Roly Poley's Private Nursery

Books, early maths and hands-on discovery shaped children's learning at Roly Poley's Private Nursery in Middleton in May 2023. At its 22 May 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated it Good overall. The current age range is 3 to 60 months, with capacity for 80 children.

That judgement is a dated assessment. The most useful detail beneath it concerns how children learnt: babies linked objects with words, toddlers practised cooperation and older children investigated melting ice.

In May 2023, learning followed the early years foundation stage, the framework for children's learning, development and care, with activities building skills across its seven areas of learning. Matching games gave children practice in waiting for a turn and sharing. Early maths received extra attention, including recognising shapes, patterns and numbers.

Books supplied another route into language. In May 2023, staff used participatory storytelling to introduce vocabulary, while babies heard rhymes and preschool children explored rhythm with instruments. A tambourine signalled changes of activity, giving children a recognisable cue for the next part of their day.

Physical experiences also carried learning. In May 2023, toddlers balanced together on a see-saw, older children predicted what would melt ice, and trips included a post office visit to explore what happens to letters. The Green Cross Code supported learning about crossing roads safely. These examples connect learning with actions children can try themselves.

At the May 2023 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and SEND support good, with individual learning plans and external advice helping children access learning and make progress.

In May 2023, the special educational needs coordinator helped staff recognise additional needs, and leaders contributed to education, health and care plans. Babies received individual attention and were put down to sleep using safe practices.

Families had opportunities to participate too. In May 2023, stay-and-play activities included stories, while open evenings helped parents prepare for the preschool room. Children practised toothbrushing and blowing their noses, exercised inside and outside, and ate homemade meals containing nutritious ingredients.

The address is Parkfield, Trinity Street, Middleton, M24 4AN. Opening hours are 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, with year-round opening and bank holiday closures.

In May 2023, the nursery provided funded early education for children aged two, three and four. This is an inspection-time description of provision.

• Individual support. In May 2023, additional funding was not consistently directed closely enough towards each child's development. Families whose child needs extra support should discuss how that support is planned and reviewed.
• Staff development. In May 2023, some staff lacked clear guidance about how to improve their practice. During a visit, ask how supervision now translates into specific development goals.

Roly Poley's suits families seeking year-round weekday care across its opening hours. Its May 2023 learning examples give books, practical exploration and early maths real substance. The two improvement priorities make the planning of individual support and staff development useful subjects for a family visit.