Country Rascals Nursery

Body boarding, garden-grown vegetables and woodland outings give Country Rascals Nursery a clear outdoor character: these were among children's experiences in August 2023. Its address is Mars Lane, Scaling, Saltburn-by-the-Sea, TS13 4TR, and its age range runs from birth to five.

At its August 2023 inspection, Ofsted judged the nursery Good, found safeguarding effective and highlighted strong support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. The practical appeal lies in combining physical exploration with personal care, although that judgement describes the nursery at that date.

In August 2023, outdoor learning involved more than garden play. Children had tried body boarding at a local beach and rock climbing nearby, while woodland exploration and café outings extended their experiences beyond the nursery. These were examples of outings, rather than a fixed timetable.

The garden also connected growing, tasting and cooking. Children planted vegetables, sampled their produce and used it in meals. For babies, carpeted steps and a gentle slope offered opportunities to practise movement.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care. In August 2023, this took practical form through books, songs, conversation and making marks with crayons, paint and sand: everyday play gave children opportunities to develop language and early literacy.

In August 2023, settling sessions were adapted for individual babies and toddlers. Staff gathered details about routines and preferences, giving them a starting point for supporting each child's adjustment. Parents valued communication with their child's key person and felt informed about learning and daily experiences.

Support also covered growing independence. In August 2023, younger children practised feeding themselves, older children put on outdoor clothing, and staff worked with parents on toilet training. Staff helped with the move between the baby room and pre-school room, as well as preparation for school.

Balanced meals and snacks formed part of care in August 2023. However, hygiene routines were sometimes applied inconsistently, and opportunities to explain their importance to children were missed.

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. This makes the calendar relevant to families arranging care around work as well as school holidays.

In August 2023, session times ran from 8am to 6pm, and funded early education was offered for children aged two, three and four. These are dated arrangements rather than a description of today's booking or funding terms.

• Teaching support. In August 2023, staff supervision needed sharper attention to teaching interactions and curriculum ambition. How does supervision now help practitioners strengthen these aspects of the day?
• Hygiene habits. Consistency in hygiene was an improvement priority in August 2023. Families should explore how staff now reinforce routines with children.
• Outdoor experiences. Beach activities, woodland exploration and garden growing featured in August 2023. A visit is an opportunity to discuss how outdoor experiences are adapted for a child's age and confidence.

The August 2023 inspection picture will appeal to families who value outdoor exploration alongside help with everyday independence. Its August 2023 picture combines adventurous experiences with individually adapted settling and communication through a key person. The balance to weigh is clear: appealing experiences and personal support, alongside dated improvement priorities around teaching supervision and hygiene.