The Mulberry Bush Nursery

Market shopping, sand play and growing independence give The Mulberry Bush Nursery's January 2022 account its character. Everyday activities had a clear purpose: children bought groceries, explored textures and practised doing things for themselves.

Ofsted rated the nursery Good at its 6 January 2022 inspection. The Stamford setting accepts children aged 2 to 60 months, with its address at St. Augustines RC Primary School on Kesteven Road.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care; here, the January 2022 examples included learning through play, conversation and physical activity. Babies explored sand barefoot, while toddlers made marks with toy cars. Preschool children practised mouth movements in small groups to develop their awareness of sounds.

In January 2022, yoga gave children opportunities to stretch and practise balance. An enclosed outdoor area accommodated bike play, and soft-play equipment supported movement indoors. Regular visits to the town market connected learning with ordinary community life: children bought groceries to bring back to the nursery.

Children also helped shape activities. In January 2022, staff listened as preschool children explained how they wanted to make a wand for a toy, giving their ideas a practical outlet.

At its January 2022 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and children with identified additional needs making good progress, with staff involving parents and other professionals in support.

In January 2022, babies sought comfort from familiar staff, and practitioners used words from children's home languages alongside English. These were concrete ways of supporting relationships and communication.

Home learning had practical tools in January 2022: families could borrow books and story sacks, and received a monthly achievement sheet. Children practised independence by fastening coats, pouring drinks and washing their snack pots, making routine tasks part of preparation for their next stage.

The address is St. Augustines RC Primary School, Kesteven Road, Stamford, PE9 1SR. Opening hours are 7.15am to 5.45pm, Monday to Friday, across the year, with closures for bank holidays and Christmas.

In January 2022, the nursery provided funded early education for children aged two, three and four. That is a dated account of its funding provision.

• Extending learning. The January 2022 improvement point concerned staff recognising opportunities to stretch children's learning more consistently. On a visit, ask how practitioners build on an activity once a child has mastered it.
• Planning attendance. The opening window runs from 7.15am to 5.45pm across the year. Ask which booking patterns and funded-hours arrangements would fit your child's proposed attendance.

For families seeking care across the year in Stamford, the opening window is a useful practical starting point. The January 2022 account will appeal to parents who value everyday independence, community outings and play with a clear learning purpose. The balance is straightforward: a Good inspection judgement, concrete examples of thoughtful care, and a specific improvement point about making learning more challenging.