Cheeky Monkees Day Nursery

Shopping lists, local bus trips and outdoor climbing give Cheeky Monkees Day Nursery a practical, active character in its July 2023 account. The Marske-by-the-Sea setting has capacity for 54 children. At its 27 July 2023 inspection, Ofsted judged it Good overall and found safeguarding effective.

Children attending in July 2023 were aged 0 to 4. That dated picture spans babies learning to stand and older children taking responsibility for small everyday tasks.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care: play and everyday routines provide opportunities to develop communication, movement and independence.

In July 2023, babies practised standing with encouragement from staff, while older children explored changes in height and surface through balancing and climbing. Changes to the babies' outdoor provision and work with the local community on large equipment added a physical emphasis to play.

Community experiences also had a purpose. In July 2023, children made shopping lists, selected goods at local shops and paid for them themselves; trips using local buses extended their experiences beyond the nursery. These were opportunities to practise making choices and handling everyday tasks.

Number work needed greater consistency. In July 2023, counting activities included spots drawn on spoons and pegs, but opportunities were uneven across ages.

In July 2023, staff used familiar favourite resources to help children settle into play. They slowed their speech and allowed time for replies, including exchanges with babies through sounds. Calm explanations helped older children understand how their behaviour affected others.

Practical care also carried learning. In July 2023, children practised handwashing, and adults explained why wet decking needed careful movement. Children served themselves lunch, although conversations about food and health were an opportunity that staff were missing.

Families received photographs and updates online in July 2023. Staff also invited school teachers to meet children and discuss their development, giving transition work a personal connection. The manager made time for confidential staff discussions, supporting practitioners in their work.

The address is 107 Redcar Road, Marske-by-the-Sea, REDCAR, TS11 6HU.

In July 2023, opening hours were 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, throughout the year. Attendance could be adjusted around parents' working hours at that time. Funded early education was provided for two-, three- and four-year-olds in July 2023.

• Counting throughout the day. In July 2023, number teaching varied between staff and ages. Families should weigh consistency alongside the practical learning experiences.
• Learning over lunch. In July 2023, serving food encouraged independence, but staff missed opportunities to explain healthy eating. Everyday routines mattered as much as organised activities.
• Attendance today. The July 2023 arrangements combined long opening hours with adjustments around working patterns. At a visit, what attendance pattern and funded-hours arrangements would fit your family now?

Cheeky Monkees merits consideration for families who value physical play and practical experiences beyond the nursery. Its July 2023 picture combines shopping tasks, outdoor movement and personal communication with families. The balance is clear: an active day, with greater consistency needed in counting and more learning to draw from lunchtime.