seeking practical, outdoor exploration for children aged two to five, with an earlier finish on Fridays that needs to work for their routine. The April 2025 picture combines ingredient experiments, books and emotional support with opportunities for parents to participate. Staff coaching is the qualification to that positive account: consistent teaching remains the improvement priority identified at that inspection.