Top Tots Daycare

Worms examined through magnifying glasses and farm animals hidden for counting games give Top Tots Daycare a concrete, child-led character in its August 2023 account. At its 15 August 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good and found safeguarding effective.

The South Bank setting in Middlesbrough takes children aged 2 to 60 months and has 62 places in total. Its opening hours run from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, across the year, with bank holiday closures.

In August 2023, children could choose their own play resources, while staff planned activities around their interests. Exploring a worm's movements and counting hidden animals linked curiosity with early mathematical learning. Frequent, animated reading drew children into stories, giving books a place alongside practical exploration.

The early years foundation stage is the framework for children's learning, development and care: here, the August 2023 examples included learning through play, conversation and growing independence. Activities were planned around children's developmental stages. Babies practised handling cutlery, two-year-olds cleared their cups and plates, and preschool children served food and drinks. Everyday routines became opportunities to practise doing things for themselves.

Outdoor play in August 2023 included bicycles and apparatus for climbing and balancing. There was an important limitation, however: when children were outside together, staff sometimes concentrated their teaching attention on the same children. Other children consequently received less of that interaction.

In August 2023, babies showed affection towards their key person, and older children drew staff into their games. Adults listened to children's preferences and feelings, and helped with moves between nursery rooms and preparation for school. Daily communication kept parents informed about care and learning, while questionnaires offered another way to give feedback.

At the August 2023 inspection, Ofsted found effective support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, including the use of specialist strategies tailored to individual needs. Staff also worked with parents and learnt words from children's home languages to help children learning English communicate.

Health routines in August 2023 included handwashing and help with toothbrushing. Children ate nutritious meals and were encouraged to try unfamiliar foods. Staff and parents worked together when children were ready to begin toilet training.

Top Tots Daycare's address is Poplar Grove, South Bank, Middlesbrough TS6 6SU. It opens Monday to Friday from 7.30am to 6pm throughout the year, except bank holidays.

In August 2023, the nursery's session window was 7.30am to 6pm, and it provided funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children. Those funding arrangements belong to that dated account.

• Outdoor teaching attention. In August 2023, some children received more staff interaction than others outside. This matters if outdoor learning is a priority for your child.
• Language accuracy. In August 2023, staff introduced new vocabulary but sometimes used incorrect words. Consistency matters when children are building their understanding of language.
• Your attendance plan. The opening window spans 7.30am to 6pm. Which booking pattern and funded-hours arrangement would fit your child's routine?

Top Tots Daycare suits families seeking year-round weekday care, with an opening window that can accommodate an early start. Its August 2023 account gives useful substance: interest-led play, practical independence and close relationships with staff. The two teaching priorities, fairer attention outdoors and accurate vocabulary, deserve weight alongside the Good judgement.