Wise Owls Nursery

Language, independence and cooperative play defined Wise Owls Nursery in February 2023. Children chose activities, sought help confidently and practised doing things for themselves: useful foundations for taking part in nursery life rather than relying on adults for every step.

Ofsted rated the nursery Outstanding at its 9 February 2023 inspection, finding that teaching helped children become confident communicators. The setting is on Wheatfield Close in Smithswood, Birmingham, B36 0QP, and its current age range extends from birth to five.

In February 2023, learning connected stories with practical play. An outdoor animal hunt used repeated language from a familiar book; another game involved finding carrots and apples, with counting and simple addition woven into the search. These examples linked language and mathematics to activities children wanted to join.

The early years foundation stage is the framework for children's learning, development and care. Here, the February 2023 examples included learning through play, conversation and everyday tasks, rather than treating these as separate parts of the day.

Movement also punctuated the day in February 2023. Children stretched, jumped and ran on the spot, then felt their heartbeat. Older children shared resources and took turns; during music, children offered soft toys to help others feel included. Physical activity and consideration for friends both had practical expression.

At the February 2023 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and children with special educational needs and/or disabilities received prompt, well-targeted support, guided by the special educational needs and disabilities coordinator. Staff used observations of children's interests and ways of learning to shape that support.

In February 2023, individual conversations and sign language helped staff respond to children's preferred ways of communicating. Independence was taught patiently: staff demonstrated how to wipe a nose, then gave children time to try. These were small tasks with a clear purpose, helping children take increasing responsibility for themselves.

An online learning diary supported communication with families in February 2023. Parents could follow their child's learning and development, giving them a connection to experiences beyond the nursery day.

Wise Owls Nursery's address is Wheatfield Close, Smithswood, Birmingham, B36 0QP. It opens throughout the year, Monday to Friday, from 7.30am to 6pm.

In February 2023, session times ran from 7.30am to 6pm, with children attending different session arrangements. Funded places for two-, three- and four-year-olds formed part of the offer at that time.

• Care across the age range. The current age range is birth to five, while children attending in February 2023 were aged two to four. On a visit, how are care, activities and daily routines organised for your child's age?
• Encouraging independence. February 2023 practice gave children time to attempt self-care tasks and make their own choices. This emphasis suits families who value patient encouragement as children learn to manage everyday needs.

Wise Owls Nursery suits families who value communication, cooperative play and growing independence. Its February 2023 inspection provides a strong dated account of those priorities in action, from sign-supported conversations to outdoor counting games. The year-round opening pattern adds practical value for families needing childcare beyond term time.