Sunshine Morning Nursery

An allotment, orchard walks and children pouring their own drinks give Sunshine Morning Nursery a practical, hands-on character in its February 2024 account. Its base is The Village Hall in Over Stratton, South Petherton, and it has 20 places in total.

Ofsted rated the nursery Outstanding at its 21 February 2024 inspection. The children attending then were aged two to four. Independence runs through the account, from choosing activities to taking responsibility for everyday tasks.

In February 2024, the nursery followed the Montessori approach to teaching, with children selecting activities and tackling tasks using skills they had already learnt. The early years foundation stage set the requirements for their learning, development and care: activities connected physical skills, communication and early literacy with everyday experiences.

Children spent sustained periods tracing shapes, pictures and letters. Adults planned learning around each child's starting point, giving those activities a purpose beyond keeping children occupied.

Movement also had a clear place in the February 2024 routine. Regular yoga supported work on balance, coordination and core strength; children learnt to move their own chairs safely. Staff training brought dance and music into this work, linking movement with early literacy.

Beyond the hall, children regularly tended the nursery allotment and ate the fruit and vegetables they grew as snacks. February 2024 activities also included orchard and country-park walks, plus picnics with care-home residents. These experiences connected growing food and exploring outdoors with contact across generations.

At the February 2024 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective, exceptionally strong relationships with families and exceptional progress for children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

Practical independence was visible in the February 2024 daily routine. Even the youngest children carried equipment trays, washed their dishes and poured drinks themselves. Care involved opportunities to practise, rather than adults doing every task for them.

Support extended beyond activities in the hall. In February 2024, the manager helped parents with school applications and registering children with local dentists. That gave families practical help with both the move to school and access to dental care.

The address is The Village Hall, Over Stratton, South Petherton, TA13 5LL.

In February 2024, opening hours were 9am to 2pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, during school term time. At that time, the nursery received funding for early education for children aged two, three and four. These are dated operating arrangements, distinct from its total capacity of 20 places.

• The attendance pattern. February 2024 opening was confined to three weekdays in term time. How does the nursery's current attendance arrangement fit your working week?
• Independence in practice. Children were handling drinks, dishes and equipment in February 2024. During a visit, discuss how staff introduce those responsibilities to a child who needs more help.
• Learning beyond the hall. The February 2024 account includes allotment visits and outings involving care-home residents. Ask how these experiences fit into your child's time at nursery.

Sunshine Morning Nursery suits families drawn to practical independence, growing food and learning beyond the nursery hall. Its February 2024 account gives those priorities concrete substance, alongside an Outstanding judgement. The term-time, three-day opening pattern described then makes the fit with family routines an essential part of the decision.