Apple Grove Day Nursery

An outdoor café hatch and construction resources children could choose for themselves give Apple Grove Day Nursery a recognisable character: play with room for conversation, imagination and problem-solving. These were features of nursery life in April 2025, rather than promises about a particular day's activities.

At its 29 April 2025 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good and found safeguarding effective. Apple Grove has capacity for 32 children, with an age range of 24 to 60 months, and operates during term time.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care here: play, communication and everyday routines all contribute to learning.

In April 2025, the spacious indoor environment allowed children to select resources independently. Pieces for connecting and stacking sustained their interest and gave them practical problems to solve. Outdoors, children invented a café, served through a hatch and took turns responding to orders. Pretend play gave conversation a purpose.

Stories, songs and rhymes also featured during that month. Children discussed fictional characters and joined familiar words and actions, while sand activities involved following instructions and experimenting with moulds. These examples show the different ways children could participate, from talking together to making something with their hands.

In April 2025, children sought comfort from staff and settled beside them for stories. Practitioners helped children handle small disputes, and information gathered from parents at the start informed their understanding of each child's experiences.

At the April 2025 inspection, Ofsted found that learning plans needed greater precision about children's next steps and that children needed more chances to complete everyday tasks independently. Dressing and personal care were practised, but handwashing routines and drinking from cups without spouts needed more attention.

Parents speaking during April 2025 valued the updates about care and learning. Staff also had regular discussions about their practice and development, providing a structure for guidance and training.

The address is Stockingford Junior School, Grove Road, Nuneaton, CV10 8JY. In April 2025, the nursery operated on the Stockingford Academy site, with weekday sessions running from 9am to 3pm during term time. It received early education funding at that time.

Attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families seeking a state-school place still apply through the local authority admissions process.

• Everyday independence. The April 2025 improvement points included handwashing and drinking from cups without spouts. At a visit, ask how children now practise these tasks themselves.
• Individual learning. Planning needed sharper next steps in April 2025. Ask how staff choose a child's next learning priority and explain it to parents.
• Attendance fit. Apple Grove operates during term time and closes for school holidays. How would its current attendance arrangements fit your family's childcare needs?

Apple Grove suits families whose childcare requirements follow the school terms and who value play built around conversation and practical exploration. The April 2025 picture includes affectionate staff relationships, accessible resources and purposeful pretend play. The decision points are specific: how precisely learning is planned for each child, and how much children now manage for themselves.