The Nest Nursery

Dinosaur hunts, park trips and close bonds between babies and staff give The Nest Nursery's May 2023 picture its character. This Sheffield setting has capacity for 50 children aged six months to five years, at U R C Trinity Church on Ecclesall Road.

At its 25 May 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good and found safeguarding effective, with children making good progress, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and those learning English as an additional language. The practical distinction is between that dated assessment and the care a family chooses today.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care: daily experiences should build skills alongside supporting wellbeing. In May 2023, stories, familiar rhymes and conversations were part of that learning. Staff used sounds and gestures with younger children, while conversations with older children introduced vocabulary they could use in play.

Dinosaur hunts and trips to the park brought exploration into the May 2023 experience. Group activities included singing and making Shark maps, giving children shared projects as well as individual interests to pursue.

There were two weaknesses to weigh. In May 2023, group planning did not consistently stretch each child, and adults sometimes intervened before children had enough time to think. Both matter: joining an activity is only the start; children also need a suitable challenge and space to work things out.

In May 2023, staff used information gathered from parents when children first started to shape learning around individual interests and needs. Babies received frequent cuddles and developed close relationships with staff. That gives a concrete picture of the care at that time.

At the May 2023 inspection, Ofsted found that the special educational needs coordinator and staff worked with other professionals on targeted support, helping children address gaps in learning. This was support organised around individual needs rather than a general promise of inclusion.

During May 2023, parents discussed their children's progress with staff and were invited to events such as graduation ceremonies. Meals were nutritious, and handwashing routines helped children practise independence.

The address is U R C Trinity Church, 737a Ecclesall Road, Sheffield, S11 8TG. The nursery opens Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 6.30pm, throughout the year, closing on bank holidays.

In May 2023, funded early education was offered for two-, three- and four-year-olds. Families should obtain a current written quotation for prices.

• Challenge during shared activities. Group planning needed greater precision in May 2023. During a visit, ask how staff adapt the same activity for children at different stages.
• Time to think. Adults sometimes moved learning along too quickly in May 2023. Look for pauses that let children form and test their own ideas.
• Attendance arrangements. The opening window runs from 7.30am to 6.30pm on weekdays. Which booking patterns and funded-hours arrangements would fit your family's week?

The Nest Nursery suits families seeking care for children from six months to five years who value close adult relationships and learning through conversation and exploration. Its May 2023 assessment provides a positive starting point. The decision should also weigh how staff now challenge children in groups and give them time to think.