Sheffield Hallam University Nursery

Hatching chicks and making embroidery gave children memorable ways to explore the world in June 2023 at Sheffield Hallam University Nursery. At its June 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Outstanding, with carefully planned learning and thoughtful adult conversations among its strengths.

The Broomgrove Road setting in Sheffield has capacity for 74 children and accepts ages from 3 to 60 months. Its inspection account gives a clear picture of learning through practical experiences, with language, independence and relationships running through the day.

In June 2023, the early years foundation stage took practical form through stories, mathematical ideas and conversations during play, including in the sandpit and mud kitchen. Staff used what children already understood to decide what to introduce next, connecting activities to their interests. For parents, that means an account of teaching built around individual children and their next steps.

Storytelling extended beyond reading aloud. In June 2023, staff brought stories to life with props and connections to nature; watching bubbles in the garden also became an opportunity to introduce unfamiliar vocabulary. These examples show how ordinary experiences became opportunities for children to talk, notice and learn.

The June 2023 experiences included visits from a mini zoo, a sports coaching group and support dogs, alongside contact with a local care home. Chick hatching and embroidery added further practical experiences. Children could encounter animals, creative work and people of different generations, giving them concrete subjects to explore and discuss.

At the June 2023 inspection, Ofsted found effective safeguarding and strong support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, with staff working alongside parents and other professionals. In June 2023, staff also learnt about children's cultures and home languages, giving children who spoke English as an additional language opportunities to use those languages within the nursery.

Relationships had practical expression in June 2023. Children shared a bubble wand, looked after garden plants and helped distribute story resources. Small responsibilities gave them opportunities to practise cooperation and independence. Staff supported preparation for the next stage through the skills children would need when moving on to school.

Communication with families in June 2023 included updates on learning, ideas to try at home, and shared books and resources. A parents' forum gave families a way to contribute, while meetings supported children's moves through the nursery. That combination linked conversations about progress with practical help for home and changes within the setting.

The address is Broomgrove Road, Sheffield, S10 2LW. Opening hours are 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, across the year. Closures include bank holidays, a week in August and a week at Christmas, which families need to accommodate in their childcare plans.

In June 2023, the nursery provided funded early education for children aged two, three and four. This is a dated part of its offer, separate from the current opening hours above.

• Care across the age range. The nursery accepts children from 3 to 60 months. At a visit, how would settling and the daily routine work for your child's age and needs?
• Closure cover. Bank holidays and the August and Christmas closure weeks interrupt the usual weekday pattern. Families relying on care throughout the year need arrangements for those breaks.

Sheffield Hallam University Nursery suits families who value practical learning, conversation and involvement in their child's development. Its June 2023 account is rich in concrete examples, from chick hatching to family meetings. The weekday opening window is useful for families organising care around work or study, with annual closure periods an important planning consideration.