Kidz Matter Nursery Arc Satellite

Real teabags, a teapot and an outdoor hill gave learning a practical character at Kidz Matter Nursery Arc Satellite in May 2023. Children explored smells, talked through their preferences and investigated the natural world. Everyday objects supplied plenty to discuss.

At its May 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good and judged safeguarding effective, with staff recognising concerns, understanding reporting procedures and supervising children indoors and outside. The setting accepts children aged 24 to 60 months and has capacity for 40 children in total.

The early years foundation stage is the required framework for children's learning, development and care: it brings learning and everyday care together, rather than treating education as a separate part of the day.

In May 2023, the role play area supported tea-making with real ingredients and equipment. Children compared scents and predicted what another teabag might smell like. Outside, a search using clipboards led to close examination of a worm through magnifying glasses. A hill, drainpipe, scooters and bikes added opportunities for movement and exploration.

Food preparation made another practical learning opportunity that May. Children assembled sandwiches, cut oranges and squeezed juice into cups. These were tasks they could take part in themselves, rather than simply watch.

The May 2023 inspection identified two weaknesses: group activities lost some younger children's attention, limiting their progress, and communication strategies varied between staff, reducing the benefit for children needing particular support. These matter alongside the appealing activities. The learning needed to work for different children, rather than merely keep the group busy.

In May 2023, children used boxes to indicate their feelings, then discussed their choices with staff later. This gave emotions a concrete place in the day and supplied a starting point for conversation.

Independence also featured that May. Children fetched cups for drinks, attempted coat fastenings and managed handwashing; toothbrushing and discussions about food brought health into everyday routines. During singing, a child returned a dropped toy to a staff member, illustrating the small social exchanges within the group.

Parents interviewed in May 2023 described support with the anxiety of leaving their child and an induction that took their feelings seriously. They also described receiving updates about progress, helping them continue learning at home.

The address is The Arc Community Centre, 398 Abbey Hills Road, Oldham, OL8 2DJ. Opening hours are 09:00 to 16:00, Monday to Friday, during term time; the nursery closes for school holidays.

In May 2023, the nursery provided funded early education for children aged two, three and four.

• Younger children's participation. Group activities in May 2023 did not sustain every younger child's attention. During a visit, look at how activities are adapted for different stages.
• Communication support. Staff approaches were inconsistent in May 2023. Families whose children need communication support should discuss how practitioners now use a shared approach.
• Term-time planning. School-holiday closures affect the childcare pattern. How would the nursery's funded attendance arrangements fit your family's term-time needs?

This setting suits families seeking term-time childcare for children aged 24 to 60 months. Its May 2023 picture combined hands-on exploration, everyday independence and thoughtful induction. The two learning concerns deserve attention, especially for younger children and those needing communication support.