Stanley's Daycare at All Saints Children's Centre

Sandcastles, pretend jacket potatoes and dinosaur play give this South Shields nursery's May 2022 account its character: learning built around experiences that two- and three-year-olds could explore for themselves. At its 18 May 2022 inspection, Ofsted rated the provision Good and judged safeguarding effective.

Stanley's Daycare at All Saints Children's Centre caters for children aged two to three and has 24 places in total. Its term-time opening hours are 8.30am to 3.30pm, Monday to Friday.

In May 2022, children explored sand by sieving, making marks and constructing sandcastles, with staff introducing vocabulary through the activity. Pretend cooking in the home corner and dinosaur movements in the garden added imaginative play. These were practical ways to connect language with something children were doing.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for learning, development and care: here, the May 2022 examples included counting during play, exploring patterns and enjoying books. Social interaction, communication and movement were curriculum priorities at that time, with activities adapted to children's needs and preferred ways of learning.

There were also clear improvement priorities in May 2022. Staff needed to take learning further during activities and everyday routines, and broaden opportunities for physical development, especially for children choosing indoor play. Families weighing the learning offer should consider both its engaging examples and those specific next steps.

At the May 2022 inspection, Ofsted found that the key-person arrangements supported children's independence, while individual support and work with other agencies helped children with special educational needs and/or disabilities settle and progress.

In May 2022, communication with families included Song of the Week sheets, which gave parents songs to share at home, alongside oral-health information. Parents also received updates on their children's development and ways to support learning beyond nursery.

Everyday care included teaching children to wash their hands and remain seated while eating in May 2022. Staff also helped children understand why tidying toys reduced trips. Safety was made understandable through ordinary routines.

The address is Whitehall Street, South Shields, NE33 4SU. Current opening is term-time, Monday to Friday, between 8.30am and 3.30pm.

In May 2022, session times were 8.30am to 11.30am and 12.30pm to 3.30pm. Funded early education for two- and three-year-olds was offered at that time. Those dated arrangements should be distinguished from the current term-time opening pattern.

• Term-time attendance. Opening follows term time. Families needing childcare during holidays should weigh that against their working pattern.
• Learning and movement. The May 2022 improvement priorities concerned extending learning and physical activities for children playing indoors. At a visit, ask how both have developed.
• Session fit. The May 2022 timetable divided attendance into morning and afternoon windows. Which current booking pattern and funded-hours arrangement would suit your child?

For families seeking term-time care for a two- or three-year-old, Stanley's merits consideration on the strength of its Good May 2022 judgement. Its inspection-era character combines hands-on play with close relationships and practical help for families. The learning-extension and indoor-movement priorities give parents useful, specific points to explore.