YMCA Shirley Day Nursery

In December 2023, babies explored sensory trays, children freed animals from ice and garden leaves prompted learning about environmental changes at YMCA Shirley Day Nursery. On Browley Road in Shirley, Solihull, it accepts children from 2 months to 5 years.

At its December 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good and found safeguarding effective. The useful detail lies beneath that judgement: hands-on activities, close relationships with staff and two clear teaching priorities around explaining boundaries and giving children time to solve problems.

The early years foundation stage brings children's learning, development and care together. December 2023 activities show what this means in practice: conversation builds language, handling tools strengthens hands for writing, and exploring garden leaves helps children understand changes around them.

In December 2023, babies explored sensory trays and babbled alongside other children. An ice activity encouraged children to handle tools and free hidden animals, exercising the hand movements used for early writing. Older children discussed their own Christmas trees while decorating pictures, linking conversation with creative work.

Garden activities brought movement and observation together. In December 2023, older children took part in physical play and examined fallen leaves to explore seasonal changes. Activities involving Eid and Christmas introduced different celebrations through participation.

The teaching priorities were specific. In December 2023, adults sometimes supplied a solution too quickly during construction play, reducing children's opportunity to work it out themselves. Explanations of indoor rules also needed greater consistency for newer children. Both points matter: children need time to think and clear reasons for boundaries.

In December 2023, staff comforted upset children with cuddles, while parents knew their child's key person and received updates about learning. Settling support and continuing communication gave families a connection with the adults caring for their child.

At the December 2023 inspection, Ofsted found that staff assessed development regularly and worked with parents and other professionals when children needed help to make expected progress.

Staff support also had a structure in December 2023: induction for new colleagues, supervision meetings and training covering curriculum and safeguarding. These arrangements gave practitioners opportunities to discuss their responsibilities and development.

The address is Browley Road, Shirley, Solihull, B90 4QP. Opening hours are 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, across the year, with closures for bank holidays and Christmas.

In December 2023, the nursery offered funded early education for children aged two, three and four. That is a dated participation fact, rather than a promise about a family's present entitlement or attendance arrangement.

• Thinking time and boundaries. December 2023 teaching priorities concerned adults stepping in too quickly and inconsistent explanations of rules to newer children. Look for children being given time to try their own solutions and understand expectations.
• Planning attendance. The weekday opening window extends from 7.30am to 6pm. Which current booking patterns and funded-hours arrangements would fit your family's week?

YMCA Shirley Day Nursery suits families seeking care for babies through to preschool age, with a weekday opening window that reaches into the early evening. Its December 2023 picture combines sensory exploration, garden activity and supportive relationships. The balance rests on everyday teaching: practical experiences have greater value when adults allow thinking time and explain boundaries consistently.