Woodlands Day Nursery

Apple seeds, wheeled toys and conversation over a sand tray give Woodlands Day Nursery a practical, hands-on character in its May 2024 account of daily life. Based at Arden Forest Infant School in Bulkington, Bedworth, it has capacity for 20 children.

At its May 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good overall and judged its education Good. Children attending then were aged two to four. The strongest thread through their activities was learning through ordinary experiences: talking, planting, counting and playing together.

In May 2024, the early years foundation stage shaped the curriculum: children developed language, physical skills and early mathematical understanding through play and everyday routines. Activities were ordered to build skills progressively, and the curriculum was reviewed and adjusted to the children attending.

Language work took several forms. Pictures helped children whose speech was developing, while adults echoed words and encouraged their attempts at sounds. Older children explored initial sounds using fruit from snack time. In the sand tray, comparing spades gave size vocabulary a concrete meaning.

Daily outdoor access in May 2024 included running, climbing, balancing and steering wheeled toys. Children also planted apple seeds and shared the watering. These experiences combined movement with taking turns. Indoors, foam in a tray prompted imaginative discussion about snow and building an igloo; counting and simple calculations were woven into routines.

At the May 2024 inspection, Ofsted judged safeguarding effective and support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities very good, with early assessment and cooperation between staff, parents and other agencies helping children access additional support.

In May 2024, familiar adults offered reassurance when children were upset, and close relationships supported settling. Clear instructions and simple rules helped children manage behaviour, while older children were beginning to regulate their responses themselves.

Independence had practical expression: some children managed personal care, and shared mealtimes supported conversation and friendships. Staff also exchanged information with families to help learning continue at home. Regular supervision gave practitioners support and training for their work.

The address is Arden Forest Infant School, Weston Lane, Bulkington, Bedworth, CV12 9RT.

In May 2024, the nursery operated throughout the year on weekdays, with hours of 7.45am to 5.30pm. It also provided funded early education for children aged two, three and four at that time.

Being based at Arden Forest Infant School does not guarantee a Reception place.

• Understanding different families. The May 2024 improvement point concerned broadening children's understanding of family lives beyond their own experience. On a visit, ask how stories and activities now address this.
• Attendance arrangements. The May 2024 weekday hours provide a dated reference for planning. Before joining, what attendance pattern and funded-hours arrangements would apply to your child?

Woodlands suits families drawn to practical play, outdoor movement and language developed through everyday activities. Its May 2024 assessment supports that choice, while the work on understanding different families gives parents a specific improvement topic to explore.