The Childcare Village

Language-rich play and uneven everyday routines shaped the July 2025 inspection picture at The Childcare Village in Shaw. At its July 2025 inspection, Ofsted judged the provision Requires improvement and found safeguarding effective, with weaknesses in hygiene, staff supervision, independence and behaviour-supporting routines.

The setting has 80 places in total. In July 2025, it operated from St James Parish Rooms, combining term-time nursery and preschool provision with out-of-school care.

In July 2025, children explored water and sand, built with construction bricks and listened to stories in a reading corner. The early years foundation stage sets requirements for children's learning, development and care; here, play offered opportunities to talk, handle materials and practise physical skills.

Communication received particular attention that July. Staff had undertaken additional training, and children selected toys associated with familiar songs during singing activities. Dough play prompted conversations about texture and different rolling pins. These were concrete opportunities to practise vocabulary through shared activity.

Outdoor play also had substance. In July 2025, bicycles, tricycles, a see-saw and a slide supported active play, while chasing and bursting bubbles encouraged children to bend, stretch and reach.

At the July 2025 inspection, Ofsted found patient, caring relationships and useful family support, but inconsistent staff supervision and monitoring limited opportunities to strengthen practice. Emotional warmth therefore sat alongside a management weakness requiring action.

In July 2025, staff taught handwashing around meals and toilet use, yet did not consistently remind coughing children to cover their mouths. The required hygiene improvements concerned everyday infection prevention, rather than an abstract policy.

Independence was similarly uneven that July. Children helped put toys away, but adults sometimes took over manageable tasks, including coats and lunch boxes. Before lunch, prolonged sitting while waiting to wash hands left children restless. Both findings matter because ordinary routines can either build self-help skills or interrupt them.

Families discussed children's development with staff at session boundaries in July 2025 and received advice on toilet training. Those conversations gave parents practical information to use at home.

The address is Pre-School and Out Of School Care, St James Street, Shaw, OL2 7TD.

In July 2025, nursery and preschool opening hours were 8.50am to 3.15pm during term time. Out-of-school care opened from 7.30am to 8.40am and 3.15pm to 5.30pm in term time, with holiday opening hours of 7.30am to 5.30pm. These are dated operating hours, rather than a current booking offer.

• Hygiene and supervision. July 2025 brought required improvements in both areas. Ask how daily hygiene routines and staff coaching now work in practice.
• Independence and waiting. In July 2025, adults sometimes completed children's manageable tasks, and pre-lunch waiting disrupted behaviour. During a visit, explore how children now manage coats, lunch boxes and transitions.
• Attendance fit. The July 2025 provision combined term-time preschool with out-of-school and holiday care. What current attendance arrangement would fit your child's age and your working week?

For families looking for term-time preschool alongside out-of-school care, The Childcare Village's July 2025 provision merits consideration. Its July 2025 picture included conversational play, outdoor activity and supportive relationships. The weaknesses were substantial, however: hygiene, management oversight and everyday routines all needed attention. Those practical issues should carry real weight in a family's decision.