The Mill Nursery

A garden with grassy slopes and play involving cars and tunnels gives the June 2021 picture of The Mill Nursery its character. At its June 2021 inspection, Ofsted judged the provision Good and found safeguarding effective, while asking for changes to waiting times and activities for babies who could not yet move independently.

The nursery has capacity for 9 children aged 0 to 60 months. The inspection account concerned provision for under-twos, with older children cared for under the school’s registration: families should distinguish those arrangements when considering a place.

In June 2021, children could choose their own play in an organised environment. Cars, trucks and tunnels supported imaginative play together; dough mixed with leaves and plants gave children opportunities to exercise their fingers through squeezing and rolling.

The early years foundation stage is the required framework for learning and care. In June 2021, its practical expression here included developing hand control for early writing, learning to use an open cup and washing hands before meals. These are useful foundations for growing independence.

Outside, the June 2021 activities included touching garden plants, making water trails with watering cans and running on grassy slopes. However, babies who were not yet mobile participated less fully and lost interest. The outdoor experience needed to work for them too.

In June 2021, telephone conversations before children started helped staff learn about their interests and care needs. Settling sessions were then adapted to the individual child, giving those early conversations a practical purpose.

Electronic messages shared progress and care routines with parents each day in June 2021. Assessments also helped staff decide what children should learn next and communicate that to families.

That month, staff received regular safeguarding training and used risk assessments and supervision arrangements. A manager change had not been notified within the required timeframe; this did not affect the quality of provision on that occasion.

The address is St. Vigor & St. John C of E Primary School, Wells Road, Chilcompton, Radstock, BA3 4EX. Opening hours are 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, throughout the year except bank holidays.

In June 2021, the nursery occupied the school grounds, and an early years lead teacher worked across nursery and Reception. Attending the nursery does not guarantee a place at St. Vigor & St. John C of E Primary School.

• Waiting during routines. In June 2021, preparations for outdoor play and meals left children idle for lengthy periods, affecting behaviour. How are these transitions organised now?
• Outdoor participation for babies. The June 2021 activities did not fully involve children who were not yet mobile. Ask how outdoor experiences are adapted for this stage.
• Age and provision arrangements. The nursery has capacity for 9 children aged 0 to 60 months, while the June 2021 inspection distinguished under-two provision from older children’s care under the school registration. Clarify which provision a proposed place belongs to.

The June 2021 account offers most decision value for families considering baby care: individual settling arrangements, practical independence and garden exploration sit alongside specific weaknesses in routines and outdoor participation. The weekday opening window may suit families needing care across the working day; the age and provision distinction deserves careful attention.