Sunrise Nurseries

City walks, family photographs and songs woven into daily routines shaped the picture of Sunrise Nurseries at its September 2025 inspection. Based at The Old Chapel in Nottingham, it has capacity for 60 children. At its September 2025 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good overall and found safeguarding effective.

The children attending that visit were aged 0 to 4. The strongest practical examples concerned everyday life: recognising relatives in photographs, counting with fingers and learning how to use utensils safely.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care, connecting everyday experiences with what children need to learn next. In September 2025, mathematical language featured in conversations about where to sit at lunch, while older children could draw and make marks across different parts of the playroom.

City walks brought fresh air and opportunities to recognise buses and police cars. A kitchen role-play area gave children a way to rehearse safety: pretend hot food prompted conversations about cooling it and using oven gloves. These were small, concrete lessons connected to familiar experiences.

Communication needed more attention. In September 2025, staff sometimes supplied answers to their own questions before children had time to respond. Leaving that thinking space was an important development point.

In September 2025, family photographs and the use of children's home languages helped connect nursery routines with home. Staff comforted distressed younger children and stayed beside children waking on sleep mats, allowing them to wake gradually.

Parents received activity photographs and suggestions for reading at home, including books with props for younger children. Staff also worked with families and other professionals on individual development targets, using familiar words from home to support sharing.

Daily toothbrushing included individual toothbrushes and a song to guide the routine. Snacks and meals were accompanied by conversations about how food helps the body grow.

Information sharing needed improvement: when staff changed rooms, they did not consistently know each child's next learning steps. This matters because the key person's understanding needs to travel with the child.

The address is The Old Chapel, Royal Standard Place, Nottingham NG1 6FS.

In September 2025, the nursery operated Monday to Friday throughout the year, closing for bank holidays and a week at Christmas; session times ran from 7.45am to 6pm. It also provided funded early education from nine months of age upwards at that time.

• Time to answer. September 2025 practice sometimes cut short children's responses. Giving children room to think should be a priority in conversations and activities.
• Continuity between staff. September 2025 information sharing did not consistently carry individual learning goals between rooms. This is a useful point to discuss during a visit.
• Funding arrangements. Funded early education was offered in September 2025. How would funded hours, paid hours, meals and consumables fit your intended attendance pattern?

The September 2025 picture of Sunrise Nurseries will appeal to families who value city outings and everyday learning grounded in familiar routines. Its September 2025 examples combine practical safety, early maths and close links with home. The decision also needs to take account of the two development points: allowing children time to answer and improving continuity between staff.