Learning Works for Children

Play dough cakes, family wedding outfits and a train journey to the seaside gave Learning Works for Children a recognisable character at its May 2022 inspection. At its May 2022 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good, with communication and language a strength of the education children received.

Based at Marian House in Nottingham, the nursery has capacity for 64 children, with an accepted age range of 2 to 60 months. The practical offer includes weekday opening throughout the year.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care: here, the May 2022 activities illustrate learning through play, conversation and growing independence.

In May 2022, babies practised handling materials by transferring coloured rice between containers, while toddlers shaped play dough into pretend cakes. A water tray gave staff opportunities to introduce words about weight and quantity. Preschool children counted stickers and took responsibility for washing their hands and taking off aprons after craft activities. Everyday tasks became opportunities to practise useful skills.

Family experiences also shaped activities that May. Children discussed weddings while making cardboard outfits, and special-occasion clothing brought from home prompted conversations about different backgrounds. Outings included a community farm and a seaside train trip. A local language group used stories including Stickman, connecting storytelling with experiences beyond the nursery.

At the May 2022 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and described early identification of children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, with activities and physical arrangements adapted to individual needs. Examples included walking-support toys and additional clear space for movement.

In May 2022, mobile babies sought comfort from adults, and staff gave toddlers extra help with interacting after the disruption of the pandemic. Staff supervision and recruitment checks supported safety; an intercom controlled access through the front door. Managers held supervision meetings and helped practitioners plan learning activities.

Daily conversations with parents covered play, food and sleep that May. The weakness was educational communication: parents did not have enough information about learning or ideas for continuing it at home. Behaviour guidance also needed clearer explanations. Staff intervened when children were unsafe, but did not consistently explain the reasons behind the limits.

Marian House, 105 Carlton Road, Nottingham, NG3 2FB is the nursery's address. Opening hours are 7.30am to 5.45pm, Monday to Friday, throughout the year, with bank and public holidays excluded. That weekday window is useful for families balancing childcare with work.

In May 2022, the nursery provided funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children. This is a dated funding position, rather than a promise of a funded place.

• Explaining behaviour. In May 2022, staff acted promptly around unsafe behaviour but needed to explain expectations more clearly. On a visit, ask how practitioners now help children understand why a limit matters.
• Learning at home. The May 2022 improvement action called for better information and practical ideas for parents. Ask to see an example of how learning is shared with families.
• Attendance and costs. The weekday opening window runs from 7.30am to 5.45pm. Ask which booking pattern would fit your routine and request a written quotation covering hours and any extras.

Learning Works for Children suits families seeking weekday, year-round childcare. In May 2022, children experienced learning through conversation, imaginative play and outings, alongside individual support. Clearer behaviour explanations and better sharing of learning with parents are the two practical points to explore before choosing it.