Rushcliffe Montessori

A forest area, a sensory room and practical tasks such as opening padlocks give Rushcliffe Montessori a concrete character in its November 2022 account of nursery life. Exploration sits alongside independence: children had opportunities to investigate outdoors and practise doing things for themselves.

Ofsted rated the nursery Good at its 8 November 2022 inspection and found safeguarding arrangements effective. The nursery has capacity for 60 children, with an accepted age range of 3 to 60 months, at Shepherds Corner in Stragglethorpe, Radcliffe-on-Trent.

In November 2022, learning followed children's interests, with observations and parents' feedback helping staff plan subsequent activities. The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care; here, the dated examples include songs, stories, physical exploration and practical tasks.

During that month, preschool children searched the forest area for creatures while staff introduced descriptive vocabulary and explained changes in leaves. Toddlers investigated light boxes in the sensory room, learning to operate them and discussing the difference between light and darkness. These examples connect language with something children can see and handle.

Physical learning also took different forms in November 2022. Toddlers tackled a climbing frame with staff guidance, while preschool children practised manipulating keys and padlocks. Community walks and learning to care for animals extended experiences beyond indoor activities.

In November 2022, babies explored independently and returned to familiar staff for comfort. Songs encouraged them to join in with movements and sounds, while feeding themselves gave them practice in coordinating hands and eyes. Older children helped younger ones remove their shoes, and the puppet Mikey helped toddlers discuss sharing and gentle behaviour.

Support for language and physical development included guidance from sports coaches and a therapist specialising in speech and language in November 2022. Parents received development updates and activity packs for home, and a parent forum gave them a route to contribute ideas. Staff training covered online safety and oral health; supervision and observations of practice supported further development.

The address is Shepherds Corner, Stragglethorpe, Radcliffe-on-Trent, Nottingham, NG12 2JZ. Opening hours are 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.

The annual closure pattern includes bank holidays, a week during May half term, two weeks in August and a Christmas break from Christmas Eve until the day after New Year's Day. These breaks matter for families arranging care around work.

In November 2022, the nursery provided funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children. This is a dated account of participation rather than a promise of a funded place today.

• Group activities. In November 2022, some children disengaged during group sessions because delivery did not consistently sustain their interest. Ask how staff now adapt these activities to keep children involved.
• Settling and reassurance. Babies sought comfort from staff in November 2022. On a visit, ask how settling arrangements build that familiarity for a new child.
• Holiday cover. The closure pattern includes breaks in May, August and over Christmas. Families needing continuous care should allow for these interruptions.

Rushcliffe Montessori suits families seeking care within its weekday opening hours who value practical exploration and opportunities for independence. The November 2022 picture includes outdoor investigation, sensory activities and communication with parents. Sustaining engagement during group activities is the specific teaching point to weigh alongside those strengths.