Grapevine Nursery School

Daily diaries, seaside guessing games and a netted climbing tower give Grapevine's August 2023 nursery life a recognisable character. At its 16 August 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good, finding that children progressed well and were prepared for their next stage of learning.

Based on London Road in Sheffield, Grapevine Nursery School has 47 places in total and accepts children aged 12 to 60 months. Its opening hours extend from 7.30am to 6pm on weekdays.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care, bringing learning and everyday wellbeing together. In August 2023, children explored language, numbers and independence through practical play: identifying a missing seaside object exercised memory and vocabulary, while sorting toy vehicles introduced comparisons of colour and size.

Books, songs and toy animals were linked together for babies that August. Makaton was also used as a programme supporting language development. Older children tackled simple number problems and identified shapes around them, giving early mathematics a practical setting.

Children revisited their play through daily diaries, using pictures, stickers and their own marks to capture experiences. That gave them a concrete way to recall what they had done. The climbing tower's netting and vehicles offered opportunities for adventurous movement.

At the August 2023 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective, with staff understanding how to recognise concerns and take them to the appropriate agencies. Knowledge was refreshed through training and staff discussions.

During August 2023, babies developed close relationships with staff and became accustomed to daily routines. Practitioners listened to children and used gentle guidance to help them understand their feelings; games and shared toys gave children opportunities to practise turn-taking.

Parents received information about children's achievements alongside guidance and support that August. Staff also worked with families on songs and rhymes for babies, connecting language experiences at nursery and home. Children helped prepare fruit snacks, making an everyday task an opportunity for cooperation and independence.

The address is Grapevine Nursery, 421 London Road, Sheffield, S2 4HJ. Opening hours are 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, across the year, with closures on bank holidays and for one week at Christmas.

In August 2023, the nursery provided funded early education for children aged two, three and four. That is a dated account of its funding offer.

• Progression through books. In August 2023, planning needed to connect children's book experiences more systematically as they grew, supporting deeper language and understanding of the world. This is an important point for families who value early reading experiences.
• Care in practice. The August 2023 examples include close relationships for babies and gentle support with emotions. On a visit, how would these approaches work for your child's settling and daily care now?

Grapevine suits families seeking weekday childcare across the year, with opening hours spanning early morning to early evening. Its August 2023 picture combines practical learning, reflection through diaries and attentive relationships. The August 2023 need for stronger book planning tempers that positive account.