Tick Tock

Garden obstacle courses, songs in German and Chinese, and walks through school grounds give Tick Tock's April 2023 daily life a recognisable character. The nursery is based at The Clock House, Moor Park School, in Richards Castle, Ludlow, and accepts children aged 3 to 42 months.

At its 25 April 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated Tick Tock Good and judged safeguarding effective. That assessment sits alongside a specific improvement point: keeping children occupied during changes between activities.

In April 2023, outdoor play combined movement with opportunities to create. Children practised pedalling tricycles and balancing across planks in an obstacle course; garden clipboards brought mark-making outdoors. Accessible glue and tissue paper let children choose materials for their own pictures.

Dance classes and daily grounds walks added physical activity. Songs introduced German and Chinese words, which children practised again through greetings. These experiences connected movement, language and independent choices rather than confining learning to adult-led activities.

The early years foundation stage is the framework for children's learning, development and care. Here, the April 2023 examples included learning through creative play, conversation and physical challenges.

At the April 2023 inspection, Ofsted found that support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities was good, with inclusive activities and signing helping communication and learning progress.

In April 2023, staff used signs during meals to understand children's needs. A key person supported continuity of care, while moves between rooms allowed children time to settle at their own pace. Daily diaries and parent evenings kept families involved in discussions about progress.

Meals brought different ages together, giving children opportunities to talk with unfamiliar staff and learn from one another. Children practised feeding themselves and wiping their faces. However, preparation for naps sometimes left others unoccupied, with running around and resources being tipped out.

The address is The Clock House, Moor Park School, Moor Park, Richards Castle, Ludlow, SY8 4DZ. Opening hours are 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, across the year, with closures for bank holidays and a week each at Christmas and Easter.

In April 2023, Tick Tock provided funded early education for children aged two, three and four.

The nursery occupies grounds belonging to an independent school. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place.

• Changes between activities. In April 2023, nap preparation could leave other children disengaged. On a visit, ask how staff now organise these intervals.
• Moving between rooms. Children were given individual settling time in April 2023. Discuss how a room move would be paced for your child.
• School entry. Sharing Moor Park School's grounds does not secure a Reception place. Treat nursery care and school admission as separate decisions.

Tick Tock suits families seeking nursery care on school grounds, with weekday opening extending from morning into early evening. Its April 2023 picture combines practical independence, outdoor activity and communication with families. The limitation in that assessment is clear: the gaps between organised activities needed better planning.