Dolls House Nursery

Children's ideas shaped the day at Dolls House Nursery in April 2023: a comment during a story could change the conversation, while an idea during sand play prompted staff to find different containers. Listening had a practical purpose. Children could influence what happened next.

At its April 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Outstanding overall. Dolls House Nursery serves children aged 0 to 60 months at 71 Havant Road, Cosham, Portsmouth, PO6 2JD.

In April 2023, babies explored musical instruments and interactive resources in a sensory room. Toddlers used coloured buttons for counting and as characters in rhymes; older children experimented with pretend cooking in the role-play area. These were concrete ways to bring sound, number and imagination into play.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care. In parent language, it connects the learning children do with the care they receive throughout their day. In April 2023, mathematical experiences included adults counting babies' blocks, toddlers making number shapes in sand and preschool children counting musical beats. Number work reached beyond a separate counting activity.

Experiences also extended beyond the rooms in April 2023. Visiting nurses and police officers demonstrated aspects of their work, and local scavenger hunts encouraged children to explore their surroundings. Pet-shop trips, watching tadpoles develop and caring for resident guinea pigs gave children direct encounters with animals and change in the natural world.

At the April 2023 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and SEND support highly effective, with specialist advice informing communication strategies and children with learning delays making excellent progress in communication and social skills.

In April 2023, the special educational needs coordinator worked with outside agencies, and staff evaluated the communication methods they introduced. Support involved adjusting practice to individual children. Sleeping babies were monitored closely, with staff exchanging information about their sleep routines.

Relationships with families also had practical value in April 2023: staff and parents worked together around significant changes at home, including the arrival of a new baby. For preschool children, independence and following complex group instructions formed part of preparation for school.

Sessions and Attendance

Opening hours are 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. The nursery operates across the year, closing on bank holidays and for one week at Christmas. Families need to allow for those breaks when planning childcare around work.

Funding and Paid Extras

In April 2023, the nursery received early education funding for children aged two, three and four. This is a dated participation fact, rather than a promise of an individual child's entitlement or booking arrangement.

• Baby spaces and sleep. In April 2023, babies used a sensory room and staff closely monitored sleep. On a visit, ask how those spaces and routines work for your baby's usual day.
• Attendance and costs. The weekday opening window runs from 8am to 6pm. What booking patterns, funded-hours arrangements, meal and consumable terms would apply to your child, and what would the current written quotation include?
• School preparation. In April 2023, preschool children practised independence and responding to group instructions. Ask how staff would support your child's particular next steps towards school.

Dolls House Nursery merits consideration by families who value adults responding to children's ideas, practical number learning and individual communication support. Those strengths belong to its April 2023 assessment. Its current weekday opening hours and year-round operation also make it relevant to parents organising childcare around a working week, provided the holiday closures fit their plans.