Teddy Bear Nursery

Small hammers, ice and trapped toy dinosaurs give Teddy Bear Nursery a memorable example of learning through persistence. In June 2023, children tackled this practical challenge while staff helped them recognise other children's feelings. The emphasis was on doing, talking and trying again.

Ofsted rated the nursery Good on 23 June 2023 and judged safeguarding effective. On Milnrow Road in Rochdale, the current setting accepts children from birth to two years and has 65 places in total. Its present age range makes baby and toddler care the relevant consideration for families choosing it now.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care: everyday play is part of their education, alongside their physical and emotional needs.

In June 2023, communication took a practical form through small-group activities involving looking and listening, giving children opportunities to practise new words. Outdoors, a climbing frame offered opportunities to climb and test physical skills. Regular outings included a local farm, where children met animals and helped care for them; the learning extended beyond the nursery itself.

Yoga and mindfulness sessions had also been introduced by June 2023 following staff training. These activities gave children ways to recognise emotions and practise managing their responses. They complemented the physical play rather than replacing it.

At the June 2023 inspection, Ofsted found that children with special educational needs and/or disabilities had close relationships with their key person, that leaders worked effectively with external agencies and that children made good progress.

In June 2023, staff responded sensitively to children's needs, and parents described a settling period that helped them feel comfortable. Families also received regular updates about learning, supporting continuity between nursery and home.

Preparation for school was part of the June 2023 experience for older children: school uniforms in role play prompted conversations about moving on, while serving their own lunch and carrying plates encouraged independence. These examples describe care for the older children attending at that time, rather than the present birth-to-two offer.

The address is 167-169 Milnrow Road, Rochdale, OL16 5BA. Opening hours are 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. The nursery operates across the year, closing for bank holidays and one week at Christmas.

In June 2023, the nursery provided funded childcare for children aged two, three and four. That dated provision covered a broader age range than the children accepted now.

• Handling disagreements. In June 2023, staff did not consistently intervene when children needed help resolving conflict, leaving some children upset. Consistent support with behaviour was an improvement priority.
• Individual staff feedback. In June 2023, supervision and discussion supported staff wellbeing, but feedback about teaching needed to be more specific to each practitioner. This matters because training alone does not address every person's development needs.
• Care for the youngest children. The current age range is birth to two. At a visit, how are settling, sleep and daily communication organised for babies and toddlers?

Teddy Bear Nursery suits families seeking year-round care for babies and toddlers, with weekday opening extending from early morning into the evening. Its June 2023 experience combined practical challenges, language activities and outdoor play. The Good judgement provides a dated quality reference, balanced by clear improvement priorities around behaviour support and staff feedback.