Kids Planet School House

Books, outdoor hills and conversations gave School House its character in March 2024: children explored stories, moved confidently outside and learnt new words through play. At its March 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good, highlighting communication with families while asking for better sequencing of learning and more attention to digital safety.

Kids Planet School House cares for children aged 3 to 60 months and has 95 places in total. Its address is School House, Long Street, Manchester, M24 6DU.

In March 2024, the early years foundation stage took practical form through storytelling, sensory exploration and physical activity. Babies transferred coloured sand with spoons, toddlers investigated fizzing mixtures outside, and preschool children prepared and tasted fruit. These examples give parents a concrete picture of learning through handling, experimenting and talking.

Books connected activities in March 2024. A chosen book shaped learning experiences, toddlers joined familiar story phrases and preschool children retold stories about Ramadan. The lending library let children take books home, giving families something tangible to share together.

Outdoor movement also featured in March 2024. Children climbed hills and ran down them; babies played throwing games, while toddlers moved ribbon sticks through the air. Visiting paramedics brought an ambulance and explained their work and first aid, connecting nursery learning with people children might encounter beyond it.

At the March 2024 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and described staff responding appropriately when children needed food, rest or comfort. That judgement sits alongside practical observations of adults staying nearby and reassuring children who needed support.

In March 2024, conversations accompanied play, with staff slowing down unfamiliar words for toddlers. Children also used Makaton signs they had learnt to support communication. Singing accompanied changes between activities, helping make routines familiar, and children took responsibility for handing out cutlery at mealtimes.

Families had several ways to contribute in March 2024. Stay-and-play sessions brought parents into nursery activities, regular evaluations gathered their views, and the wishing tree displayed their hopes for their children. Updates about learning connected nursery experiences with home. Dental nurses also visited to demonstrate toothbrushing, making health education a practical experience.

School House opens Monday to Friday, from 7.30am to 6pm, across the year. It closes on bank holidays and for one week at Christmas. Those closures matter when planning care around work and family commitments.

In March 2024, the nursery provided funded early education for children aged two, three and four. This is a dated description of its funding participation.

• Building on learning. In March 2024, activities did not consistently develop what children already knew. Ask how staff now plan the next steps from your child's existing skills.
• Digital safety. In March 2024, learning gave insufficient attention to recognising risks when using technology and the internet at home. Discuss how this is now addressed with children and families.
• Starting nursery. For a child joining School House, ask how settling sessions and their key person would accommodate familiar comfort and sleep routines.

School House suits families seeking weekday care across the year, with an opening window that accommodates an early start. Its March 2024 picture combines books, practical exploration and meaningful parent involvement. The decision points are specific: how learning now builds from one experience to the next, and how digital safety has been developed.